Toyota plans to release its new pickup truck model, the Hilux Champ, in Japan in 2026. Unveiled in Thailand on November 27, 2023, this model is already attracting attention. It is a new pickup truck that is more compact than the Hilux already available in Japan and is more reasonably priced.
The new Hilux Champ is a production model of the “IMV 0” exhibited at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, and is the latest addition to Toyota’s global strategic vehicle project, the “Toyota IMV” series. Is this new model worth the wait? We’ll take a closer look, comparing it with the current Hilux.
Summary of Toyota’s new Hilux Champ features
The new Hilux Champ has the following features:
- As a new model in the Toyota IMV series , it will play a role as a global strategic vehicle.
- Adopting a more compact body than the Hilux , it is also suited to Japan’s road conditions.
- A wide range of bodywork options to meet your needs
- Offering a new option in the pickup truck market with an affordable price
- High customizability is its appeal, and it can be easily mounted with just bolts and nuts.
Should I wait for the new Hilux Champ? Points to consider when making a purchase decision
[Who should wait?] Cases where the new Hilux Champ is recommended
1. People looking for a compact pickup truck
The current Hilux has a large body size of 5,340mm in length and 1,855mm in width, which can make it difficult to maneuver on Japan’s narrow roads and in parking lots. The new Hilux Champ is a short-wheelbase model that is compact, with a length of 4,970mm and a width of 1,785mm, and has a minimum turning radius of 4.9m, achieving excellent maneuverability.
2. Those who value cost performance
The price in Thailand is approximately 1.95 million to 2.45 million yen (459,000 to 577,000 baht), which is significantly cheaper than the current Hilux (priced in Japan from 4.07 million yen). The price may change when it is introduced in Japan, but it is still expected to be in the affordable range.
3. People who enjoy customization
The flat deck is designed with bolt holes in various places so that bodywork can be easily fastened with bolts and nuts. It is ideal for those who want to customize their vehicle to their liking, such as creating a cabin for work or for outdoor use.
4. Those who use it primarily for commercial or business purposes
It has a single cab and is designed with emphasis on loading capacity in the loading compartment, making it ideal for commercial use in the construction, agricultural, and delivery industries. It is equipped with simpler features than the current Hilux, and is specialized for practicality.
[People who shouldn’t wait] Cases where you should choose the current Hilux
1. Those who need a back seat
The new Hilux Champ is only available as a two-seater single cab, with no double or extra cab options available. If you often transport family or colleagues, you should choose the current Hilux double cab.
2. Those who need four-wheel drive
The new Hilux Champ is only available in rear-wheel drive (FR) configuration, so it is not suitable for those who require a 4WD system like the current Hilux, or those who want the ability to drive on rough or snowy roads.
3. Those who want higher towing power and load capacity
The current Hilux has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg and can be equipped with a more powerful 2.8L diesel turbo engine (overseas model), but the new Hilux Champ is primarily designed for carrying lighter loads.
4. Those who value comprehensive equipment and comfort
The current Hilux is equipped with a full range of safety and comfort features, and the GR Sport model also offers improved driving performance. The new Hilux Champ is equipped simply with an emphasis on practicality, so it may not be enough for those looking for comfort.
Tough and practical! The exterior design of the new Hilux Champ
The exterior of the new Hilux Champ incorporates the latest design language while still projecting a powerful and sturdy impression.
A unique feature is that a model without a cargo bed is also available. The vehicle has bolt holes in various locations that allow the bodywork to be easily fastened with bolts and nuts, allowing users to enjoy a wide range of customizations to suit their needs.
Its greatest appeal is its flexibility, allowing it to be used in a variety of business situations, including refrigerated trucks, camper vans, and mobile sales vehicles.
Compact! Body size comparison of the new Hilux Champ
Body size details
Long wheelbase (LWB) model
- Total length x width x height: 5,300 x 1,785 x 1,735mm
- Wheelbase: 3,085mm
- Minimum turning radius: 5.4m
Short wheelbase (SWB) model
- Total length x width x height: 4,970 x 1,785 x 1,735mm
- Wheelbase: 2,750mm
- Minimum turning radius: 4.9m
Reference: Toyota Hilux (current model)
- Length x width x height: 5,340 x 1,855 x 1,800 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,085mm
- Minimum turning radius: 6.4m
Size comparison points
The new Hilux Champ’s short wheelbase model is approximately 370mm shorter in overall length and 70mm narrower than the current Hilux. The minimum turning radius is 4.9m, 1.5m smaller than the current Hilux’s 6.4m, making it easier to maneuver on Japan’s narrow roads and in parking lots.
