Toyota locks-in futuristic electric HiLux and LandCruiser EV for 2026 debut in Europe, but will battery-powered ute and rugged SUV make in Down Under?
Toyota has teased what’s hotly tipped to be an all-new battery-electric dual-cab Toyota ute and what looks like an all-electric LandCruiser SUV and confirmed both will be on sale before the end of next year.
The catch? For now, the much-rumoured HiLux EV and rugged 4×4 are only confirmed for a European launch.
But if green lit for our market both could land in Australian dealerships in 2027.
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Both the HiLux and LandCruiser nameplates have yet to be officially confirmed for both models that have only been teased by a simple line drawing of their silhouettes.
They suggest the ute will be based on the stylish 2023 EPU pick-up concept that was shown at the Tokyo mobility show.
The larger SUV, meanwhile, looks identical to the 2023 all-electric LandCruiser Se concept that was also revealed in Japan’s capital.
Confusingly, a HiLux is already in development, but that ute is based on the current model and is catering to South-East Asian markets.
The new ute and large SUV, as well as a third mystery SUV, were all revealed as part of a Toyota Europe plans that promises it will have introduced six new EVs to Europe by the end of 2026.
The other three electric cars include the previously unveiled Urban Cruiser, a facelifted bZ4X and the all-new C-HR+ small SUV.
When it comes to names Toyota Europe will abandon its confusing bZ strategy. Instead, the dual-cab ute and large SUV will both employ badges that conform to a “traditional naming strategy to make them familiar and instantly recognisable to customers”.
That hints heavily that the large SUV will be called the LandCruiser, while the dual-cab ute will sport HiLux badging.
Toyota Australia has yet to comment on either of the new teases but is expected to eventually confirm both new EVs for our market.
Back in 2023 Toyota sales and marketing boss, Sean Hanley, declared that the Japanese brand’s local outfit would put its hand up for both.
He said the production version of the LandCruiser Se stood an ‘”extremely good” chance of being sold in Australia.
It’s less clear if the EPA-concept-based ute will automatically be approved for Australia as well.
Like the original LandCruiser Se concept it is based on a car-like monocoque, instead of a heavy-duty ladder-frame.
That means when it arrives the electric Toyota ute is likely to trail inbound electric versions of traditional utes like the Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger when it relates to payload and towing might.
Back at the Tokyo show in 2023 the EPU ute measured in at 5070mm long, 1910mm wide and stood 1710mm tall, making it the same size as smaller utes like the Ford Maverick sold in the US market.
However, the Toyota’s 3350mm wheelbase was much longer.
For production expect the yoke-style steering wheel to be dropped, although the shelf-like dashboard design and large panoramic dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument cluster should carry over.
The LandCruiser Se concept, meanwhile, was 5150mm long, 1990mm wide, 1705mm tall and featured a 3050mm wheelbase, making it 135mm longer than a LandCruiser 300.
The se was around the same width as the 300, but 245mm lower and offered a 200mm longer wheelbase.
Also based on a car-like monocoque, the LandCruiser Se is primed to be the best-driving and riding SUV ever to carry the famed nameplate. It would a sophisticated suspension set-up that should ensure it’s still capable off-road.
Expect to see a lot more of the Euro-focused ute and SUV in the build-up to both cars’ 2026 reveal and an official announcement their fate Down Under shortly.
