2021 Toyota Hilux facelift leaked with major redesign

2021 Toyota Hilux facelift leaked with major redesign

Last month, it was reported that the Toyota Hilux would receive a second facelift to keep up with its newer rivals, and we’re now getting a look at what this redesign will look like. Dubai dealer Milele Motors has released a number of what seem to be official internal images of the revised pick-up truck, and it looks like the Hilux is in for a major overhaul – at least, on the exterior.

The first facelift, introduced just two years into the truck’s lifecycle, already added a large Tacoma-style hexagonal grille, but for 2021 it will apparently be even bigger, with twin slats that are finished in metallic black on higher-end models. Toyota is clearly following the lead of Isuzu, which introduced a gaping maw to its new D-Max last year.

The surrounding trim, available in either metallic grey or chrome depending on the variant, is also much thicker and it is flanked by new, more angular headlights (the first facelift reused the original lamps). Lower-end variants will continue to get halogens but with LED indicators and positioning lamps, whereas top-of-the-range models will receive bi-LED projectors to replace the outgoing LED low beam and halogen high beam.

Finishing off the front fascia are the L-shaped fog light surrounds that frame the grille, along with a slim centre inlet. Higher grades will also gain redesigned LED tail lights with hexagonal light guides. The alloy wheel options will also be revised, with the base 17-inch six-spoke rollers appearing to have been lifted from the Fortuner, and the 18-inch items getting a redesign with a more distinctive two-tone look.

We even get a glimpse of the available colours, with Emotional Red II from the latest Prius and Camry joining the list. Certain markets will also receive a new Oxide Bronze Metallic and Dark Blue Mica – the latter should be familiar to owners of the new Vios.

A report from CarAdvice suggested that the Hilux will also get some mild interior tweaks, including the fitment of a new infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (UMW Toyota Motor has its own head unit on higher-end models, which already has these features built in).

The facelift should also see revisions to the 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, with higher outputs and updates to address particulate filter clogging issues (this is specific to countries that have the filter, which Malaysia doesn’t get). Japanese reports suggest the mill could also make its way to the more rugged next-generation Land Cruiser, and it should also be introduced in the Fortuner and the Land Cruiser Prado.

Australian models, even the most basic ones, already come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition. The facelift could see these features be rolled out across more regions – especially in Southeast Asia – to compete with more modern pick-ups.

The aforementioned CarAdvice report floated an Australian launch as soon as late July or early August, but warned that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic could shift that timeline. What do you think of the facelifted Hilux’s more extroverted new design? Sound off in the comments after the jump.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • M & B on Apr 24, 2020 at 5:03 pm

    This design still looks fine when I looking at this revision truck. And that this comes with AEB!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • Teh halia on Apr 25, 2020 at 8:43 am

      Not only it comes with AEB, Toyota Hilux comes with complete safety features and is a Game-Changing pick-up truck sold worldwide. You go overseas, you will see many Hiluxes in the roads from old to current generation. This is why Proton needs to learn from Toyota in order to revive their Game Over Proton Arena

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 18
      • Truckers on Apr 25, 2020 at 3:10 pm

        Stupid to compare a pickup truck with a Ute and stupid to do so with a copypasted comment.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
        • Bvldr on Apr 25, 2020 at 5:52 pm

          Last time face design like sort of farm animal

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
        • Proton Minum Teh 8X on Apr 25, 2020 at 6:23 pm

          But it is possible that, Game Changing CRV can also compare with Game Over Proton Arena and X70, since both are suv. You go overseas, you will see many CRVs in the roads from old to current generation. This is why Proton needs to learn from Honda in order to revive their Game Over Proton Arena and X70

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 16
          • Avenger on Apr 27, 2020 at 1:55 pm

            Even more stupid to compare SUV with pickup trucks. WTH!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
          • CRV semua benda takde, it is light-years behind x70 bells and whistles

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Fan of Truckers on Apr 24, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    GR Hilux might launch here anytime

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • More fiercer than pre fl hilux

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Hahahaa...!!! on Apr 25, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      I prefer ford ranger…purely better look tougher
      than struggle to look better for this pity hilux

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 17
  • Old Town on Apr 24, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    Hailax

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Truckers on Apr 24, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    This facelift only for US & AUS market Hilux. Asia will continue getting the dumbed down version.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 17
  • Hilux the best!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • SanDisk on Apr 24, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    Other than facelift, improved safety, quality & horsepower

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Orado on Apr 24, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    (Like) Hilux
    (Dislike) D-Max

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 9
  • Chow Wei Zhen on Apr 24, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    Favorite buyers will order this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Road King is back. More powerful, bravo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • vivizurianti on Apr 24, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    Poket will koyak when replacing the 18″ tyres….unless its a company vehicle.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Shopee on Apr 24, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    Will sell like hotcakes

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • Hot kek oso kenot sel woo now...!! on Apr 25, 2020 at 1:12 pm

      where to buy hotcake now during MCO?..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • Tiger Golf on Apr 24, 2020 at 9:04 pm

    More hp but lesser issues

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Spyder on Apr 24, 2020 at 10:48 pm

    Get ready to overtake mivi, bizza, axiak, ulza

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • vivizurianti on Apr 26, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      ….tersalah time when overtake at corner, the hilux will terbalik and terbabas due to high CG.

      I saw many such cases happened at Putrajaya/Puchong.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 5
  • sSharonN on Apr 25, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    You’re kidding right? This looks EXACTLY like a Ford Ranger. Look at the proportions of the grill and front lights, the back light design and the rims. I am so surprised Toyota has taken down this route, if its true.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 10
  • Moose test?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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