New Toyota HiLux trademark may be first official hint at next-generation model
01/01/2025 07:34 PM
A new trademark filing by Toyota appears to be the name destined for the next-generation HiLux – due late this year or sometime next year – in Thailand.
Toyota has filed what is believed to be the first trademark for the next-generation 2026 Toyota HiLux, due late this year or sometime next year.
Spotted by Thai website HeadlightMag, a trademark application for ‘HiLux Travo’ has been filed by Toyota in Thailand – where the ute is built for countries such as Australia.
Rather than a new trim grade, HiLux Travo is instead believed to be the name of the next-generation model in regions such as Thailand, where each generation of the ute is sold with a new model designation.
The current-generation model launched in 2015 is marketed there as the HiLux Revo, its 2005-vintage predecessor was the HiLux Vigo, the 1997 model was the HiLux Tiger, and the 1988 version was the HiLux Mighty-X.
MORE: New 2026 Toyota HiLux – first details, release date for next-generation ute in report
As reported by Drive in November, the new HiLux will reportedly be a heavy upgrade of the existing version, rather than an all-new vehicle on fresh underpinnings.
South American reports have pointed to a launch in 2026, but HeadlightMag reports it is due on sale in Thailand in the second half of 2025.
It may still take until 2026 to reach Australia, where the Thai-market Travo designation isn’t expected to be used.
The Thai website claims the new HiLux will wear restyled front and rear-end designs – which it speculates will draw cues from newer Toyotas including the all-new, US-market Tacoma – but with carry-over doors and body shell appearance.
Such a move could explain the significant investment by Toyota to create the ‘wide-track’ Rogue and GR Sport editions two years ago, with a wider footprint, reworked rear suspension, and rear disc brakes.
These changes are extensive for a vehicle beyond the halfway point in its life cycle, suggesting they were implemented early to lay the groundwork for the new model.
It is expected the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine will be retained for the new model, which recently gained a form of 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to augment its 150kW/500Nm outputs offered since 2020.
Electric power steering may be added, which would enable the fitment of more advanced lane-keeping assistance technology that can keep the ute centred in its lane on motorways.
The post New Toyota HiLux trademark may be first official hint at next-generation model appeared first on Drive.
