- Toyota has filed the Hilux Travo trademark with Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property.
- The Travo suffix will most likely be used for the brand’s upcoming next-gen pickup truck.
- The redesigned model is widely expected to make its global debut sometime in 2025.
In many markets outside North America, the Toyota Hilux has cemented itself as one of the most popular choices in the pickup segment. Over decades, it has earned a reputation for rugged reliability and versatility. However, even icons need a refresh, and the current generation Hilux is starting to show its age. Toyota’s recent trademark of the name “Hilux Travo” suggests the next generation of this midsize truck may soon be on the horizon.
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The Hilux Travo trademark was filed on December 23, 2024, with Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). Naturally, this has stirred speculation among local media that the “Travo” name will serve as a suffix for the ninth-generation model in the region, following the example set by the eighth-gen Hilux Revo and the seventh-gen Hilux Vigo. However, in most other markets, the truck is simply known by its first name, the Hilux. No extra frills, just the truck people know and trust.
A New Generation in the Works
Toyota has been tight lipped about the debut of the next generation Hilux, but all signs point to an arrival as early as 2025. Underneath, the new model is expected to ride on an upgraded version of its tried-and-true ladder-frame platform. As for looks, you can count on a full exterior redesign that will (hopefully) bring it up to speed with its modern rivals, alongside a revamped interior featuring improved materials, updated tech, and a boost in overall quality.
As for powertrains, it’s likely the new Hilux will stick with the mild-hybrid 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel already available in the outgoing model, alongside non-electrified gasoline and diesel options. Additionally, Toyota has showcased prototypes with fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains and has officially confirmed that a Hilux EV will go into production in Thailand by the end of 2025, most likely based on the next-generation model.
The current Hilux generation has been with us since 2015, staying relevant through a series of updates in 2017, 2020, and as recently as 2024. The latest update added a redesigned nose with a sculpted bumper and a modern grille, but the rest of the bodywork and the interior can’t hide their age – especially when compared to newer rivals.
Speaking of competitors, the Hilux is up against some serious heavyweights. The Ford Ranger, which debuted in 2021, is set to receive a mid-cycle update in 2025, keeping it fresh and highly competitive. Other regional rivals include the Mitsubishi L200/Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, VW Amarok, the newly introduced Kia Tasman, and an ever-growing army of Chinese contenders like the GWM Cannon Ute and the BYD Shark. It’s clear that Toyota needs to bring its A-game with the next Hilux if it wants to maintain its spot at the top.
H/T to Headlightmag