Toyota Hilux in the UAE: Engines, Prices and What Has Changed for 2027

Abu Dhabi: There are not many vehicle segments that are as closely integrated into the UAE’s working life and outdoor culture as pickup trucks. These workhorses serve purposes as diverse as construction sites and farms, desert camps and weekend off-road trips. Pickups serve a real purpose that goes well beyond carrying cargo. They need to handle demanding conditions, carry heavy loads, and remain dependable over years of use. That combination has made durability, capability, and long-term reliability key considerations for buyers.

One name that always comes to mind in this context is the Toyota Hilux. This pickup has earned its place in this market, particularly given its demanding weather conditions, over several decades. First introduced globally in 1968, it became part of Toyota’s Middle East lineup early in its life, building a reputation as a dependable workhorse.

Its appeal extends from businesses that need a practical tool to private owners who want a vehicle capable of handling the desert and everyday driving. The Hilux’s long presence, functional utility, and reputation for toughness have helped make it one of the region’s best-known pickups.

But, like everything else in the market, this segment is changing. Buyers increasingly expect greater comfort, better technology, and the versatility to use a pickup during the working week and for family or leisure trips at the weekend. The new Hilux comes against that backdrop, retaining the nameplate’s established strengths while bringing a significant change for UAE buyers: the return of a diesel engine to a model whose 2026 local lineup was petrol-only.

2026 vs. 2027

Right now, buyers can find listings for both model-year pickups.

Detail	2026 Hilux	2027 Hilux
2.7L petrol, starting price	AED 115,900, Double Cab 4x4 AT GL	AED 120,900, Double Cab 4x4 AT GL
2.8L diesel	Not offered	DLS from AED 126,900
Top 2.8L variant	Not offered	Overland, AED 164,900
4.0L V6 petrol	Adventure, AED 155,900	Not yet listed
Diesel power	None	201 hp

The new diesel

One significant change in the Hilux lineup is the arrival of the 2.8L turbo-diesel engine that makes 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. While the current petrol variants are available in multiple configurations, the diesel options now make it more interesting for several buyers. Why does diesel matter? The simple answer is torque, which is the pulling force. It helps when you tow a trailer, carry a heavy load, or climb a soft dune near Liwa. Diesel trucks also tend to use less fuel than comparable petrol ones. For work users and long-distance drivers, that adds up.

Three engines

Toyota UAE lists different engines across its 2026 and 2027 Hilux pages. Here is how they compare.

Engine	Power	Torque	Gearbox	Drive
2.7L petrol, 4 cylinders	164 hp	245 Nm	6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual, depending on the variant	4x4
2.8L turbo diesel, 4 cylinders	201 hp	500 Nm	6-speed automatic	4x4
4.0L petrol V6	235 hp	376 Nm	6-speed automatic	4x4

What is still petrol?

The 2.7L petrol stay, and remains a popular choice among buyers as well. It is actually the mainstay of the brand. It has 164 hp and 245 Nm. This is the engine many UAE fleets and farm users know, and it costs less than the diesel, starting at AED 120,900 for the Double Cab automatic.

The 4.0L V6 may feel like the odd one out; it offers 235 hp in the 2026 Adventure at AED 155,900. For the 2027 model, its price and availability are unknown. If you want the V6, ask a Toyota showroom directly.

Inside and off-road

The Hilux has always been admired for its durability and practicality. That core DNA continues even today; Toyota has largely retained its core appeal. To appeal to more modern customers and cater to changing needs and preferences, Toyota has added new features in the cockpit.

The 2027 Hilux gets:

• 17-inch steel wheels with body stripes on the listed diesel DLS.
• LED headlamps on listed grades.
• An 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the DLS diesel.
• Smart entry and push-button start on higher variants.
• A panoramic view monitor on better-equipped versions, which shows a bird’s-eye view around the truck. This helps in tight Karama parking lots and on narrow site roads.
• Vehicle Stability Control and an Emergency Call System.

The new Hilux brings updated technology and safety features in other markets. Some features have also been upgraded, including a 12.3-inch screen, which is confirmed for the new Japanese model and shown for Saudi Arabia.

Interestingly, the Saudi-market 4WD Hilux models also carry Multi-Terrain Select with six modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock, and Deep Snow. The sand mode is the one UAE drivers will care about.

Pick your Hilux

• Daily city use, low budget: The 2.7L petrol, as it costs less than the diesel and uses an engine, the UAE buyers already know.
• Towing, heavy loads, and long drives: The 2.8L diesel and its torque are the main reasons.
• If you want more power and petrol V6: The 4.0L, once Toyota UAE confirms its price and availability for 2027.
• Those looking for the most fully equipped pickup: Go for the 2.8L Overland. Get the full spec list first.

The final word

The Toyota Hilux is a tried-and-tested pickup in the UAE. This is what makes it popular here, and its timeless appeal continues even today. For most pickup buyers, the diesel is the real news.

It gives the Hilux a pulling-power and fuel-efficiency option it did not have in the 2026 local lineup. If you tow, carry loads, or drive long distances, test the 2.8L first.

If you want a simple petrol truck, the 2.7L is still there. If you want the V6, check with Toyota about its availability. No matter what you choose, decades of experience are behind the Hilux.

Also Read: Which Chinese Pickup Truck Actually Makes Sense in the UAE?