Testing the Latest Generation Toyota Hilux Double Cabin 'Cyber Sumo'

PT Toyota Astra Motor introduced the latest generation Hilux, available in single and double cabin configurations across E, G, and V grades, along with a double cabin AWD Battery EV (BEV) variant, at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026. The launch of the ninth-generation Hilux reinforces Toyota’s position in the Indonesian 4x4 pick-up segment, where it recorded a 70 percent market share in the first half of 2026. Marketing Director Hiroyuki Oide stated that the New Hilux continues a long journey of a model trusted in over 190 countries and regions since 1968, leveraging its DNA of Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR) to maintain market leadership. The name Hilux, a portmanteau of ‘High’ and ‘Luxury’, reflects a blend of function and lifestyle, and the model has been known in Indonesia since 2006 alongside the Innova and Fortuna, succeeding the Toyota Kijang as a commercial pick-up since 1977.

A test drive of the New Hilux Double Cabin V revealed a vehicle developed with a focus on quality, toughness, and reliability, measuring 5,320 mm long, 1,885 mm wide, and 1,815 mm high with a 3,085 mm wheelbase. The exterior adopts a ‘Cyber Sumo’ design theme, appearing futuristic, modern, sturdy, and tough like a Japanese sumo wrestler, conveying a fighting mode that is solid and stable yet sporty and sophisticated. This is achieved through slim LED headlamps and a bolder Toyota badge. The side profile features squared-off fenders and overfenders, replacing the rounded shapes of the previous generation, which help contain water and mud splashes for safer driving. The cargo bed also adopts a boxier look, and the tailgate on the tested variant opens with a smoother action.

Driving on an off-road route in Tangerang, the Hilux’s 312 mm ground clearance provided a pleasant and confident experience, easily navigating obstacles without fear of underbody contact. The new 18-inch alloy wheel design appears luxurious and elegant, though some may find it too upmarket for challenging off-road use; the tyres and wheels can be customised according to individual needs. The tested variant includes fog lamps. Inside, the cabin features a 12.3-inch head unit with smartphone connectivity, a 12-inch multi-information display, dual-zone automatic climate control, four drive modes, a wireless charger, Type-C ports, and an electric parking brake. The centre console offers multiple storage compartments for a tidier, more functional layout, while the flat, gently sloping dashboard provides extra legroom and a spacious feel. The expansive glass area and flat dashboard design ensure excellent visibility and a clear view of the road.

Both front and rear passengers benefit from a wider cabin, offering ample legroom and headroom, a hallmark of double cabin vehicles. The 2.8-litre 4WD engine delivers 500 Nm of torque, enabling the vehicle to easily tackle challenging, sandy, uphill, and winding routes. Safety is enhanced with features including Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Emergency Brake Signal, and seven airbags for the V grade. Hill Start Assist maintains control on steep descents without the driver needing to press the brake pedal. A new Terrain Select Mode, typically found on premium Toyota SUVs, is available on the New Hilux 2.8 4x4 Type V and the AWD BEV variant, offering settings for mogul, mud, sand, rock, dirt, and an auto mode that reads the surface and adjusts accordingly. The ninth-generation Hilux is a compelling choice for business users and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts alike.