Toyota Hilux Full Model Change: Summary of Disappointments and Points to Note When Considering a Purchase | 2026 Model Complete Guide

The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux , which was unveiled to the world on November 10, 2025 , is a model with many appealing features, including support for electrification, the latest equipment, and a sophisticated design.

However, no matter how great a car is, it’s not for everyone . Pickup trucks like the Hilux have their own unique characteristics, and there are many things you should be aware of before buying one.

In this article, we will honestly tell you about the “disappointing points” of the new Hilux and the truth you should know before purchasing it.

Related reading

Toyota Hilux Fully Redesigned, 9th Generation Officially Announced, Japan Model to be Released in 2026, Equipped with BEV and FCEV… On November 10, 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the new ninth-generation Hilux to the world at a new car launch event held in Bangkok, Thailand. The first complete redesign in 10 years! The ninth…

7 things you need to know before you buy

Truth 1: Its huge length makes it difficult to handle

The new Hilux is 5,320mm long

This is overwhelmingly longer than domestic SUVs, and you will face the following problems when using it on a daily basis.

Car model	full length	comparison
New Hilux	5,320mm	–
Alphard	4,995mm	-325mm
Land Cruiser 300	4,985mm	-335mm
General SUV	Around 4,600mm	-720mm

Minimum turning radius is 6.3m

Considering that a typical SUV is around 5.5m long, making U-turns and maneuvering on narrow roads can be very difficult.

item	8th generation (old model)	9th generation (new model)
full length	5,340mm	5,320mm
Overall width	1,855mm	1,855mm
Overall height	1,800mm	1,800mm
Wheelbase	3,085mm	3,085mm
ground clearance	215mm	224mm
Minimum turning radius	6.4m	6.3m

Actual Problem

• Difficulty making U-turns on mountain roads and in residential areas
• A head pops out in a convenience store parking lot
• I’m worried about entering narrow alleys
• It takes time to reverse into a parking space

Truth 2: High annual maintenance costs

Cost structure specific to number 1 vehicles

expense item	When new car	Second year onwards
vehicle inspection	Once every two years	Once a year
automobile tax	16,000 yen/year	16,000 yen/year
weight tax	24,600 yen	Occurs every year
Vehicle inspection costs	Approximately 80,000 yen	Approximately 80,000 yen per year
Compulsory automobile liability insurance	12,000 yen	Occurs every year
Voluntary insurance	Approximately 130,000 yen	Approximately 130,000 yen
Total annual maintenance cost	Approximately 370,000 yen	Approximately 370,000 yen + vehicle inspection

Expressway tolls are expensive

• Treated as a mid-size car and more expensive than a standard car
• Holiday discounts may not apply
• Ferry fares are significantly increased due to the handling of freight vehicles

Truth 3: Diesel’s unique quirks

Characteristics of 2.4L/2.8L diesel turbo

• Loud engine noise and vibration
• The engine takes longer to start in winter
• DPF regeneration begins suddenly (engine cannot be stopped for 20 to 30 minutes)
• Playback starts immediately after returning home, forcing you to wait in the car

Actual fuel economy is lower than expected

Driving scene	Catalog fuel economy	Actual fuel consumption
WLTC mode	11.7km/L	–
Expressway	10-12km/L	Good
urban areas	8-9km/L	strict

Although diesel prices are low, fuel economy is not good due to the vehicle’s heavy weight.

Truth 4: The cargo bed is difficult to use

Long items that are surprisingly difficult to stack

The cargo bed size is approximately 1,520mm x 1,535mm and is approximately 480mm deep, but there are the following problems.

Weak against long objects

• The loading platform alone can only carry items up to about 1.5m in height.
• Even when used diagonally, the limit is about 2m
• Long items such as skis and fishing rods require some ingenuity.
• Requires additional purchase of roof carrier and tonneau cover

Weak against expensive things

• Up to 50cm in height when tonneau cover is attached
• Difficult to stack two layers
• Less load capacity than expected

Measures for rainy weather are essential

• The cargo bed gets wet
• Waterproof cover required
• Complete waterproofing is difficult

Truth 5: Ride Stiffness

Truck-based destiny

• Leaf spring rear suspension
• Shakes violently on uneven surfaces
• The rear seats are particularly uncomfortable
• Diesel vibrations are constantly transmitted

Possibility of being disrespected by family

• Children are prone to car sickness
• Fatigue from long drives
• If you’re expecting a luxury SUV ride, you’ll be disappointed.

Truth 6: Parking Problems

Multi-storey car parks are almost completely destroyed

• At 1,800mm high, it cannot fit into many multi-story parking lots.
• Parking in urban areas is severely limited

Difficult even in flat parking lots

• Its length is long, so its head sticks out in tight parking lots.
• Be careful not to hit the door of the car next to you.
• Rearview monitor and 360-degree camera are essential equipment

Truth 7: Getting in and out is difficult

Z grade genuine side step problem

Common complaints from current 8th generation owners:

• The stock side step is too deep inside the vehicle and difficult to use.
• Physical strength required to get on and off
• Difficult for elderly people and small children
• Improvements with custom parts are essential

There is a possibility that the new model will not improve

Due to the vehicle height and structure, this issue may not have been fully resolved.

