Toyota Hilux Durability Test for the Latest Generation in its Original Habitat

JAKARTA - PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) introduced the ninth generation of Hilux at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026. This latest pickup is available in single cabin and double cabin options with E, G, and V types, as well as Hilux Double Cabin AWD Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

The presence of the latest generation Hilux also strengthens Toyota's steps in the 4x4 pickup segment in the country. From January to June 2026, Hilux was recorded as having a market share of 70 percent in its segment. Marketing Director of PT Toyota Astra Motor Hiroyuki Oide said, the New Hilux continues the long journey of the model which has been trusted by consumers in more than 190 countries and regions since it first appeared in 1968.

Armed with DNA Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR), Hilux also reaffirms its position as the market leader in the Indonesian 4x4 pickup segment. The VOI editorial team had the opportunity to try out the New Hilux Double Cabin V type directly in the Tangerang area, Banten, Tuesday, August 4. This car has a length of 5,320 mm, a width of 1,885 mm, a height of 1,815 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.

From the front view, the design change feels quite significant. Hilux now looks more modern and futuristic without leaving the impression of being sturdy, which has become its identity. Toyota carries the "Cyber Sumo" design theme, which depicts a strong and stable figure like a Japanese sumo wrestler, but is wrapped in a sporty touch and modern technology.

The character is visible from the LED lights with a narrow design and large Toyota writing on the front. This combination makes the Hilux face more firm while showing Toyota's confidence in the pickup segment.

Moving to the side, Toyota has abandoned the rounded fender and overfender design of the previous generation. Now the shape is made more rectangular to strengthen the Cyber Sumo character. In addition to supporting the appearance, the fenders also serve to help hold water and mud splashes when the vehicle is used in heavy terrain.

On the unit we tried to do on the off-road track in the Tangerang area, which is its original habitat. With a ground clearance of 312 mm, the Hilux feels confident when passing through various obstacles.

The low ground clearance makes drivers not too worried about the bottom of the vehicle touching the surface or objects on the track. Toyota also embeds 18-inch rims with a design that gives the impression of luxury and elegance.

However, for users who often take the Hilux to muddy, rocky, sandy, and forest areas, the choice of tires and rims can certainly still be adjusted to the needs and characteristics of each use. The New Hilux D-Cab 2.8 type E, G, and V has also been equipped with fog lamps.

Meanwhile, when entering the cabin, the modern feel is felt more through the 12.3-inch head unit that can be connected to your device, a 12-inch multi-information display, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, four driving modes, a wireless charger, USB Type-C charger, and electric parking brake.

The driver's sitting position feels comfortable with a spacious cabin. In the variant we tried, the soft leather seats were equipped with electric settings. The slightly curved seat contour also provides good body support so as to help reduce fatigue while driving.

The visibility from the driver's seat is also felt good thanks to the wide glass area. The dashboard that is not too high also helps provide a more open view of the road. Meanwhile, the space for front and rear passengers is quite spacious, including leg room and head room which is one of the advantages of double cabin vehicles.

Regarding performance, the Hilux we tested relied on a 2.8-liter diesel engine with a 4WD drive system and a torque of 500 Nm. The power feels quite convincing when the car is invited to cross sandy paths, climbs, turns, and uneven surfaces.

Toyota also equips the Hilux with a series of safety technologies. In the V type, there is Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Brake Signal, and seven airbags.

In addition, Toyota has embedded Hill Start Assist (HSA) on all types of the latest generation Hilux. This feature helps keep the vehicle from moving backwards when the driver starts to accelerate from a stop on an uphill road. To help drivers face off-road terrain, the New Hilux 2.8 4x4 V-type and All New Hilux D-Cab AWD Battery EV are also equipped with Terrain Select Mode, a technology that has previously been found in many Toyota premium SUV.

Terrain Select Mode provides a number of settings that can be adjusted to road surface conditions. Mogul mode is intended for uneven surfaces, Mud for muddy tracks, Sand helps maintain vehicle momentum on soft surfaces, while Rock optimizes vehicle control when crawling over rocky terrain.

There is also a Dirt mode to help maintain traction on sandy or slippery surfaces. Meanwhile, the Auto mode allows the system to read the road surface conditions and adjust the vehicle settings automatically.

With the combination of a more modern Cyber Sumo design, off-road capabilities, an increasingly comfortable cabin, and a series of safety and driving assistance technologies, the ninth generation Toyota Hilux is not only aimed at being a work vehicle. This pickup truck can also be an option for consumers who need a vehicle to support business and outdoor activities.

New Hilux 2.8 4x4 OTR Jakarta is priced at: Hilux S-Cab 2.8 Diesel 4x4 MT Rp 416,800,000 Hilux D-Cab 2.8 Diesel 4x4 E MT Rp 466,300,000 Hilux D-Cab 2.8 Diesel 4x4 G MT Rp 497,900,000 Hilux D-Cab 2.8 Diesel 4x4 V AT Rp 574,200,000