The 9th-generation Toyota Hilux is not a radical evolution of the model. The simple drivetrain is essentially the same and sits on an updated version of the traditional ladder-frame IMV platform. The renowned heavy duty suspension was modified for a wider stance, and the exterior styling got modernized. However, the biggest changes were in the interior and onboard technology.
The Hilux fleet models would be the utilitarian’s choice, whether as the default dependable cargo hauler or a high luxe (hmm) farm implement. The lower-level trims are essential parts of the Hilux’s character as a real workhorse, part of an infrastructure even.
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
The top-spec Hilux Conquest retains the reliable turbocharged diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and part-time 4x4. Manual transmission and 4x2 configurations remain staples in the model range. The interior is now posh enough to rival Land Cruisers. Not too luxurious, though, that you’d hesitate to hustle it through unpaved tracks and deep river crossings.
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PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
Standing with a wider stance over angular black overfenders, it appears wider and tougher. The vehicle’s outline is unmistakably classic Hilux, but certain design touches make it look modern. Details like the large, body-colored, elongated honeycomb pattern grille. Those slender headlight clusters and the horizontal bar between them. The C-shaped taillights, which extend to the sides of the rubber-lined tailbed. All the exterior lights are LED, including the self-leveling headlights, foglights, and taillights. The contemporary styling is appropriate since this generation has a BEV version available.
The large side mirrors are power-adjusted and power folding. To make it even more terrain-capable, this test unit has a lot of Gazoo Racing accessories installed: flappy mudguards, an aluminum skid plate and roof rack, plastic door window visors, and a fuel lid cover.
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
It gets meatier 265/50 R18 tires on blacked-out alloy wheels, which fit the bigger and deeper wheel wells. The exterior badges are blacked-out, too. The honeycomb theme is repeated on the running board checkering, on the rear fender step cutouts, faux vent covers, lower air dam shape, and even on the door window visors. This Hilux has cohesive styling throughout.
InteriorPHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
Press the keyless entry button on the door handle, step inside the cabin, and you’d get the impression of being inside a lavish SUV. The center A/C vents also mirror the honeycomb shape, with the dual-zone automatic climate controls laid out as physical buttons on its lower border. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen sits low on the dashboard for excellent visibility through the windshield. The gauge cluster screen is intuitively designed, displaying essential data and features that can be toggled with the steering wheel controls. With a glance, the driver can easily locate necessary information with its uncluttered format.
There’s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, whose interface is a big improvement over older Toyota infotainment versions. The eight-speaker system surprisingly sounded premium. And it won’t be a working man’s pickup if it didn’t have at least one 12-volt socket.
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a thin rim. The rectangular horn button/airbag is almost the same height as the control button arrays on either side, so it looks like one long horizontal bar. The center console is populated by the mode dial at the center, the nubby A/T lever under it, and the 4x4 selector. Around the 4x4 selector are buttons for the drive modes, Multi-Terrain Select, hill-descent, rear diff lock, and traction control.
The deep armrest cubby is covered with synthetic leather; in front of that is a removable two-cup holder, and buttons for the electronic parking brake and hold function. There’s a bottle holder on each of the doors, and a couple of cupholders on the dashboard under the outboard A/C vents, and another pair on the folding rear armrest.
The vegan leather seats are thickly padded, and only the front seats sport supportive bolsters. The driver’s side is eight-way power adjustable while the front passenger seat is four-way manually adjusted.
Engine performancePHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
The big and heavy hood with step boards easily opens with strut assistance. Under it is the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV diesel engine. That and the six-speed automatic have been proven reliable and easy to maintain, with global parts availability. Its familiar torque gets up to 500Nm early in the rev range, and is capable of towing up to 3,500kg or carrying over 1,000kg in payload. This is proven performance that’s suitable for commercial and recreational use.
Steep ascents through gravel roads forward or in reverse are not a problem, even with the stock Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires. Crossing rivers over a foot deep with large rocks on the riverbed didn’t seem to affect stability. This novice off-roader just toggled to 4H with the Multi-Terrain Select on Auto, and the system regulated wheelspin by adjusting the throttle and brakes automatically. With crawl control, it drives itself through whatever terrain you point the steering wheel at. The only problem was finding landscape challenging enough to require selecting the 4L setting and/or locking the rear differential.
Even while going through demanding terrain, the diesel engine had improved NVH and noticeable torque efficiency, tamed by keeping the traction control on.
Ride and handlingPHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
The double wishbone front suspension and rigid axle with leaf springs are carried over from the previous generation, with purposeful geometry changes. On paved highways, the ride was stiff and choppy as expected. Follow the recommended tire pressures, and they get better, tolerable even. At decent speeds, the Conquest corners well even on wet asphalt with not much body roll.
Without any cargo on the flatbed, it waddles on hard tarmac. Take it on any other topography, and it’s like a duck in a pond. Steering wheel kickback was appreciably absent even while going over huge river rocks. The new for this generation electronic power steering has made it more civilized to drive.
The wider track, a consequence of the new suspension geometry, provided better on-road stability and further off-road abilities.
Extra featuresPHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
The ADAS version Toyota implemented for the Conquest may not be the best, but it’s better than its previous versions. The old Toyota Safety Sense was rudimentary. This time, lane departure alert is improved, and the pre-collision braking assistance has better detection and is less intrusive. The adaptive cruise control is now controlled by a radar system with a large cockpit display.
The pickup’s safety package is complemented by blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, ABS with EBD, and a tire pressure monitoring system which includes the spare tire. The front three-point ELR seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters. While all three rear passengers get three-point seatbelts, there are also two ISOFIX child restraints on the 60/40 folding rear seats. There are seven SRS airbags—one each for the driver and passenger, one for the driver’s knee, and four side curtains.
The 360-degree, off-road camera has a low resolution, and it automatically turns on and off. It can get irritating and it would be nice to have a dedicated button to turn it on or off. If it has one, it should be easier to find. The tailgate design, though, is notable for its simplicity and robustness.
VerdictPHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
The 2026 Toyota Hilux Conquest 4x4 A/T may not have an all-new drivetrain or a transmission that’s got more than six gears, but the major changes were made where it mattered. It gets more on-road comfort and stability. The interior design with matching tech upgrades is fit for a less casual lifestyle. Those evolutions were calculated to appeal to a wider range of potential customers, yet retain the same value and charm for its loyal owners.
Even in this deluxe trim, the new Conquest is consistent with the Hilux reputation of enduring quality, ease of serviceability, and rugged versatility.
SPECS: 2027 Toyota Hilux Conquest 4x4 A/TPrice: P2,611,000
Engine: 2.8L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve DOHC Variable Nozzle Turbo with Air-cooled Intercooler
Power: 201hp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: 6-speed A/T
Layout: 4x4
Seating: 5
Score: 8.5/10
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres
PHOTO BY Raymond Figuerres