Toyota is expected to fully redesign the new Hilux Surf and release the sixth-generation model around 2026.
On October 25, 2025, it was revealed that Toyota Motor Corporation is in the process of informing the US side of its plan to “reimport” vehicles produced in the US to Japan. Kyodo News
This has a political background of reducing the US trade deficit with Japan, but for many car enthusiasts, it has raised hopes that the Hilux Surf 4Runner will be officially sold in Japan.
In North America, it was actually sold as the “4Runner,” and in Japan it was sold until August 2009. The model continued overseas after that, with the current fifth-generation model being sold since 2009. This marks the first full model change in about 16 years. According to the Japan Patent Office, the patent for the “Hilux Surf” is scheduled to remain in force until June 27, 2026, and was renewed on May 10, 2016. We’re looking forward to seeing what happens next! We’ll give you details on what the new “Hilux Surf,” based on the US model “4Runner,” will be like.
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Will the Hilux Surf be revived as a Japanese model?
The Hilux Surf has been immensely popular in Japan since the first generation was released in 1984. It continued to attract many fans with its excellent durability, impressive off-road capability, and genuine outdoor performance. Although domestic sales were sadly discontinued in 2009, it remains highly popular in the used car market to this day.
It continues to be sold in North America as the 4Runner, and its success is a major factor in its reintroduction in Japan. After a long hiatus, the arrival of this further evolved new model is long-awaited news for many SUV fans.
Until now, Toyota has been reviving the Land Cruiser 70 and Hilux, which were previously only sold overseas, as Japanese models. Furthermore, the Lexus brand’s GX, which was previously only sold overseas, will also be released in Japan. Sales of the current fifth-generation model in Japan ended with a full model change in 2009, and it became an overseas-only vehicle. With the arrival of the sixth-generation model, perhaps the time has come to consider re-selling the Hilux Surf in Japan.
Following the great success of the sixth-generation 4Runner, which was unveiled in North America in 2024, Toyota has officially decided to reintroduce it to the Japanese market. The recent market backdrop of the SUV boom, growing popularity of outdoor activities, and increasing demand for environmental performance are driving this decision.
Key factors behind the decision to revive
- Strong sales of the new 4Runner in the North American market
- The SUV boom and growing popularity of outdoor activities in Japan
- Requests from die-hard fans of the Hilux Surf
- Intensifying market competition due to competitors’ launch of full-scale SUVs
- Cost efficiency through utilization of the TNGA-F platform
Toyota New Hilux Surf 6th Generation Full Model Change Exterior
The full model change of the Hilux Surf has resulted in a major change to the exterior design. In addition, the latest Toyota Safety Sense will be standard equipment on all vehicles, and the first hybrid model in the series will also be released. The 2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid i-Force Max will be a high-performance model that produces a maximum output of 326hp.
Toyota USA’s new 2025 4Runner
The new car measures 4,950mm long, 1,976mm wide, and has a 2,844mm wheelbase. It is 119mm longer and 51mm wider than the previous model, with a 61mm longer wheelbase to improve cabin space. It is also approximately 28mm longer than the new (North American) Land Cruiser. It has an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and ground clearance of 233mm.
Toyota USA’s new 2025 4Runner
Toyota New Hilux Surf 6th Generation Fully Redesigned Interior
The Hilux Surf has undergone a full model change, with a significantly revised interior design and a large 12.3-inch full-LCD digital meter and a large 14.0-inch infotainment system. These are significant improvements, and the car is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other features include an electric parking brake (with hold function). While taking into consideration functionality such as all-round visibility when driving off-road, the car is equipped with a variety of user-friendly features, including an available wireless smartphone charger and numerous USB-C charging ports.
Toyota USA’s new 2025 4Runner
Toyota USA’s new 2025 4Runner
Toyota New Hilux Surf 6th Generation Full Model Change Safety Features
In terms of safety equipment, the latest Toyota Safety Sense is standard across the range and includes proactive driving assistance, pre-collision detection, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and emergency braking.
