2026 Toyota Hilux Review: Rugged Workhorse Meets Modern Upgrades
The 2026 Toyota Hilux arrives with a refreshed design, dual 12.3-inch screens, and a mild-hybrid 2.8-liter diesel engine. Priced up to 360,000 shekels, it retains its legendary off-road dominance and rugged durability in Israel.
The updated Toyota Hilux arrives for the 2026 model year, maintaining its legendary status as a robust workhorse while attempting to appeal to urban buyers with refreshed styling and modern amenities. Priced from 310,000 to 360,000 shekels for the top-tier Sahara trim tested here, it remains the dominant player in the Israeli 1-ton pickup segment, holding a commanding 46 percent market share.
Design and Interior Upgrades
The 2026 Hilux features a redesigned front fascia inspired by the RAV4, incorporating a honeycomb grille, angular air intakes, and slim LED headlights. Inside, the cabin receives a significant modernization with dual 12.3-inch displays for the driver's instrumentation and infotainment system. While smartphone connectivity is present, Android Auto still requires a wired connection. Comfort features in the Sahara trim include heated leather seats and a 360-degree camera system, though rear passengers miss out on dedicated air conditioning vents despite having heated outer seats.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the familiar 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is retained, now paired with a mild-hybrid system that does not significantly alter its performance or real-world efficiency. Generating 204 horsepower and 51 kgm of torque, it is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. During testing, fuel consumption averaged 10.2 kilometers per liter, closely matching the manufacturer's claims. On the road, the ride remains firm and bouncy when the cargo bed is unladen, a characteristic trait of its heavy-duty leaf-spring rear suspension.
Off-Road Prowess
Where the Hilux truly shines is off the beaten path. Its traditional ladder-frame chassis, robust four-wheel-drive system, and low-range transfer case make tackling technical terrain effortless. The Sahara trim adds the Multi-Terrain Select system, allowing drivers to optimize traction across sand, mud, and rock modes. Despite its increasing luxury pricing and urban-focused styling tweaks, the Toyota Hilux proves that its core durability and off-road capability remain entirely intact.
