2026 Toyota HiLux electric ute seemingly confirmed in leaked picture

Plans for what appear to be a HiLux EV have surfaced from international media in a Toyota product presentation slide.

The 2026 Toyota HiLux is poised to be offered with a fully-electric powertrain, according to leaks from this year’s Tokyo motor show.

A presentation slide shown to Malaysian media – subsequently shared on Instagram – depicts the next 12-month product rollout from Toyota, likely applying to that nation only.

It includes two mid-size utes shrouded in darkness, both with silhouettes akin to the HiLux – and one clearly labelled as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV).

Other models present in the image include the facelifted bZ4X, the emerging-market Yaris Ativ, and the new LandCruiser FJ – indicating the slide is not wholly applicable to the Australian market, as only the mid-size electric SUV is offered locally.

MORE: 2026 Toyota HiLux interior revealed again in leaked image

However, Toyota’s next-generation HiLux is expected to break cover soon, and Australia is a key region for the brand’s new workhorse.

The leaked information indicates an internal-combustion engine will still be offered, which government documents previously reported by Drive pointing to the standard fitment of a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel.

It would see the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel dropped, as with the current entry-level 2.7-litre petrol engine, both of which currently only meet Euro 5 emissions rules, and not Euro 6d mandates in effect from December – one of the reasons the new LandCruiser FJ will not be offered in local showrooms.

The electric version, however, could be an iteration on the HiLux Revo concept, a 4×2 tailpipe emissions-free prototype that was brought to Australia two years ago for internal testing.

MORE: Toyota HiLux could embrace biofuel ahead of electric or enhanced hybrid

Details of that electric HiLux are still unknown, but it was primarily focused on the Thailand market and featured a circa-250km driving range from a full charge, according to the dashboard reading.

Given advancements in electric motor and battery technology, an electric HiLux may increase its range and could offer diesel-exceeding performance.

If the electric HiLux is confirmed for Australia, it would be unique in the market as one of the only battery-powered workhorses.

MORE: HiLux ute still critical to Toyota Australia’s plan as it moves further into electrification

LDV first brought its eT60 Down Under in late 2022, offering a 130kW/310Nm single electric motor driving the rear axle.

The LDV’s 88.5kWh battery enables a 330km driving range rating beased on the WLTP standard, but its $92,990 before on-road costs price tag and segment-lagging 1000kg braked towing capacity have contributed to the eT60’s slow uptake.

Isuzu is also tipped to bring an all-electric version of its D-Max ute to Australia next year, though local specifications are yet to be locked in.

MORE: Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max ute sales slide in January

In the UK, the D-Max EV features a combined 140kW output from dual electric motors, as well as a claimed 263km driving range from a 66.9kWh battery.

However, the Isuzu electric ute does lay claim to a segment-standard 3500kg braked towing capacity, but with a projected price north of $100,000, it could – again – be pricing that holds the D-Max EV from buyers.

More details of the next-generation Toyota HiLux are expected to surface in the coming months.

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