2024 Toyota HiLux facelift unveiled, due in Australia next month

The Toyota HiLux ute has received its most significant update in four years – with a new look on most models – ahead of its Australian showroom arrival next month.

It is the fourth front fascia design for the current Toyota HiLux range since it launched in 2015 – following the most recent facelift in 2020 – and is likely to be the last before a brand-new model arrives next year.

Due in showrooms in March, the updated HiLux range brings a new look for most models – including a blacked-out look for the SR5 top seller – plus new interior technology, and the availability of 48-volt mild-hybrid technology on select variants.

Dealers have been advised of price rises of up to $770 on equivalent models, with production already underway in Thailand.

MORE: Another styling update imminent for 2024 Toyota HiLux, with price rises, mild-hybrid tech

It is the third facelift for the current Toyota HiLux, after a styling update in 2018 – and a facelift in 2020 that brought a power boost, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and revised suspension.

It comes weeks after the HiLux saw its seven-year streak as Australia's top-selling new vehicle ended by the Ford Ranger ute, which was all new in 2022.

And it has been unveiled days after Toyota paused shipments of HiLux utes – among other vehicles – with the 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel engines after the car giant discovered engineers had manipulated engine power certification tests.

It is still unclear what impact this will have on Australia – and on HiLux utes already in transit to showrooms.

MORE: Toyota admits to cheating engine tests for HiLux, Prado, LandCruiser; shipments halted

The new front bumper appears to be fitted to all versions of the Workmate, SR and SR5 except petrol and single-cab chassis models.

The top-selling SR5 receives a blacked-out version of the styling update, with a black upper grille mould and darkened headlight surrounds – plus gloss black mirror caps and door handles, a black sports bar, black-finish tailgate handle, and a dark silver and black rear bumper.

Toyota says "most" Workmate variants gain a black honeycomb mesh grille, and a bumper with black lower and body-coloured side finishes. Petrol and single-cab chassis Workmate variants do receive some styling changes, namely a switch from a dark grey front bumper, to black.

The SR gains a silver lower front bumper finish. The headlights, tail-lights and wheel designs are unchanged for the latest update.

As previously reported by Drive, all pick-up models gain gas struts and dampers for the tailgate to make it easier to raise and lower.

Now available as an option on SR 4x4 automatic dual-cabs – and standard on SR5 and Rogue 4x4 automatic variants – is 48-volt mild-hybrid technology claimed to "improve engine smoothness and fuel economy ... by approximately 6-10 per cent."

It is matched with the familiar 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, developing 150kW and 500Nm in the SR, SR5 and Rogue – matched with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard in mild-hybrid variants (a six-speed manual is available without 48-volt tech).

However Toyota is marketing the mild-hybrid system – as it is described by other car makers which offer the technology – under the "48-Volt technology" name because it cannot deliver the same fuel savings (up to 50 per cent) as Toyota's petrol-hybrid passenger cars and SUVs.

Toyota Australia has said it won't apply the hybrid badge unless "the engine and the electric motor can propel the vehicle together or independently".

The 48-volt HiLux can only use the electric system to power auxiliary systems such as lights, engine pumps and fans, and air conditioning.

The mild-hybrid system uses a motor-generator unit, 48-volt battery, and DC/DC converter to enable auto engine stop-start functionality when stopped to save fuel – and "[enhance] driveability and fuel efficiency while reducing noise, vibration and harshness," according to Toyota.

Also fitted to mild-hybrid variants is Multi-Terrain Select, with six off-road drive modes claimed to "enhance performance in challenging conditions."

The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and 2.7-litre petrol engines remain available in other variants, as well as the powered-up 165kW/550Nm 2.8-litre diesel in the GR Sport.

SR models with the 48-volt system – available in cab-chassis and pick-up forms, for $1025 to $1605 extra – also gain keyless entry and start, auto up/down functionality for all side windows, dual-zone climate control, and carpet flooring.

Front and rear parking sensors are now standard on HiLux SR automatic pick-ups. They were previously exclusive to models from the SR5 and up.

Also new is a wireless smartphone charging pad, and two rear USB-C ports (in dual-cab variants) for the HiLux SR5, Rogue and GR Sport.

The 2024 Toyota HiLux is due in Australian showrooms in March, pending any delays. A list of prices – as supplied to Toyota dealers – is at the bottom of this story.

It is likely to be the last styling update for the current HiLux – launched in 2015 – before a new model arrives next year, which is widely tipped to migrate to the TNGA-F ladder-frame underpinnings of the US-market Toyota Tacoma pick-up, as well as the latest Prado and LandCruiser 300 Series.

The two images used at the top of the story are the only photos of the updated model published by Toyota Australia to date. We will update this story if more become available.

4x2:

4x4:

Note: All prices exclude on-road costs. Care has been taken to ensure the prices listed are accurate, however please be sure to check with your Toyota dealer for the most accurate prices valid at the time of ordering.