10 disappointing points about the new Hilux

1. Elimination of single cab and extended cab models

Concentrated on double cab only

merit:

• Specialized for family use
• Spacious rear seat space

Cons:

• Fewer options for commercial users
• There is no specification that prioritizes cargo space
• Possibility of low-priced grades disappearing

Related reading

Toyota Hilux Fully Redesigned, 9th Generation Officially Announced, Japan Model to be Released in 2026, Equipped with BEV and FCEV… On November 10, 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the new ninth-generation Hilux to the world at a new car launch event held in Bangkok, Thailand. The first complete redesign in 10 years! The ninth…

2. Right-angle seats in the back

Reclining function limitations

• The seat is almost at a right angle
• Fatigue builds up during long-distance travel
• Custom recliner kit required
• Don’t expect the same comfort as an SUV

3. Limited interior space

Approximately 160cm from the dashboard to the back of the second row

• Sleeping in a car is difficult
• Even if you fold the passenger seat down, you still need to bend your legs to sleep.
• Designed for sleeping in the cargo area

5. Slow driver’s seat power seat adjustment

Electric adjustment is extremely slow

• Seat adjustment takes time
• Manual is more convenient
• Readjusting your clothes after changing in winter is stressful
• No seat position memory function

6. Part-time 4WD quirks

Tight corner braking phenomenon

• Occurs when using 4WD on dry paved roads
• Behavior similar to braking on a sharp curve
• Frequent 2WD/4WD switching required
• First-time users may mistake it for a malfunction.

Cons: Part-time 4WD limitations

The Land Cruiser FJ uses part-time 4WD, which is rare in modern SUVs and is a point that many people tend to misunderstand.

Part-time 4WD:

• Normally driven in 2WD (FR) mode
• Switch to 4WD only when on rough roads or off-road
• No center differential or viscous coupling

When using 4WD mode on paved roads:

1. Tight corner braking phenomenon occurs

• When turning a corner, the difference in rotation between the front and rear wheels cannot be absorbed.
• When turning the steering wheel, there is a “grrr” sound and it feels like all four wheels are being braked.
• If you try to turn too hard, you may damage the tires or drivetrain.

1. On paved roads, you must drive in 2WD.

• You can’t take advantage of 4WD on paved roads on rainy days
• Drive in 2WD even on winding roads with lots of curves
• There is no drive force distribution control like in modern full-time 4WD vehicles.

Contrasting cars:

• Land Cruiser 250: Full-time 4WD with center differential
• Land Cruiser 300: Full-time 4WD with center differential
• Toyota RAV4: Electronically controlled 4WD
• Toyota Harrier: Electronically controlled 4WD

Pre-purchase notice:

It is possible that you may accidentally leave the car in 4WD mode on a paved road and try to take a corner only to find that the car doesn’t respond as you expect. If you purchase a car without understanding this characteristic, you may end up regretting it, thinking it’s broken or finding it difficult to use. Be sure to check it out by taking a test drive.

7. Lack of acceleration due to weight

Vehicle weight: approximately 2 tons

• It becomes even heavier when loaded with luggage
• I feel a lack of acceleration when merging onto the highway
• Lack of power on slopes
• Factors behind the deterioration of fuel economy

8. BEV models lack range

300km (NEDC mode) is too short

• 240km in WLTP mode
• Practical cruising range may be less than 200km
• This is fatal in rural areas where charging infrastructure is limited.
• Even shorter in winter

9. Possible price increases

Will it be 500,000 to 800,000 yen higher than the 8th generation?

Estimated price:

• Entry grade: around 4.2 million yen
• High-end grade: 4.8 million to 5.2 million yen
• BEV model: Around 6 million yen

Even taking into account the upgrades, the price increase is significant.

10. Custom Swamp Depth

It’s hard to use if it’s genuine.

Examples of custom parts needed:

• Tonneau cover/canopy: 100,000 to 300,000 yen
• Side steps/rock sliders: 50,000 to 150,000 yen
• Roof carrier: 50,000 to 100,000 yen
• Lifting: 200,000 to 500,000 yen
• Wheels and tires: 300,000 to 500,000 yen

Additional investments totaling more than 1 million yen are not uncommon.

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The reality of maintenance and running costs

Detailed simulation of annual maintenance costs

Basic maintenance cost

item	New car (2 years)	3rd year onwards (every year)
automobile tax	16,000 yen x 2 years	16,000 yen
weight tax	24,600 yen	24,600 yen
Compulsory automobile liability insurance	24,000 yen (2 years)	12,000 yen
Basic vehicle inspection fee	30,000 yen	30,000 yen
Vehicle inspection and maintenance costs	50,000 yen	50,000 yen
Voluntary insurance	130,000 yen x 2 years	130,000 yen
Fuel cost (10,000 km per year)	170,000 yen x 2 years	170,000 yen
Annual total	Approximately 370,000 yen	Approximately 430,000 yen

The impact of annual vehicle inspections

Experiences of 8th generation Hilux owners:

• Vehicle inspection fees are relatively cheap (sometimes only 20,000 to 30,000 yen)
• However, it requires a lot of work every year.
• 300,000 yen every two years vs. 60,000 yen twice a year = The total amount is actually the same
• In fact, some people say they feel safe because the equipment is inspected every year.