The overall length of less than 5m also has the advantage of being less subject to the restrictions of mechanical parking lots.
Functional and simple! The interior design of the new Hilux Champ
The interior of the new Hilux Champ is simple and practical, with functionality as the top priority.
The dashboard has a horizontal design with easy-to-use switches and ample storage space, and is designed with an emphasis on usability as a commercial vehicle.
Unlike the higher-end Hilux model, the interior space is limited to a two-seater single cab. There is no double cab with a rear seat or an extra cab that allows luggage to be loaded behind the front seats, but the design makes the most of the cargo space.
Nimble driving! New Hilux Champ powertrain
The new Hilux Champ is available with three different powertrains.
Engine lineup
1. Inline 4-cylinder 2.4L diesel turbo engine
- Maximum output: 150ps (110kW)
- Maximum torque: 40.8 kgm (343 Nm)
- The same engine as the current Hilux’s Japanese model
2. Inline 4-cylinder 2.7L gasoline engine
- Maximum output: 166hp
- Maximum torque: 25.0 kgm
3. Inline 4-cylinder 2.0L gasoline engine
- Maximum output: 139ps
- Maximum torque: 18.7 kgm
Transmission and drive system
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Drive system: FR (rear-wheel drive) only
The mass-market model is equipped with a 2.4L diesel turbo engine, which is also used in the Japanese model of the Hilux. This engine combines torqueful driving performance with economy, making it ideal for commercial use.
However, unlike the current Hilux, it will not have a 4WD system and will only be rear-wheel drive, which is sufficient if you are mainly using it on paved roads, but it may not be suitable for those looking for off-road capability.
Attractive! Pricing for the new Hilux Champ
Price in Thailand
- 459,000 to 577,000 baht (approximately 1.95 million to 2.45 million yen)
The price of the new Hilux Champ is very reasonable, starting from approximately 1.95 million yen in Thailand.
Current Hilux (Japanese model) price
- Hilux Z: 4,072,000 yen
- Hilux GR Sport: 4,312,000 yen
Expected price when introduced in Japan
When it is introduced in Japan, the price may rise due to safety features and compliance with environmental standards, but it is still expected to be released in the early to mid-3 million yen range. It is likely to be priced more than 1 million yen cheaper than the current Hilux, and will provide a new option in the pickup truck market.
When can you buy it? Release date of the new Hilux Champ
The new Hilux Champ was unveiled in Thailand on November 27, 2023, and orders are already being accepted. It is scheduled to be released in Japan in 2026 , so there will be a wait of about a year and a half.
In June 2025, Toyota Auto Body announced its next-generation commercial van, and plans to launch an SUV model in 2027, marking the full-scale rollout of the IMV series in Japan.
A thorough comparison of the new Hilux Champ vs the current Hilux
Size and maneuverability
| item | New Hilux Champ (SWB) | Current Hilux |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,970mm | 5,340mm |
| Overall width | 1,785mm | 1,855mm |
| Overall height | 1,735mm | 1,800mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 4.9m | 6.4m |
Winner: New Hilux Champ – Compact and easy to handle
Passenger capacity and practicality
| item | New Hilux Champ | Current Hilux |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | 2 people (single cab only) | 5 people (double cab) |
| Drive system | FR | 4WD |
Winner: Current Hilux – Superior in passenger capacity and off-road capabilities
price
| item | New Hilux Champ | Current Hilux |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | Approximately 1.95 million to 2.45 million yen (Thailand price) | 4.07 million yen to 4.31 million yen |
Winner: New Hilux Champ – Outstanding value for money
Customizability
| item | New Hilux Champ | Current Hilux |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | High degree of freedom with bolt-on bodywork system | General aftermarket support |
Winner: New Hilux Champ – Customization envisioned from the design stage
What is the Toyota IMV Series? The positioning of the Hilux Champ
The Toyota IMV series stands for “Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle” and is a global strategic vehicle project that produces multiple vehicle models from a single platform.
IMV series lineup
- IMV 1-3 : Hilux (pickup truck)
- IMV 4 : Fortuner (SUV)
- IMV 5 : Innova (minivan)
- IMV 0 : Hilux Champ (compact pickup)
The new Hilux Champ, the “IMV 0,” returns to the series’ origins and was developed with the concept of “creating a truly affordable IMV pickup truck that meets customer needs.”
The main target is emerging countries, but it is also attracting a lot of interest in the Japanese market from commercial vehicle users and those who prioritize cost performance.
