2024 Toyota Tacoma: Australian ingredients, cues next Toyota HiLux

The 2025 Toyota HiLux is one step closer to reality after its similarly-sized relative in the Toyota family – the Toyota Tacoma pick-up – was unveiled in the US this week.

After a series of leaked images, official photos of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma "mid-size" pick-up show the new model has adopted the tough-truck looks of the Toyota Tundra "full-size" pick-up in the US, albeit scaled down to size.

Although there is no official confirmation, the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma design themes are expected to be shared with the upcoming Toyota HiLux due in 2025.

The Toyota Tacoma sold in the US is the closest sibling to the Toyota HiLux "compact" pick-up sold globally.

While the two vehicles were previously more aligned than they are today – even down to sharing some of the same body panels in the 1990s – they are about to once again become more closely related, due to a switch to Toyota's new global heavy-duty platform that also underpins the Tundra pick-up and LandCruiser 300 Series four-wheel-drive wagon.

The 2025 Toyota HiLux remains under wraps for now – spy photos of the vehicle which is sold in 180 countries are yet to emerge.

And it is understood to be at least two years away given Toyota has just invested heavily in the wider track and major suspension changes to the Toyota HiLux Rogue and upcoming Toyota HiLux GR Sport.

As previously reported exclusively by Drive several months ago, the current-generation Toyota HiLux ute is poised to receive the option of "mild hybrid" power by the end of this year or some time early next year.

Company insiders are concerned it could dent the brand’s image because it is an inferior "mild hybrid" system with minimal fuel savings, rather than the benchmark hybrid system used in Toyota petrol cars.

In the meantime, the new Toyota Tacoma is our best look yet at what we can expect with the next-generation Toyota HiLux, due in 2025 pending any delays.

As with the Tundra, the Tacoma has a massive 14-inch infotainment screen and a bolder, more utilitarian interior – and while the 2025 Toyota HiLux may not be an exact copy, similar themes and larger screens are expected to apply.

Although it would seem logical to simply reproduce the new Toyota Tacoma in other Toyota HiLux factories around the world – and end up with one global mid-size pick-up as is the case with the Ford Ranger – Drive understands there will be technical differences between the Tacoma and HiLux because the HiLux is made for developing as well as developed countries, and must achieve a lower manufacturing cost base.

In the meantime, Toyota Tacoma fans in the US have a lot to get excited about, starting with the choice of a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine (up to 207kW/430Nm) or a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder paired to a hybrid system (243kW/630Nm) which is assisted by a 36kW electric motor and a 1.87kWh battery pack.

Both are paired to eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive. There is no diesel option for the new Toyota Tacoma in the US as the mid-size pick-up market is primarily petrol-powered.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma also gets a full suite of advanced safety technology (much of which is already fitted to today's Toyota HiLux), and the option of adaptive variable suspension (AVS), which is also available on the Toyota Tundra.

Cheaper models have leaf springs at the rear, while high-end versions upgrade to coil springs.

Top models are equipped with household power sockets in the rear cabin and ute tray.

As with today's Toyota HiLux, manual versions of the new Toyota Tacoma have rev-matching technology for smoother downshifts.

And there are now multiple terrain modes for off-road work, including crawl and hill descent functions.

Hardcore off-road versions of the Toyota Tacoma – Trailhunter and TRD Pro – have better clearance angles than standard models, as well as heavy-duty suspension and components by Australian specialists Old Man Emu and ARB, who worked alongside Toyota engineers during development.

According to information shared by Toyota in the US, the Tacoma TRD Pro has up to 33.8-degree approach, 23.5-degree ramp-over, and 25.7-degree departure angles when not equipped with a tow package. Ground clearance is listed at 279mm.

For the tech heads, here are the changes according to the Toyota blurb:

"(For Trailhunter), Toyota worked with renowned Australian-based ARB to co-develop Old Man Emu (OME) position-sensitive 2.5-inch forged mono-tube shocks with rear external piggyback style remote reservoirs, a steel rear bumper, robust rear recovery points, and a bed utility bar with removable MOLLE panels.

"ARB engineering even worked on-site at Toyota alongside the project development team to co-develop Trailhunter. With either 5- or 6-foot bed Double Cab configurations available, (hardcore off-roaders) can take their Trailhunters to the next level with available light- or heavy-duty versions of a full ARB bed rack to support additional gear like rooftop tents, canopies, or a camp shower.

"The OME shocks along with the 33-inch Goodyear Territory R/T tires boost up Trailhunter an additional two inches in the front and one and a half inches in the rear.

"A high-clearance trail exhaust tip is also standard along with a low-profile high-mount Trailhunter Air Intake that is routed up the passenger-side A pillar to source cleaner air to the (engine).

"Trailhunter protection includes rock rails and a multitude of hot-stamped high strength steel skid plates.

"Trailhunter is also equipped with a bronze-colored T-O-Y-O-T-A heritage-inspired grille with an integrated 20-inch LED light bar that’s complemented by white/yellow colour switching Rigid LED fog lamps.

"Lighting in the Trailhunter’s (ute tray) is triangulated to help avoid dark spots, and integrated bed side scene lights help illuminate the area surrounding the bed for setting up camp at night.

"A powerful 2400W AC inverter provides (power) to two locations in the cabin and the rear deck where both 12V and USBs can also be found to power other devices such as an ARB Fridge Freezer. Trailhunter also comes pre-wired for accessories with three auxiliary toggle switches on the dashboard."

Given the deep involvement of ARB in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma project, here's hoping the same upgrades – and more – become available on the 2025 Toyota HiLux.