Our coverage from the Bangkok International Motor Show 2026 (BIMS 2026) continues with a pair of new pick-up trucks from Toyota, the all-new, ninth-gen Toyota Hilux Travo and Travo-e.
The new Hilux comes in many variations for the Thai market, with prices starting from THB 767,000 (RM92,070) for the baseline Travo Standard Cab 4TREX 2.8 MT to THB 1.366 million (RM163,974) for the top-spec Travo Double Cab 4TREX 2.8 Overland Plus AT.
Meanwhile, its all-electric twin only comes in a single Travo-e Double Cab 4TREX variant, priced at THB 1.491 million (RM178,979), which easily makes it the most expensive variant for the ninth-gen Hilux in Thailand.
Diesel or Fully Electric
For its ninth-gen iteration, the ever-popular Hilux is only available in either diesel or pure electric powertrain options for the Thai market, as the previously available petrol options have been dropped for the Travo models.
The oil-burning version features a 2.8-litre 4-cyl 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine that is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 204 PS and 420 Nm on the former or 204 PS and 500 Nm on the latter.
As for the Travo-e, the EV truck gets a dual-motor powertrain setup, with the unit at the front axle rated at 112 PS and 205 Nm, while the rear one is rated higher at 176 PS and 268 Nm. Power is drawn from a 59.2 kWh battery pack that provides a modest 240 km of WLTP range, which can be recharged via either 11 kW AC or 125 kW DC charging methods.
Despite the next-gen label, the new Hilux Travo and Travo-e are built on the same Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) ladder-frame platform as the previous-gen model, albeit with some substantial mechanical upgrades.
This includes what Toyota calls “Dynamic Cloud,” which comes in the form of additional body mounting points, upgraded suspensions, new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type mounts for vibration reduction, plus a beefier steering shaft for better response and steering feel.
Heavily Redesigned, But Still a ‘Hailak’
Visually, the ninth-gen Hilux marks a pretty substantive departure in design over the previous ‘Revo’ model, as the pick-up truck ditches its workhorse-y looks for a more modern, SUV-like image.
Designed under the concept of “Cyber Sumo,” the new Hilux features slim LED projector headlights with L-shaped DRLs for upper variants, a black bar trim with Toyota lettering, and a new honeycomb front grille that looks like it’s being borrowed from the new RAV4.
Moving further back, the Travo gets new C-shaped LED taillights, a new Toyota script pressed into the tailgate, side steps integrated into the rear bumper a la Ford Ranger, a built-in tailgate spoiler, a sports bar for the Overland models, and an array of wheel options with sizes and tyres depending on the variant.
The same goes for the Travo’s innards, where it swaps the more agrarian setup of the Revo model for something more lifestyle-oriented, albeit this time borrowing cues from the latest-gen Land Cruiser 250 (Prado).
In top-spec guises, buyers can get the Travo with a dual-12.3-inch digital display setup, dedicated rear A/C vents, an electronic parking brake (EPB), a three-spoke steering wheel from the new Prado, and redesigned seats wrapped in either Caretex fabric or SofTex faux leather.
Now Available in Thailand, Malaysia Next?
Following its first global debut late last year and this second appearance at BIMS 2026, the all-new 2026 Toyota Hilux Travo and Travo-e have officially made their debut in the Southeast Asia market.
This begs the question of where the next destination for this ninth-gen truck is, with the Australian market being on top of the contention and possibly Malaysia too. But given the sudden surge of unsubsidised diesel fuel prices, perhaps the Travo-e would make a more sensible option of the two. What do you think?