A thorough explanation of the practicality of the Hilux Champ
Loading capacity
- Maximum load capacity: 1,000 kg
- Loading space: Spacious loading space with long wheelbase
- High degree of freedom in mounting with bolt holes
Examples of use by application
1. Construction/civil engineering industry
- Flat deck ideal for transporting materials
- Easy installation of tool boxes and cranes
2. Agriculture/Forestry
- Transporting fertilizer and agricultural equipment
- Can be used as a mobile work base
3. Delivery industry
- Compact size makes it convenient for delivery in residential areas
- Can also be mounted on refrigerated and frozen vehicles
4. Outdoor leisure
- Customizing your camper
- Transporting surfboards and bikes
5. Mobile Sales
- Converting it into a kitchen car
- Use as a mobile store
The history of the Hilux and the innovation of the Hilux Champ
History of the Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is a historic pickup truck whose first model appeared in 1968. The name of the vehicle is a combination of the words “High” and “Luxury,” and it was developed with the aim of creating a pickup truck with the same luxury as a passenger car.
The Hilux is loved around the world
It is Toyota’s second best-selling car in the world after the Corolla, and its durability is legendary. In an endurance test conducted on the popular BBC car show “Top Gear,” a used Hilux produced 13 years ago was dropped down a flight of stairs, crashed into a tree, submerged in the ocean for five hours, and damaged with a wrecking ball. However, with only basic tools, it was restored to a state where it could be driven and drove back to the studio under its own power.
Sales history in Japan
The sixth generation was sold in Japan until 2004, but sales were discontinued due to declining demand. In September 2017, the eighth generation was relaunched in Japan for the first time in about 13 years, generating a lot of buzz.
The innovation of the Hilux Champ
The new Hilux Champ inherits the traditional durability and reliability of the Hilux while also being innovative in the following ways:
- Return to basics : Narrow down the equipment and focus on the features you really need
- Customizable : Designed for easy customization by the user
- Affordable : A price range that allows more people to own a pickup truck
- Compact : Size suited to Japan’s road environment
Things to keep in mind and checklist when waiting to buy
Things to check before the 2026 release
1. Wait for details of the Japanese model to be announced
- Safety equipment (airbags, collision avoidance support systems, etc.)
- Compliance with environmental standards
- Will Japan add its own equipment?
2. Official price announcement
- Based on the Thai price, it is expected to be around 2 million yen, but this may change when it is introduced in Japan.
3. Check the dealer network
- Sales store
- After-sales service system
- Parts supply system
4. Wait for the test drive car to arrive
- Check the actual ride comfort and driving sensation
- Check the usability of the loading platform
Preparations to be made now
1. Clarification of use
- List specifically what you will use it for
- Imagine the required bodywork
2. Securing a budget
- Vehicle price + bodywork costs assumed
- Calculate running costs such as taxes and insurance premiums
3. Comparison with the current model
- Test drive of the current Hilux
- Check out competitors’ pickup trucks too
4. Information Collection
- Check the official Toyota website
- Check the latest information on social media and automotive media
Comparison with competing models
Domestic pickup truck market
There are only a limited number of pickup trucks in the Japanese market, but the following are some competitors:
Toyota Hilux
- Price: From 4.07 million yen
- Features: 4WD, double cab, high off-road capability
Isuzu D-MAX
- Price: Approximately 4 million yen (overseas price reference)
- Features: 3.0L turbo diesel, high towing capacity
Mitsubishi Triton
- Price: 4 million yen range (estimated)
- Features: 4WD, advanced safety equipment
Mazda BT-50 (overseas model)
- Price: TBD
- Features: Isuzu D-MAX OEM, sophisticated design
The new Hilux Champ is overwhelmingly cheaper than these competing models, offering excellent cost performance as a commercial vehicle.
Summary: Should you wait for the new Hilux Champ?
Someone to wait for
✅I want a compact and easy-to-handle pickup truck✅
Two -seater is enough (single cab is OK)
✅Rear -wheel drive is fine (mainly for use on paved roads)
✅Cost performance is the top priority
✅Want to customize it to my liking
✅Mainly for commercial use
People who shouldn’t wait (should choose the current Hilux)
❌ Need to seat 5 people
❌ 4WD is essential
❌ Off-road performance is important
❌ High traction is required
❌ Want ample amenities
❌ Need a car immediately
Final decision point
The new Hilux Champ is a very attractive option for those who value practicality, cost performance, and customizability . With about a year and a half until its release in 2026, you can use that time to clarify your intended use and consider the necessary bodywork.
On the other hand, if you are planning to use it with your family or for hard use that requires 4WD, it would be wise to consider the current Hilux or other competing models.
In any case, we recommend waiting for the official announcement in 2026 and checking the details and price of the Japanese model before making a final decision.
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