Bangkok: Thailand’s favorite workmate just got a gym membership and a software upgrade. Toyota has pulled the wraps off the all-new, ninth-generation pickup—now christened Hilux Travo and its first-ever body-on-frame electric sibling, Hilux Travo-e—under the upbeat banner “Greater Together.” Prices stretch from THB 774,000 (INR 21.22 lakh) to THB 1,491,000 (INR 40.89 lakh), keeping the country’s “national vehicle” squarely in reach of everyone from long-haul haulers to latte-run urbanites.
The premiere drew a heavyweight cast: Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries, design chief Nic Hogios of Toyota Design Australia, Thai government dignitaries led by Dr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana (Minister of Industry), and—because the front end borrows cues from the ring—legendary Yokozuna Hakuho Shō.
Built in Thailand, for Thailand (and 132 more countries)
Born from the IMV legacy that turned Thailand into Toyota’s global pickup hub in 2004, the Hilux line has since exported to 133 countries, fueled a 95% local parts ecosystem, supported 275,000+ jobs, and—no pressure—contributed roughly 3% to Thailand’s GDP annually. The Travo carries that torch, led by Thai engineers who tuned it to local roads, loads, and lifestyles. Think of it as a world truck with a Thai accent.
Design: “Cyber Sumo” face, “Robust Simplicity” cabin
Toyota’s new “Tough & Agile” design language delivers the meme-ready “Cyber Sumo” face—riffing on the Shikiri pre-bout stance—projecting Stable, Strong, Steady. Out back, sharper LED signatures and a bed made for builders and bikers. Inside, the vibe is “Robust Simplicity”: big screens, big ergonomics, small distractions. Depending on trim, you’ll find:
- 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wireless charger, deep cupholders, a real armrest (your right shoulder thanks you)
- Electric Power Steering (EPS) for lighter parking-lot twirls and steadier highway arcs
Ride & handling: the “Dynamic Cloud” you can feel
No, it doesn’t store your playlists—Dynamic Cloud is Toyota’s chassis/comfort stack: extra floor welds for rigidity, hydraulic engine mounts, shear-type body mounts, retuned suspension, and a chunkier steering shaft. Result: fewer jiggles, more giggles. On 4x4s, Multi-Terrain Select, Auto LSD, EPB with Auto Hold, and tailgate/step tricks keep weekend heroes looking pro.
Powertrains: Diesel grunt or electric hush
Hilux Travo (Diesel)
- 2.8-litre GD Super Power: 204 hp
- 500 Nm (AT) / 420 Nm (MT)
- Smarter i-ART injection (up to 250 MPa) and Stop & Start
- Up to 5.8% more efficient than the 2.4L and 7.5% better than the outgoing 2.8L
Hilux Travo-e (BEV)
- First body-on-frame Toyota BEV. Yes, a proper ladder chassis—quietly.
- Dual-motor AWD, 196 hp (144 kW) total, front 205 Nm, rear 269 Nm
- 59.2 kWh battery; up to 315 km (NEDC)
- AC 10 kW / DC 125 kW charging
- Diamond Guard under-armor: battery in a sub-frame “diamond,” reinforced plates, added impact structure
- De-Dion rear suspension to trim unsprung mass and smooth the ride
If you’re wondering whether an electric Hilux can still do Hilux things—payloads, towing, wading—the short answer from Toyota is “hai,” with a promise that the Travo-e keeps the off-road articulation and durability customers expect.
Trims & who they’re for (Toyota’s own words with a wink)
- Travo OVERLAND (2WD PRERUNNER & 4×4): “Great Explorer” – your go-anywhere partner that doesn’t flinch at muddy detours or mall speed bumps.
- Travo PRERUNNER (2WD high-lift): The urban athlete—high vantage, low stress.
- Travo 4TREX (4×4, Double/Smart Cab): “Great Urbaner” – city-smart Monday to Friday; trail-ready Saturday at 6 a.m.
- Travo STANDARD CAB 4TREX: “Great Achiever” – the accountant of pickups: carries the load, never complains.
- Travo-e Double Cab 4TREX: “Great Thinker” – silent type, big ideas, plugs in at night.
Colors: New Sulfur Metallic (Brown) and Ash (Gray) join Platinum White Pearl Mica*, Super White II**, Attitude Black Mica, and Silver Metallic.
* +THB 10,000, ** –THB 7,000
Safety: more senses than an octopus
Depending on grade, the Travo range adds Toyota Safety Sense 3 with All-Speed DRCC (with curve slowdown), Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System, Auto High Beam, plus Blind Spot Monitor, RCTA, front/rear sensors, rear camera, and up to 7 SRS airbags. Four-wheel discs on key variants bring reassuring bite; the Overland Plus gets the full guardian angel suite.
Services, insurance, and the “we’ve thought of that” file
For the Travo-e, Toyota lines up first-class Toyota CARE PHYD insurance with up to 40% renewal discounts and coverage up to 8 years, plus all-inclusive BEV maintenance and corporate-friendly KINTO lease options. For REVO loyalists, Toyota adds ADAS like Pre-Collision and Front Departure Alert at the same price, plus fresh Charismo Drift/Rock styling packages and easy-on-the-wallet campaigns.
When can you poke it?
- Nov 21–30: Nationwide showroom previews
- Thailand International Motor Expo (IMPACT Muang Thong Thani): metro showcase
- December: Full-fat 4×4 test drives at the new Toyota ALIVE performance track
The elevator pitch (in one breath)
A tougher, calmer Hilux with a swaggering “Cyber Sumo” face; Thai-tuned comfort via Dynamic Cloud; a torquey, thriftier 2.8 diesel; a landmark Travo-e electric with AWD, De-Dion finesse, and battery armor; broader safety; smarter cabins; and pricing that still makes sense. In short: the world’s favorite pickup, now speaking fluent 2025.
Greater Together? Given Thailand’s 57-year Hilux story, it’s more like Greater, Together… Again—only this time, there’s a wall socket in the plot.