Detailed specifications of the new Hilux Surf
Powertrain
i-FORCE MAX Hybrid System
- • Engine: 2.4L inline 4-cylinder turbo
- • Motor: Electric motor
- • Maximum system output: 326hp (approximately 326 horsepower)
- • Maximum torque: 59.4 kg-m (estimated)
Drive system
- • Part-time 4WD system
- • Rear differential lock function
- • Multi-Terrain Select
- • Crawl Control
Body size (estimated)
- • Total length: 4,950mm
- • Overall width: 1,980mm
- • Overall height: 1,850mm
- • Wheelbase: 2,850mm
- • Minimum ground clearance: 240mm
- • Vehicle weight: 2,100 kg (estimated)
safety equipment
- • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- • Pre-crash safety
- • Lane Departure Alert
- • Automatic high beams
Interior and equipment
Infotainment
- • 12.3-inch touch display
- • Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- • JBL Premium Sound (High-end grade)
- • Wireless charging pad
Comfortable equipment
- • Genuine leather seats (high grade)
- • Heated and ventilated seats
- • 3-row seating (seven-seater)
- • Power tailgate
Detailed comparison table with the old model
| item | Old-model Hilux Surf (4th generation, 2002-2009) |
New Hilux Surf (2026 model) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | J120 platform | TNGA-F platform |
| engine | 2.7L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated / 4.0L V6 naturally aspirated | 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo + hybrid |
| Maximum power | 150-245ps | 326ps (system total) |
| Drive system | FR / Part-time 4WD | Part-time 4WD (evolved) |
| safety equipment | ABS, airbags (basic) | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard |
| fuel economy | 8-10km/L | 12-14km/L (estimated) |
| Infotainment | CD Audio | 12.3-inch display + smartphone connectivity |
| Price range (at the time of release) | 2.5 million to 4 million yen | 4.5-6.5 million yen (estimated) |
Estimated price and grade structure
The price of the new Hilux Surf is expected to be as follows, taking into account the balance with competing models and equipment contents. The aim is to position it uniquely, not overlapping with the Land Cruiser Prado or Alphard.
Entry grade
From 4.5 million yen
- i-FORCE MAX Hybrid
- 8-inch display
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Fabric seats
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
Intermediate Grade
From 5.5 million yen
- In addition to the above equipment
- 12.3-inch display
- Synthetic leather seats
- Heated seats
- 19-inch aluminum wheels
Top grade
From 6.5 million yen
- In addition to the above equipment
- Genuine leather seats
- JBL Premium Sound
- Power tailgate
- 20-inch aluminum wheels
Pricing Background
Due to the weak yen, rising raw material prices, and the incorporation of the latest technology, the price is on the rise compared to the previous model, but it is expected to be priced competitively compared to imported SUVs in the same class.
Release date and pre-order method
Expected release schedule
Spring 2026
Official announcement and pre-orders begin
Summer 2026
Mass production and delivery begins
Fall 2026
Full-scale nationwide sales
How to make a reservation
Sales Channels
- Toyota store
- Toyopet store
- Corolla store
- Nets Store
Things to note when making a reservation
- The first production run may be limited in number
- There is a possibility that a lottery system will be used
- Advance reservations are recommended
- A deposit is required
History of the Hilux Surf
This is a large SUV. It was jointly developed and produced by Hino and Toyota. It was exported to North America and other countries under the name “4Runner.” It was sold in Japan until August 2009, and has since been sold in select shops as a re-imported vehicle. As its name suggests, it was originally based on the Hilux, but the final model was part of the Tacoma family, the successor to the Hilux, and shares much of its undercarriage, including the basic frame, suspension, engine, and drivetrain, with the Tacoma and Land Cruiser Prado.
First generation N60 series
- May 1984: Sales began in Japan.
