The new Toyota Hilux 2026, with a 2.8L diesel, bold styling and lower price, targets Ford Ranger’s lead in Vietnam’s pickup segment. Learn more.
After months of speculation, Toyota has officially launched the 2026 Hilux in Vietnam. The new generation arrives in three trim levels – Standard (VND 632 million), Pro (VND 706 million) and the top‑end Trailhunter (VND 903 million) – all powered by a turbocharged 2.8‑liter diesel engine.
Bold New Design
Viewed head‑on, the 2026 Hilux looks younger, sharper and tougher. A 3D honey‑comb grille, reminiscent of the Corolla Cross, dominates the front fascia, while Bi‑LED projector headlights sit flush with a sleek daytime‑running‑light bar. The Toyota badge is boldly placed on the rear tailgate, and a large “Toyota” script crowns the load‑bed.
The body stretches just over five metres, with fresh 17‑inch alloy wheels on the Pro and 18‑inch designs on the Trailhunter. Blacked‑out trim pieces and new step rails add a premium feel.
Dimensions and Practicality
- Length × Width × Height: 5,320 mm × 1,855 mm × 1,815 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,085 mm
- Ground clearance: 312 mm (standard across all trims)
Cabin Tech and Comfort
The interior follows a “strong and flexible” philosophy, featuring angular lines and high‑quality materials. In the Pro and Trailhunter models, a 12‑inch digital instrument cluster sits beside a 12.3‑inch central infotainment screen. The Trailhunter also receives leather‑upholstered seats with 10‑way electric adjustment for the driver.
Standard climate control is dual‑zone automatic, and a PM2.5 air‑filter is now a baseline feature.
Advanced Safety Suite
Only the Trailhunter gets Toyota Safety Sense – a package that includes pre‑collision warning, lane‑departure alert, lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring, rear‑cross‑traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, a 360° camera and hill‑assist control. These technologies elevate the Hilux’s safety credentials to rival those of its rivals.
Powertrain Upgrade
The long‑standing 2.4‑liter diesel has been replaced by a 2.8‑liter turbocharged unit delivering 201 hp and 420‑500 Nm of torque, depending on configuration. Buyers can choose a six‑speed manual or a six‑speed automatic, both paired with a robust 4×4 system on the Trailhunter.
For the first time, the Trailhunter includes a Multi‑Terrain Select (MTS) system, giving drivers preset modes for sand, mud, rocks and more, plus an electric power‑steering (EPS) that improves fuel efficiency and steering feel.
Market Position – The Ford Ranger Challenge
In 2025, the Ford Ranger held roughly 69 % of Vietnam’s pickup market, moving 18,692 units. By contrast, Toyota sold just 4,303 Hilux units, placing the brand third behind Ford and Mitsubishi Triton.
With the new Hilux priced between VND 632 million and VND 903 million, it undercuts the Ranger’s VND 707 million–VND 1.04 billion price range and sits comfortably below the Triton (VND 655 million–VND 924 million) and Isuzu D‑Max (VND 650 million–VND 880 million).
What the Numbers Mean
The Pro trim at VND 706 million is expected to become the sales pillar for the Hilux, potentially narrowing the gap with the Triton. However, catching the Ranger’s dominant lead will require a sustained push, especially as Vietnam’s low‑emission zones (LEZ) expand.
While the 2.8‑liter diesel complies with Euro 5 standards, consumer sentiment is slowly shifting toward hybrid and electric alternatives. Toyota’s ability to keep pricing competitive and supply steady will be crucial for a 2026 sales surge.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Toyota Hilux arrives with a fresh look, a more powerful engine and a suite of driver‑assistance technologies that make it a serious contender in Vietnam’s highly competitive pickup segment. Its attractive pricing positions it as the most affordable midsize pickup, but winning market share from the entrenched Ford Ranger will depend on how well Toyota manages cost, emissions compliance and consumer expectations in the years ahead.
