2026 Toyota Hilux vs 2027 Toyota Hilux: What Has Changed?

Saudi Arabia: The 2027 Toyota Hilux carries the same core mechanical DNA as the 2026 model, but Toyota has made real changes to the engine lineup, trim structure, and off-road technology. The most significant shift is the disappearance of the 2.4L diesel engine, paired with a leaner, 4x4-focused grade structure and new terrain-specific driving modes. Other than that, both model years share the same ultra-reliable, high-torque 2.8L turbo-diesel powertrain and rugged ladder-frame platform. Here is what Toyota has changed in the new 2027 Toyota Hilux, from under-the-hood tech stability to major over-the-air software updates and upgraded cabin tech.

Quick facts:

• 2027 adds Multi-Terrain Select with 6 off-road modes
• 2027's Single and Double Cab petrol lineups drop 4x2 configurations entirely, offering 4x4 only

Engine Lineup

The engine in the new-gen Hilux brings Genuine Change, making it the most substantial mechanical change between the two generations. The 2026 diesel lineup splits across two displacements, a 2.4L unit (147 hp) used on GL and GL2 grades, and a 2.8L unit (201 hp) used on higher SGLX grades. In the 2027 lineup, the 2.4L diesel disappears entirely, every diesel grade, GL through SGLX, now runs the 2.8L engine.

Engine	Available in 2026	Available in 2027
2.7L Petrol (164 hp)	Yes, across GL/GLX/SGLX petrol grades	Yes, across GL/SGLX petrol grades
2.4L Turbo Diesel (147 hp)	Yes, on GL and GL2 diesel grades	Not offered on any grade
2.8L Turbo Diesel (201 hp)	Yes, on select SGLX diesel grades only	Yes, across all diesel grades (GL, GLX, SGLX)
4.0L V6 Petrol (235 hp)	Yes, on Adventure, GR-S, and GR-S Rally Edition	Yes, on DC Premium

2027 vs 2026 Hilux Trim Lineup Comparison 

The 2027 Hilux lineup is noticeably leaner, with only 10 models: Gas (4), Diesel (6) across both single and double cab trims. In the previous generation, it was Gas (7), Diesel (4) in the double cab and Gas (2), Diesel (6) in single cab. 

Single Cab:

• 2026 offers 8 grade combinations, including 4x2 petrol and 4x2 diesel options, plus a "Deckless" diesel variant
• 2027 offers only 3 grade combinations, all 4x4: petrol 2.7L MT, diesel 2.8L MT, and diesel 2.8L AT
• 4x2 configurations and the 2.4L diesel are absent from the 2027 Single Cab range entirely

Double Cab, petrol:

• 2026 offers 4x2 automatic and manual variants (GLX1, GLX2) alongside 4x4 SGLX grades and three separate V6 trims (Adventure, GR-S, GR-S Rally Edition)
• 2027 lists only two petrol trims below the V6: DC-GL 4x4 MT and DC-SGLX 4x4 AT, both 4x4 only, plus a single DC-Premium 4.0L V6 grade
• The Adventure, GR-S, and GR-S Rally Edition names don't appear in the current 2027 grade listing, replaced by the single "Premium" V6 trim shown so far

Double Cab, diesel:

• 2026 diesel grades are named GL, GL2, and SGLX, split across 2.4L and 2.8L engines
• 2027 diesel grades are named GL, GLX, and SGLX, all running the 2.8L engine

New Technology and Off-Road Features

Toyota's 2027 models feature the following:

• Multi-Terrain Select: 6 selectable off-road modes, AUTO, DIRT, SAND, MUD, ROCK, and DEEP SNOW, designed to provide tailored driving assistance. The 2026 lineup only has a simpler Eco/Power drive mode switch, with no equivalent terrain-specific system mentioned.
• Deck Side Step: In the 2027 model, it makes it easier to access the side load

What Hasn't Changed

• Core 4WD hardware: both generations use a part-time transfer system with a dial switch for 2WD/4WD shifting, plus High/Low range gearing
• A-TRC (Active Traction Control) and Hill-Start Assist Control remain standard off-road aids across both generations
• VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) continues unchanged
• Where engines carry over (2.7L petrol, 2.8L diesel, 4.0L V6), their horsepower and torque figures are identical between the two model years
• Toyota's 3-year or 100,000 km manufacturing defect warranty terms continue on both generations, per the 2026 full spec pages

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Hilux represents an evolution of the 2026 model rather than a ground-up redesign. The clearest mechanical change is the disappearance of the 2.4L diesel engine and the arrival of a new 2.8L-only diesel lineup. Now there are only 4x4-only configurations across Single Cab and Double Cab petrol grades. On the technology side, off-road capability also gets more upgrades. Now it comes with Multi-Terrain Select, adding six terrain-specific driving modes. At the same time, key hardware and systems such as the part-time 4WD setup, A-TRC, Hill-Start Assist Control and VSC continue to carry over. Overall, the 2027 Hilux keeps the familiar mechanical foundation of its predecessor while simplifying the engine and grade lineup and adding new off-road and cabin-focused technology.

Also Read: 2027 Toyota Hilux Variants Compared: Which Trim Should You Choose?