The 2026 Toyota Hilux arrives in Vietnam with a fresh look and a 2.8L diesel engine. Find out if it can challenge the dominant Ford Ranger – read more!
After months of speculation, Toyota has finally unveiled the 2026 Hilux for the Vietnamese market. The new generation arrives in three trims—Standard (VND 632 million), Pro (VND 706 million) and the top‑end Trailhunter (VND 903 million)—all powered by a 2.8‑liter turbo‑charged diesel that has become the new benchmark for Toyota’s mid‑size pickups.
Bold New Design
Seen from the front, the 2026 Hilux looks both youthful and rugged. Sharp, angular lines give the cabin a modern feel while a 3‑D perforated grille (reminiscent of the Corolla Cross) adds a touch of sophistication. Twin Bi‑LED projector headlights sit above a slim daytime‑running‑light strip and line up neatly with the chrome‑faced Toyota badge.
At the rear, a large “Toyota” wordmark spans the tailgate, and a boxed rear bumper with black‑accented cladding reinforces the truck’s muscular stance. Wheel options include 17‑inch alloys on the Pro trim and 18‑inch designs on the Trailhunter.
Dimensions and Practicality
- Overall length: 5,320 mm
- Width: 1,855 mm
- Height: 1,815 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,085 mm
- Ground clearance: 312 mm (standard across all trims)
The cabin follows Toyota’s “strong and flexible” design philosophy, with hard‑edged surfaces and a driver‑focused layout. The highest‑spec models feature a 12‑inch digital instrument cluster positioned beside a 12.3‑inch central infotainment touchscreen. The Trailhunter also offers leather‑trimmed, 10‑way electric seats for the driver.
Technology and Safety
Only the Trailhunter receives the full Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes:
- Pre‑collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Lane‑departure alert and lane‑keeping assist
- Blind‑spot monitoring
- Rear‑cross‑traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking for parking
- 360° camera system
- Hill‑assist control
The climate control system is dual‑zone automatic on the top trim, and a standard PM2.5‑filter helps keep cabin air clean—an essential feature for Vietnamese cities.
Powertrain Upgrade
The old 2.4‑liter diesel has been replaced by a 2.8‑liter turbo diesel delivering up to 201 hp and 420‑500 Nm of torque, depending on the tuning. Buyers can choose between a six‑speed manual or a six‑speed automatic transmission.
For off‑road enthusiasts, the Trailhunter introduces Toyota’s Multi‑Terrain Select (MTS) system, allowing drivers to pick the most suitable traction mode for mud, sand, rocks or snow. An electric power‑steering (EPS) unit, exclusive to the Trailhunter, improves fuel efficiency and provides a smoother steering feel.
Pricing Landscape
With a price range of VND 632‑903 million (roughly US$27,000‑$38,000), the new Hilux is positioned as the most affordable mid‑size pickup in Vietnam. By comparison:
- Ford Ranger: VND 707 million‑1.039 billion
- Mitsubishi Triton: VND 655‑924 million
- Isuzu D‑Max: VND 650‑880 million
The Hilux’s competitive pricing, combined with a larger engine displacement, makes it an attractive alternative for buyers who prioritize torque and pulling power.
Market Outlook
In 2025, Ford Ranger captured about 69 % of Vietnam’s pickup sales (18,692 units), while Toyota sold only 8,401 units across all its models, placing the Hilux third behind the Ranger and even behind the Mitsubishi Triton (4,303 units). The question now is whether the 2026 refresh can shift that balance.
Analysts at Znews suggest the Pro trim, priced at VND 706 million, could become the sales anchor for the new Hilux line‑up. If demand holds, Toyota might close the gap with Mitsubishi but will still face an uphill battle to overtake Ford’s entrenched dominance.
Environmental Considerations
The 2.8‑liter diesel complies with Euro 5 emissions standards, allowing it to operate in low‑emission zones (LEZ) that are being introduced in major Vietnamese cities. However, growing consumer interest in electric and hybrid alternatives could influence buying decisions, especially among environmentally‑concerned customers.
Conclusion
The 2026 Toyota Hilux arrives with a fresh design, a more powerful engine, and a suite of advanced safety features—especially on the Trailhunter variant. Its price advantage makes it the most accessible option in the segment, and the added torque from the 2.8 L diesel could attract work‑horse buyers.
Whether those strengths are enough to shake the Ford Ranger’s reign remains to be seen. What is clear is that the new Hilux has the potential to create a meaningful “wave” in Vietnam’s pickup market, provided Toyota can manage pricing, supply, and the shift toward greener powertrains.