- A minor change was made in August 1986. The Hilux Surf in Japan was given the option of a 5-number registration, an automatic transmission, and a wagon version, both of which were added for the first time.
Second generation N130 series
- Second generation N130 series: May 1989 – Full model change. In addition to the conventional 2-door body, a 4-door body was added to the lineup.
- May 1993: Minor change. The diesel engine for the Japanese market was changed to the 3.0L 1KZ-TE type. The van and 2-door models for Japan were discontinued.
- Production ended in November 1995.
Third generation N180 series
- December 1995: Full model change.
- Partially improved in August 1999. 180 series, fuel filter lightened.
- July 2000 (Heisei 12) – Minor change. The diesel engine was changed from 1KZ-TE to 1KD-FTV. At the same time, the manual transmission model was discontinued.
- December 2001 Some improvements.
- Production ended in September 2002.
4th generation N210 series
- Full model change in November 2002.
- A minor change was made in July 2005. The V6 3.4L gasoline engine 5VZ-FE was replaced with a V6 4.0L 1GR-FE, and a 5-speed automatic transmission was also available. The grille design was also changed.
- Partially improved in June 2007. Front and rear seats are now crash-proof, and the rear armrest shape has been changed. A special edition “Limited” model is released.
- Sales ended in July 2009.
5th generation N280 series
- It underwent a model change in August 2009, but was withdrawn from the Japanese market and became an overseas-only vehicle (4Runner). Despite being manufactured in Japan, it was only produced with left-hand drive and was not sold in Japan or other right-hand drive markets.
- For 2013 (2014 model year), the 4Runner received a facelift, consisting of front and rear exterior changes with projector headlamps and clear-lens LED taillamps, as well as other minor exterior changes. The interior is also updated.
- In 2014 (for the 2015 model year), the TRD Pro trim level, featuring Toyota badges on the front and an off-road package, was introduced in the United States as part of the TRD Pro series.
- For 2016 (2017 model year), the 4Runner Trail and Trail Premium were renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium in the U.S. These trim levels shared the same mechanical features as the previous Trail editions, but added aesthetic differences and TRD badging to distinguish them from the base model.
- For the 2018 (2019) model year, Toyota began offering a “Nightshade” package based on the Limited trim, which blacked out the badging, front and rear lower fascias, wheels, and parts of the interior.
- For the 2020 model year, Toyota announced that all 4Runner trims will be equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) standard and will include two rear-seat USB ports. The TRD Pro model will also be compatible with the TSS-P front radar sensor.
- For the 2021 (2022) model year, Toyota has made a push-button smart key system standard on all trims. A new TRD Sport trim has also been added to the lineup.
- In 2022 (for the 2023 model year), a 40th Anniversary Special Edition will be produced for the North American market in a limited run of 4,040 units, and will be available in three exterior colors and with standard four-wheel drive. Solar Octane paint is exclusive to the 2023 TRD Pro model year.
- For 2023 (2024 model), Terra paint (an orange-brown color) will be available exclusively for the TRD Pro.
A word from the editorial department
The return of the new Hilux Surf in 2026 is good news for fans who have been waiting for it for many years. With the latest TNGA-F platform, i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, and comprehensive safety features, it is expected to be a vehicle that meets modern demands while retaining the appeal of the previous Hilux Surf.
Highlights of the new Hilux Surf
- A revival after 17 years has generated a lot of buzz
- Improved fuel efficiency with the latest hybrid system
- Full-scale 4WD performance ensures off-road performance
- Full range of safety equipment as standard
- Latest infotainment system
- 3-row, 7-seater model available
- Competitive pricing
- Supported by Toyota dealers nationwide
We recommend that you start gathering information and preparing your funds now in preparation for the 2026 release. The initial production run will likely be limited in number, so you should consider pre-ordering early. Why not open the door to a new outdoor lifestyle with the new Hilux Surf?
We will let you know as soon as new information becomes available.