The reality of highway and ferry fares

Expressway tolls (medium-sized vehicles)

section	Ordinary car	Hilux	difference
Tokyo-Osaka	Approximately 7,000 yen	Approximately 8,500 yen	+1,500 yen
Tokyo-Sendai	Approximately 5,000 yen	Approximately 6,000 yen	+1,000 yen

Ferry fare (for freight vehicles)

There are some cases where the costs can be surprisingly high.

• Hokkaido-Honshu route: 1.5 to 2 times the cost of a standard car
• Okinawa route: Extremely expensive
• Long-distance ferry users beware

The reality of fuel costs

If you drive 10,000 km per year

Driving pattern	Actual fuel consumption	Annual fuel costs
Expressway center	10-12km/L	Approximately 130,000 yen
City center	8-9km/L	Approximately 170,000 yen
mixture	9-10km/L	Approximately 150,000 yen

Calculated based on diesel price of 150 yen/L

Usability issues

The reality of using the cargo bed

The gap between ideals and reality

ideal:

• Can carry a large amount of luggage
• Camping equipment can be freely loaded
• Can transport DIY materials

reality:

• Rain protection is required (tonneau cover/canopy required)
• Long items are difficult to load
• Tall items may interfere with the tonneau cover.
• There is a risk of theft

Inconvenience of everyday use

Problems when shopping

• It’s hard to park in supermarket parking lots
• If you put your luggage in the luggage compartment, it will get wet in the rain.
• Limited space for luggage inside the vehicle

Family use

• The rear seats are uncomfortable, causing dissatisfaction over long distances
• When child seats are installed, the vehicle can actually seat three people.
• The luggage compartment (cargo area) and the interior of the car are separated, which is inconvenient

Urban use

In urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka

• Multi-storey car parks cannot be used
• It’s difficult to park even in a paid parking lot
• Difficult to maneuver on narrow roads
• Fuel economy deteriorates dramatically

Conclusion: Not suitable for main use in urban areas

Actual complaints from an 8th generation owner

5 Differences Between a Regular Car and a Traditional Car You Should Know Before You Regret

What wasn’t so great

Checklist when considering a purchase

Find out if the Hilux is right for you

Check how many “Yes” there are for the following items:

□ Have parking space at home (other than a multi-story car park)

□ Mainly use in suburban or rural areas

□ Have frequent opportunities to transport luggage

□ Enjoy outdoor activities and camping

□ Can tolerate annual maintenance costs of 400,000 yen or more

□ Don’t mind annual vehicle inspection procedures

□ Prioritize practicality over ride comfort

□ Enjoy customization

□ Want a car that gives you joy of ownership

□ Don’t mind the noise and vibration of a diesel engine

Diagnosis results

• 8-10 : The Hilux is perfect for you!
• 5-7 pieces : A good choice depending on the application
• 3-4 : Careful consideration required
• 0-2 : Consider a different car model

10 things you should check before purchasing

Why choose the Hilux?

Overwhelming ownership satisfaction

“There are a lot of downsides, but I’m glad I bought it.”

reason

Interesting answers to Instagram surveys

“Things I regret about the Hilux”

“I don’t have a car I want to drive next.”

In a way, this is the highest compliment: once you’ve experienced the Hilux, there’s no other car you’ll want to drive.

Improvements in the new model vs. remaining issues

Improved points

Remaining issues and points that have not been improved

Emerging concerns

Price increase

• Expected price increase of 500,000 to 800,000 yen
• Custom costs are also on the rise

Lack of range for BEV models

• 300km (NEDC) is not practically sufficient
• Charging infrastructure challenges

Final advice for purchasing decisions

I don’t recommend the new Hilux to these people.

The new Hilux is perfect for these people

Final conclusion: A car you should choose with determination

The new Toyota Hilux isn’t a car for everyone .

However, for those who understand its characteristics and find it suitable for their needs, it will be the perfect companion .

Points to consider when making a purchase decision

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, the new Hilux could be the perfect choice for you.

On the other hand, if you have even one major concern, you should carefully consider your purchase.

summary

While the new Hilux has many appealing features, it also has clear weaknesses and limitations .

However, as the owner of the YouTube channel “Road Tracker” says, it is also a car that provides such satisfaction in ownership that it makes you think, “There’s no other car I want to drive.”

If you are considering purchasing this product, please understand all of the “disappointments” and “points to be aware of” introduced in this article, and then ask yourself whether you still want it.

If the answer is yes, the new Hilux will bring irreplaceable excitement to your life .

I can’t wait for it to be released in Japan in mid-2026.