Toyota Hilux Travo: New Generation Model Trademarked for Thailand; Global Markets May Avoid Suffix Pickup trucks have been a foundation block in automotive markets such as North America, ASEAN, and Australia which refers to them as the “Utes” However, the popularity of pickup trucks hasn’t really translated well in India, with high price tags proving as a huge deterrent for most possible customers. Nonetheless, with the exception of Toyota and Isuzu, pickup trucks as private vehicles are still only offered by these two manufacturers.

Due to this, among them, the Toyota Hilux has been on the top in the race of pickup truck sales, and the next-generation model of the maker’s flagbearer is sure to bring some updates. Toyota has until now been relatively quite in Thailand, but when it comes to name registering, they have recently trademarked the name Hilux Travo which is speculated to be an updated model of Hilux The name is widely speculated to announce a new generation of this blockbuster pickup truck, though it may only be a new trim or special edition. The growth in suffixes attached to each generation of Hilux in Thailand lends credence to the notion of a new-gen model. For reference, Thailand also calls previous generations of the Hilux names such as Hilux Revo (8th Gen), Hilux Vigo (7th Gen), Hilux Tiger (6th Gen) etc.

What Is the Meaning Behind Toyota Hilux Travo Name?

Recently, trademark papers for Hilux Travo were filed in Thailand and this has excited many pickup truck users in markets where Hilux is sold. The name “Travo” offers insight into the future of the vehicle, though speculation suggests the new-gen Hilux may not change too dramatically. It seems that Toyota has been using unique suffixes to designate each new iteration of the Hilux in Thailand, and this likely means that the Travo name will be reserved for the 9th-gen model.

The Hilux Travo may be a revised generation of the existing Hilux, keen on benefiting design, features and performance. But the changes might not be as groundbreaking as one would hope; the next model will probably keep the ongoing platform with advancements in design and tech.

What Are the Upgrades on the 9th-Gen Toyota Hilux Travo?

The 9th gen Toyota Hilux, will be known as Hilux Travo in Thailand, is anticipated to borrow heavily from the 8th-gen model, retaining its ladder-frame architecture. However, the new Hilux is expected to come with a fresh design inside and out. Expect the front fascia to be refreshed along with the addition of new sheet metal as well as an upgraded interior to bring the cabin drafted in line with Toyota’s mainstream design language that has been criticized for being outdated in models such as the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova Crysta.

The Hilux Travo will most likely get the muscular 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine found under the hood of the 8th-gen model. But it may gain a mild-hybrid system, which could improve efficiency and performance. In manual form, this mill is likely to generate close to 201 bhp and 420 Nm of torque and 500 Nm of torque in its automatic variant. A standard 4×4 transfer case and rear limited-slip differential will help ensure strong off-road capability across the family.

Rivals and Competition

The global pickup market is already crowded and the new Toyota Hilux Travo will have to compete against some well-established rivals. It’ll compete with models like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton, and Mazda BT-50 in Thailand and other Southeast Asian markets. Against these, the VW Amarok, Kia Tasman, BYD Shark and even the Maxus Territory (MG Gloster Pickup} are global competitors.

Pricing and Market Launch Toyota Hilux Travo

Pricing The new generation Toyota Hilux Travo is expected to come at a minor premium compared to the current pricing of the one, with the recent introduction of models from Toyota like the Fortuner and Innova Crysta also witnessing the premium pricing strategy. We are not sure if markets like India would get the Travo suffix, but this new model is said to cost more than its predecessor; again due to added features and technology.

Expect international sales to take place in 2025 but will be staggered across a number of markets on a worldwide level.