The long wait is over – Toyota has released an all-new version of its immensely popular Hilux truck for the 2016 model year. The new eighth-generation truck carries a completely new exterior design that looks more upscale than the seventh generation, including plenty of chrome accents, LED-encrusted headlights, and a more cohesive overall design. The updates are far more drastic within the Hilux, as the truck now features a more refined cabin with a dashboard that hints at inspiration from the U.S.-spec Corolla. Toyota is offering a wide selection of powertrains, though choices will be limited for each market. The truck also gets a pair of new transmissions, with the manual gearbox offering active rev matching like the Corvette’s seven-speed manual. This makes the Hilux the first truck application for such technology.

The pickup truck is said to still carry all the rugged reliability that makes a Hilux a Hilux, while adding more creature comforts and interior refinements. That should bode well with truck folks in the 180 countries the Hilux calls home. Despite the new creature comforts, Toyota says the Hilux is still as rugged as ever and ready to handle what customers throw at it. More than 16 million Hilux trucks have been sold since its introduction in 1968, so undoubtedly Toyota is doing something right, and this new-gen model should help keep the ball rolling for a few more years.

With that said, check out our full review below to learn everything there is to know about Toyota’s new Hilux pickup truck.

UPDATE: 05/21/2015 Toyota has just unveiled the all-new 2016 Hilux pickup truck.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Toyota Hilux.

Exterior

The all-new 2016 Hilux continues Toyota’s tradition of the high-riding, utilitarian pickup. The Hilux offers superb approach and departure angles thanks to its long wheelbase and short overhangs. Of course, the truck comes in several trim levels, cab configurations and bed lengths. Like in America, the crew cab, short box configuration is catching on as it appeals to those needing their truck to double as a daily driver.

Like before, the Hilux offers the chrome roll bar at the front of the bed, though sadly it’s just for appearances. Also optional is the big block TOYOTA lettering across the tailgate. Marty McFly would lust.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

As much as the outside has improved, the interior is where the big changes have happened. The dashboard looks remotely related to the current Corolla with its thin, horizontal shape, though it isn’t a direct copy. Brushed aluminum trim brightens up the black cabin, as does unique stitching on the seat cushions. The steering wheel gets plenty of controls and the gauge cluster is easy to read and is free of clutter.

Sparking interest is the swanky infotainment screen with its haptic feedback buttons. Save for the CD/DVD slot up top, it looks like a tablet PC. Below the main screen are the HVAC controls. They appear easy to use with two knobs for fan speed and temperature, with simple buttons for the main functions. Further below is a bank of switches that would fill up with options ordered. Opt for the 4WD and it comes with an electronic rotary switch. And like before, the Hilux offers an electronic locking rear differential for getting through the tough stuff.

Drivetrain

The 2016 Hilux will come with four engine options; two turbodiesel and two naturally aspirated gasoline mills. Up first is the 2.8-liter turbodiesel that makes 174 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. For those wanting a smaller diesel, there is the 2.4-liter turbodiesel that makes 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The gasoline engines comprise of a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that makes 164 horsepower and the familiar 4.0-liter V-6 cranking out 278 horsepower.

Backing the engines is a pair of transmissions. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual transmission that also includes the world’s first, truck-based rev matching technology Toyota has branded the transmission the i-MT. Also available is a six-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota says the powertrain combinations now offer better fuel economy and therefore greater driving range – an apparent request from customers. Also improved is NVH with a concentration on reduced engine noise in the cabin.

Drivetrain Specifications

Frame and Suspension

Underpinning the new Hilux is an all-new frame that features fully boxed rails and larger cross members. Engineers updated the suspension by upgrading the shock absorbers up front and enhancing the leaf spring setup out back. Toyota says this gives the Hilux greater abilities off road while making its on-road feel even better.

Prices

Toyota has not yet announced pricing at this point, but says that and other information will be available closer to the truck’s launch during the first quarter of 2016.

Competitors

2015 Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon

General Motors is rolling out an all-new midsize truck for the U.S. market, sold as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Both will feature extended and crew cab configurations with long and short beds to accompany. The trucks' interiors are much improved over the last Colorado/Canyon twins GM produced, and will have more interior space for people and stuff.

The Chevy and GMC will come with a base, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V-6. A year after their initial launch, GM will release a 2.8-liter, I-4, Duramax turbo-diesel that promises to make respectable horsepower and torque numbers, as well as class-leading fuel economy ratings.

The twins will be released starting in the fourth quarter of 2014 as 2015 models. Pricing starts at $20,995 for the base model Chevy and rises past the $35,000 mark for a fully loaded example.

Nissan Navara

The Nissan NP300 Navara has been doing work in other parts of the world for years, and for 2015, Nissan is giving it a rather extensive refresh. Now we cannot be certain Nissan will bring the Navara to the U.S. as the next generation Frontier, but the possibility is there nonetheless. What that means for U.S. truck buyers is a more spacious, better-equipped midsize Nissan truck that more squarely competes with the likes of GM and Toyota.

The global version of the truck will come with two powertrain options. Starting off the lineup it a 2.5-liter, I-4, gasoline engine and at the top is a turbo-diesel engine displacing the same amount. Nissan has released the specs for the diesel, listing it as making 188 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. While Nissan would be wise to offer the diesel in the States to compete with the 2.8-liter Duramax, it’s unknown if Nissan’s oil-burner will pass U.S. emissions testing.

Pricing is still up in the air but expect it to fall in the same vicinity as its competition.

Conclusion

The Hilux is certainly a popular truck with over 16 million of them sold to date. With its strengthening, updating, refining, and rethinking, Toyota is sure to sell millions more. The appeal of the Hilux can be seen throughout Europe, Africa, and South America, but is almost an epidemic in Australia where farmers, rancher, and off-roaders value the truck for its ruggedness.

Thankfully Toyota has scratched America’s itch for the Hilux with its newly released 2016 Tacoma. Built to compete against the Chevy Colorado and upcoming Nissan Frontier, the Tacoma offers plenty of Hilux-like features but with a more American twist. And that’s just fine.

Spy Shots

September 12, 2014 - First testing session