The new generation Toyota Hilux's launch in Brazil will be brought forward. According to information obtained by the website Autoblog regarding the launch schedule in Argentina, the mid-size pickup truck is expected to debut commercially in the neighboring country between December 12 and 17, 2026, when dealerships will begin distributing the first units. The model's arrival in the Brazilian market should follow shortly after, with only a few weeks' interval, as reported by Autoesporte.
This change in the schedule is considered relevant in the automotive sector. Previously, rumors indicated that the launch would only occur in the first quarter of 2027, aligning with what Gustavo Salinas, President of Toyota Argentina, had stated in November 2025. At that time, he mentioned that production at the Zárate factory would begin at the end of 2026, with sales occurring in the following year. It is important to note that this Argentine manufacturing plant is responsible for supplying all of Latin America.
The acceleration of the launch is interpreted by the market as a reaction to increased competitive pressure in Brazil. In July, the Hilux registered its first monthly loss of leadership among mid-size pickups in 58 months, being overtaken by the Ford Ranger by a margin of 33 units, totaling 3,402 units sold by the Ranger versus 3,369 by the Hilux, according to Fenabrave data. Despite this, throughout the year, the Japanese brand maintains its prominent position, with 26,732 vehicles registered.
In terms of design, the pickup has undergone a substantial redesign. On the front, the headlights have been redesigned to be thinner and aligned with the hood, connected by a bar displaying the full name Toyota, and the grille has been redesigned with more rectilinear lines. The cabin has also been modified, incorporating a horizontal console, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a multimedia center of the same size, presenting a higher finish than the current model. The chassis structure, based on longitudinal beams, has been maintained.
According to Autoblog, the launch in Argentina will feature an 'almost complete' product line, missing only the top versions, specifically those equipped with the 48-volt mild hybrid system (MHEV) coupled with the 2.8 turbodiesel engine. Thus, the initial offering will be with the traditional turbodiesel engine, available with a manual or six-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 traction.
The fully electric version, equipped with a 59.2 kWh battery, is scheduled for the Argentine summer of 2027, corresponding to the first quarter. This model will also come from Zárate, although in the initial phase it will use many imported components, and it will initially be intended only for corporate fleets. Meanwhile, the new SW4, the SUV version of the pickup, is forecast to arrive in the autumn of 2027.
Additionally, there is an item on the calendar that directly affects Brazil: Autoblog signals the launch of the Toyota's 'half-ton' compact pickup in the second half of 2027. This new model, which will have a monocoque structure and use the Corolla Cross platform, will be produced in Brazilian territory and will compete with models such as the Renault Niagara.