While Thailand gets the Toyota Hilux Travo name, global markets including Australia and India are less likely to get this suffix
Pickup trucks are the cornerstone in automotive markets like North America, ASEAN and Australia (commonly called Utes). In India, however, appeal of a pickup truck has never caught on and the high price tags sour the deal further. That said, Toyota and Isuzu are the only brands to launch pickup trucks for the private segment.
Leader in pickup truck sales within PV substrata is Toyota Hilux, which is expected to get a new generation. Toyota has trademarked a new name in Thailand. Called Toyota Hilux Travo, it hints at the possibility of a new gen model. Implications of these could also make their way to other platform partners like Fortuner SUV and Innova Crysta MPV.
Toyota Hilux Travo Trademarked
In Thailand, Toyota has trademarked a new name – Hilux Travo. This has sparked quite a lot of interest among pickup truck enthusiasts in markets where Hilux is popular. Speculations suggest that there won’t be a lot of changes with this ‘New Gen’ model. So, we can expect it to be a thoroughly updated version of current Hilux.
One can argue that Hilux Travo registered with Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Properties, (DIP), might just be a new trim level in its lineup or a new edition. However, there is credibility to these speculations which suggest a new gen model. That’s because Toyota has sold each generation of this pickup truck in Thailand with a unique suffix beside Hilux tag.
For example, current 8th Gen Toyota Hilux was launched in Thailand as Hilux Revo. 7th Gen model as Hilux Vigo, 6th Gen model as Hilux Tiger, 5th Gen model as Hilux Mighty-X, 4th Gen mode as Hilux Hercules, 3rd Gen model as Hilux Super Star and so on. You get the point. When Toyota trademarks a new Suffix beside Hilux name in Thailand, it is a big deal, hinting a new generation.
What to expect?
9th Gen Toyota Hilux is speculated to be a thoroughly updated version of current model. While it will be called Hilux Travo in Thailand, global markets including India will omit Travo suffix. There’s a good probability of it being positioned on the same ladder-frame chassis as current 8th Gen model along with powertrain options.
So, the 2.8L turbo-diesel mill with 48V mild-hybrid system is likely, generating 201 bhp of peak power. There’s 420 Nm of peak torque with manual and 500 Nm of peak torque with torque converter automatic. 4X4 transfer case with rear limited slip differential will come as standard.
We can expect a new fascia with Toyota Hilux Travo along with new sheet metal everywhere. Considering just how dated the interior of Hilux, Fortuner and Innova Crysta trio is, we hope there is a massive overhaul on the inside. Globally, Toyota Hilux Travo will rival Kia Tasman, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, VW Amarok, Mazda BT-50, BYD Shark and even Maxus Territory (MG Gloster Pickup).
Where pricing is concerned, we can expect a bump in sticker price. In India, prices of new generation of Hilux, Fortuner and Innova Crysta may command a hefty premium, in sync with Toyota’s current pricing strategies. Global debut might happen in 2025.
