Malaysia when? New-gen Toyota Hilux teased for India ahead of July 28 debut

Toyota India has released the first teaser of the new Hilux ahead of its official debut in India on July 28, signalling a major update for the pickup truck while keeping it on the same body-on-frame IMV platform.

The teaser matters because it confirms several design details of the ninth-generation model before the full reveal, while also suggesting Toyota will stay close to the existing Hilux formula in key areas such as chassis and powertrain.

In the short teaser, the new Hilux is shown in a bright orange-bronze exterior finish with a redesigned front end. Visible changes include a silver skid plate, a honeycomb-style central grille and large TOYOTA lettering set into a black trim piece between slimmer LED headlamps.

Other parts of the truck that can be seen include black alloy wheels, dark wheel arch cladding, roll bars behind the cabin and a shark-fin antenna on the roof. Toyota did not fully show the rear, but overseas versions of the new Hilux feature large TOYOTA branding across the tailgate, vertically arranged tail-lamps with LED daytime running light signatures and a rear bumper with an integrated step for bed access.

Toyota has not officially detailed the India-specific cabin yet, but the Indian market is expected to retain the familiar Double Cab body style. 

The new Hilux is expected to cost more than the current model sold in India, which is priced from Rs 28.52 lakh (~RM 121k) to Rs 36.00 lakh (~RM 152k), or about RM 154k to RM 194k. 

Closer to home, it remains to be see when UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will introduce the diesel-powered Hilux here. The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux is technically here already, albeit in EV form, priced from RM 226,300.