What year is the 8th gen Hilux?
The 8th generation Hilux made its public debut in 2015, with the majority of markets adopting it as the 2016 model year.
Debut year and global rollout
The 8th generation Toyota Hilux was unveiled in 2015, signaling a major redesign that included a new platform and enhanced capabilities. The official reveal took place at the Bangkok International Motor Show, and initial shipments went to select markets as the production shifted to the new IMV-2 architecture. A broader, market-by-market rollout followed in the years after, varying from region to region.
The following timeline highlights when the 8th generation Hilux appeared in key markets and the major update milestones.
- 2015: Global reveal at the Bangkok International Motor Show and first shipments to Thailand; production begins on the new IMV-2 platform.
- 2016: Wider rollout to major markets, including Australia, Europe (where available), the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
- 2018–2019: Mid-cycle refresh bringing styling updates, improved interior tech, and enhanced safety features across many markets.
This rollout varied by region, but the 8th generation established Toyota's midsize pickup as a global model through the second half of the decade.
Notable engineering and design shifts
Platform and powertrains
The Hilux advanced to the IMV-2 platform, delivering stronger body construction and improved chassis dynamics. Engine lineups typically included turbo-diesel options in the 2.4–2.8-liter range, with multiple transmission choices depending on market.
Design and features
Exterior styling adopted a tougher, more modern look, while interiors gained higher-quality materials, better infotainment options, and more advanced driver assistance features in later updates.
Lifecycle context and next generation
As the 8th generation matured, Toyota continued to refresh the lineup with mid-cycle updates. The next generation began appearing in various markets in the early 2020s, though timing and availability varied by region.
Summary
The 8th generation Hilux first appeared in 2015 and was rolled out as the 2016 model year in most regions, marking a major leap in design, off-road capability, and technology. Its lifecycle included mid-cycle updates through the late 2010s, with the next generation arriving at different times around the world.
