Toyota India is planning to launch the Hilux in the Indian market soon. Ahead of the official launch, the company released another teaser, offering a glimpse of the front and back of the model while keeping some styling details. At the front, the model features a black-colored grille, along with low-LED headlamps, a redesigned bumper and a skid plate. The side profile is expected to remain unchanged, except for the new design of the alloy wheels. The rear has a redesigned tailgate with bold Toyota lettering and redesigned LED headlights.
The ninth-generation Hilux will continue to use Toyota’s IMV ladder-frame architecture, while retaining the outgoing model’s iconic design. Moving inside, the cabin will get a new dashboard design with two 12.3-inch displays, a redesigned steering wheel and a revised center console with physical controls. Expected features include a 360-degree camera, six airbags, dual climate control, ADAS, ventilated front seats, and more. Talking about the powertrain, it is expected to have a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 204 hp and 500 nm torque. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It will also get a 4×4 system with a low transfer coefficient. The engine is also expected to be paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, the same setup offered on the Fortuner Neo Drive models. This configuration includes a belt-driven starter generator and a lithium-ion battery to provide low-load performance, good fuel efficiency, and quiet engine starts. In addition, the hybrid assist system also supports features such as regenerative braking and auto start-stop – the latter shuts off the engine during idling to save fuel and reduce emissions.