The heavily updated Toyota HiLux will supposedly launch by the end of the year, and these patent diagrams give us our first glimpse of the interior.
We found these images on the cars_secrets Instagram account, which claims they are from a patent filing.
These patent sketches match with recent spy photos showing that the ‘new’ HiLux is actually just an upgraded version of today’s ute, but with a new front and rear.
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What we see for the first time is the HiLux’s interior, which looks as though it will be a nicer and more modern place to be.
The dashboard and centre console are all new, and in the centre of the dashboard is a widescreen infotainment display, likely the same 12.3-inch unit fitted to many recent Toyotas. It’s possible lower-spec versions of the HiLux will have a smaller screen in the same spot.
Below are the central vents and climate controls, although the patent images image give no clue as to whether it will have physical or capacitive controls. The set of vents and switches used in the LandCruiser Prado would fit in well with this HiLux’s dash design, though.
In the centre tunnel there’s a chunky gear shifter, and what might be a set of drive toggles beside it. We can’t see a hand brake anywhere, so it’s likely to have been replaced by an electronic switch or maybe it’s obscured by the centre arm rest.
There seem to be cupholder slots in front of each side vent. Like the current HiLux there’s a second covered storage area on top of the glove box.
Back to the exterior, which features carry-over doors and roof. There is, however, a new front end with slim headlights, while at the rear the tail-lights wrap around further into the flanks.
The model pictured here has slim, angular plastic wheel arch protectors, but judging from earlier spy photos, these won’t be present on all model trims.
Underneath it all is the IMV platform, which dates back to 2004. This will disappoint those looking for a more modern Toyota ute, and are unwilling to move to the US for such a privilege.
The latest versions of the Tacoma, as well as the larger Tundra that’s re-manufactured locally in right-hand drive, both ride on the TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture that also does duty under the latest LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado, as well as their Lexus siblings.
This means it’s less likely the new HiLux will feature some of the more interesting power plants available in those cars.
The Tacoma, for example, is available with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine available in three outputs: 170kW/329Nm, 201kW/420Nm, and 207kW/430Nm. There’s also a hybrid version making 243kW/630Nm.
And for those who want to dream a little bigger, the Tundra is sold with a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol making 260kW/549Nm or 290kW/650Nm, as well as a hybridised version pumping out 326kW and 790Nm.
By comparison, local versions of the current HiLux are available with 2.4- and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engines, topping out with the 150kW/500Nm V-Active mild-hybrid and the GR Sport’s 165kW/550Nm.
The sole petrol offering here is a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder. The 235kW/376Nm 4.0-litre V6 sold in the Middle East isn’t no longer available Down Under.
MORE: Everything Toyota HiLux