Refreshed Toyota Hilux to gain more powerful 2,8-litre engine – report

A fresh report out of Australia claims the Toyota Hilux will be facelifted towards the middle of 2020, with its 2,8-litre turbodiesel engine set to receive a power hike.

According to CarAdvice, the bakkie’s mid-cycle update will include “added creature comforts” such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a power hike for the four-cylinder oil-burner that currently generates 130 kW (plus 420 N.m in manual guise or 450 N.m in automatic form).

Citing “limited information” from dealer sources Down Under, the publication furthermore suggests the updated Hilux will feature a “tougher front-end appearance” and “mild revisions” to its cabin, including an upgraded infotainment system.

As the report points out, a recent rumour out of Japan suggested the upcoming Land Cruiser 300 would employ a version of Toyota’s 2,8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel, so it makes sense this powerplant – which is also employed by the Fortuner, Quantum and (in some markets) Prado – could be in line for a power hike.

A report from February 2020 claimed the eighth-generation Hilux would receive a facelift in the “near future”, with the arrival of the next-generation model set down for 2023.

The Hilux, of course, is produced at Toyota South Africa Motors’ Prospecton plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and holds the title of the country’s best-selling vehicle (and best-selling double-cab). An upgraded version of the bakkie hit the local market in May 2018 in the form of the limited-edition Dakar, before the updated face was rolled out to other derivatives.