The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux has finally made its way to India. The lifestyle pickup truck is now available in three variants, GX 4X2 AT, GX 4X4 AT and VX 4X4 AT, priced at Rs 31.99 lakh, Rs 33.69 lakh and Rs 36.69 lakh, respectively. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, India. We drove the new 2026 Toyota Hilux 4X4 diesel automatic variant across different terrains to understand why its desirable among buyers and continues to maintain a strong global reputation.
While most buyers evaluate a vehicle based on practicality, fuel efficiency, features and value-for-money proposition, the Hilux targets a different set of customers, those looking for a highly capable machine with strong brand reliability. It’s for buyers who make decisions with their heart as much as their mind.
Improved Highway Stability
Compared to the previous generation, the new 2026 Toyota Hilux shows a significant improvement in highway performance. The retuned suspension, including the independent front and rear leaf springs, results better straight-line stability. The pickup remains composed and confidence-inspiring at highway speeds of around 100kmph. However, it still doesn’t feel planted as a monocoque SUV.
Off-Road Capability Remains Strongest Point
The new Toyota Hilux continues to perform well where the road ends. Thanks to its generous suspension travel, body-on-frame construction and dedicated four-wheel drive (4WD) system, the pickup offers exceptional confidence on broken roads, muddy trails, sand or any difficult terrain. It handles most off-road terrains with ease in 4H mode, while 4L is best reserved for extremely challenging terrains.
City Driving Performance
The 2026 Toyota Hilux isn’t easy to drive in urban conditions. Compared to the modern electric steering systems, its hydraulic power steering requires more efforts and makes low-speed manoeuvres feel heavier. The pickup’s massive built and weight are especially noticeable while taking turns and changing lanes. Being a body-on-frame vehicle, it feels slightly bouncy, especially on concrete roads.
Improved Ride Quality
The revised suspension setup has significantly improved its overall ride comfort, while the platform and most of the hardware remain unchanged. The next-generation model performs considerably better than its predecessor on highways and rough roads.
Proven Diesel Engine
Under the hood, the 2026 Toyota Hilux features the brand’s tried-and-tested 2.8L diesel engine, generating power worth 204PS and 500Nm of torque. For the first time in India, the pickup truck is offered with a 4X2 drivetrain configuration along with the 4X4 version.
Toyota’s capable 2.8L diesel engine remains one of the biggest strengths of the new Hilux. Since the manual transmission has been discontinued, buyers now get only a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. While the automatic unit isn’t as smooth as the modern dual-clutch transmissions, it offers excellent durability and capability to handle the engine’s substantial torque effectively.
Practical Interior
The new Toyota Hilux offers a more practical interior rather than a luxurious one. It comes equipped with a large touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless phone charger, partially digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera and tilt and telescopic steering adjustable. The addition of the 360-degree camera is surely useful during both city driving and off-roading.
However, compared to the global-spec version, the India-spec 2026 Toyota Hilux misses out on several features such as automatic climate control, electric power steering, rear AC vents, auto dimming IRVM, extensive ADAS suite and more. These omissions have helped Toyota maintain competitive pricing.
Verdict
The 2026 Toyota Hilux is a true off-roading machine. It focuses on delivering highway stability, exceptional off-road performance, durability and reliability rather than chasing luxury and technology. While the new-generation model misses several modern features and isn’t easy to drive in urban traffic conditions, it offers a great combination of ruggedness, mechanical dependability and off-road capability. The Hilux continues to stand in its class of its own.