The new Hilux, which began its journey a step ahead of the rest. A unit has arrived from New Zealand.

In the mountains of New Zealand.

A Hilux is parked in a grassy field where morning mist drifts.

On top of its bed, a FELDON SHELTER rooftop tent is open.

The place where it stops becomes its bedroom.

This vehicle was newly built by Overland NZ (@overlandnz), which shares information on 4WDs, camping, gear, and routes while traveling across New Zealand.

The new Hilux, just released in Japan, is already embarking on its next journey in New Zealand.

This time, through Overland NZ's new vehicle, we will look at what has changed from the previous model, the differences in specifications between Japan and New Zealand, and how vehicles are built for travel.

New Zealand: A Sacred Place for Road Trips

For those familiar with FELDON SHELTER, this might be a familiar story.

New Zealand's population is approximately 5.3 million.

There are about 23.6 million sheep.

Even now, sheep far outnumber people.

When you leave the cities and drive, mountains, forests, grasslands, and coastlines appear one after another.

If you turn off a paved road, a gravel road continues ahead.

Even if it's shrouded in mist in the morning, the sun will eventually break through, and the scenery will change again a little further on.

There are places to drive, places to stop, and the face of nature changes within short distances.

There is a reason why overlanding is deeply rooted in this country.

Overland NZ began as a travelogue.

The concept for Overland NZ was born during a long drive back to Wellington from Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand.

At the time, there was very little information specifically about overlanding within New Zealand.

Overland NZ began its activities in early 2018, driven by the desire to provide information that would encourage people to explore the country more through the landscapes they had seen and the roads they had driven.

Photos, videos, travel logs, vehicle builds, and gear usage.

Instead of just showcasing products, they conveyed how tools are used in actual travel.

This new Hilux is not just a demo car for display.

It's a new rig built to head to the next destination.

From the previous generation to the new model. Not just a change in appearance

The new Hilux has also been released in Japan.

The significantly changed front mask might be the first thing that catches the eye.

However, when viewed as a travel tool, the internal changes are more interesting.

Maximum output has increased by 54PS.

Maximum torque has increased by 100Nm.

Considering this as a vehicle that travels long distances carrying a rooftop tent, canopy, and camping gear, this difference is not insignificant.

When cruising on the highway.

When climbing a hill.

When leaving paved roads and entering gravel.

Even with cargo loaded, there's more leeway for effortless driving.

The rear brakes have also changed from the previous model's drum type to disc type.

This isn't simply a matter of "stronger brakes."

Drum brakes have the advantage of achieving strong braking force with less effort.

On the other hand, disc brakes expose the rotor to the outside air, making it easier to dissipate heat generated during braking.

Especially on long descents or when repeatedly braking with a loaded vehicle, heat buildup is reduced, and a stable feel is maintained.

Furthermore, the new model has revised the rigidity balance of the ladder frame, floor panel, suspension, and steering.

36 additional spot welds have been added to the floor panel.

The adoption of electric power steering also aims to improve maneuverability at low speeds and reduce unwanted vibrations transmitted from the road surface during off-road driving.

While retaining the unchanging Hilux identity, it has evolved into a vehicle that accumulates leeway and comfort for going further.

Even the new Hilux differs slightly between Japan and New Zealand.

The vehicle in the photo is not the Japanese-spec Hilux.

It's the New Zealand-spec 2026 Toyota Hilux SR5 that Overland NZ chose.

In Japan, the new Hilux is limited to two types: Z and Z “Adventure.”

In New Zealand, however, a total of 12 specifications are available for diesel and 48V mild hybrid diesel models alone.

2WD and 4WD.

Manual and automatic.

Regular diesel and 48V mild hybrid diesel.

Single cab, extra cab, double cab.

In addition to models with a bed, cab chassis are also available for customization to suit specific uses.

Transporting tools on farms or construction sites.

Loading cargo and towing trailers.

Using it for daily commutes on weekdays and heading out for adventures with family and friends on weekends.

In New Zealand, the Hilux is not just a work vehicle or just a recreational vehicle.

It is, in fact, a versatile vehicle that covers a wide range of uses from leisure to work.

That's why options tailored to the user's lifestyle are necessary.

Furthermore, New Zealand has also added a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) version of the Hilux.

How much will a vehicle that has long been used as a work tool change with electrification?

I'd like to introduce this story in another article.

Overland NZ chose the SR5 Mild Hybrid.

The SR5 chosen by Overland NZ combines a 2.8L turbo mild-hybrid diesel engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

It has a maximum output of 150kW and a maximum torque of 500Nm.

It is equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system, which is not available in the Japanese specification.

Energy recovered during deceleration is stored in the battery, and the motor generator assists acceleration when starting.

Instead of the top-of-the-line Adventure, they chose the SR5 with cloth seats and added the necessary equipment for their travels.

Kenda Klever RT tires and Alpha Brawler wheels are installed.

On the bed, there's an Artemis canopy and roof rack made by New Zealand's M2 Overland.

Mounted on top of that is FELDON SHELTER's HAWK'S NEST V2 STANDARD Green.

This is not a vehicle built simply to showcase a fully equipped, high-end grade.

Where will it be used, what will it carry, and where will it sleep?

It is a foundation for travel, built by working backward from those objectives.

Even with a new vehicle, the journey continues with FELDON SHELTER.

This isn't Overland NZ's first time using FELDON SHELTER.

Their previous 2013 Hilux also had a FELDON SHELTER CROW'S NEST EXTENDED mounted on it.

After a journey with a Fortuner, they returned to a Hilux.

For the new vehicle, the HAWK'S NEST V2 STANDARD Green was chosen.

The HAWK'S NEST V2 is a rooftop tent conceived in New Zealand and designed for use in the local environment.

Full aluminum shell.

Marine-grade 316 stainless steel components.

It can be deployed in under 30 seconds by simply opening the latches.

Sun, rain, salt, sand, snow.

Materials and construction have been chosen with repeated use in changing environments in mind.

Japanese-made YKK zippers are also used in the details.

It's a tool conceived in New Zealand, incorporating Japanese craftsmanship, and used in the local landscape.

This might be one reason why, despite being a brand from a faraway country, it feels somewhat familiar.

Even when the vehicle changes, there are tools that continue to be used on journeys.

This build isn't just about adding new products.

It's an extension of the experience gained from driving across New Zealand.

Before adding equipment, consider the scenery you'll use it in.

Building a car for travel isn't just about adding more equipment.

The conditions to consider for a vehicle driving on the wide roads of New Zealand are slightly different from those for a vehicle used daily in Japan.

Where to store luggage.

Where to distribute the weight.

Will it fit into the height of your usual parking space?

It should connect seamlessly not only to your travels but also to your everyday life.

That is also an important condition for creating a vehicle that can be used for a long time.

Where to sleep

What travel in New Zealand teaches us is the joy of imagining where we want to go, even before thinking about adding equipment.

The new Hilux might be that vehicle.

Mounting a rooftop tent on your current car might be the first step.

Misty mornings in grassy fields aren't exclusive to the other side of the world.

Next, on your own map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the new Hilux models in Japan and New Zealand the same?

While the basic vehicle is common, the available specifications differ.

In Japan, there are only two types: Z and Z “Adventure,” but in New Zealand, a total of 12 specifications are available for diesel and 48V mild-hybrid diesel models alone, tailored for various uses.

The SR5 used by Overland NZ is a New Zealand-spec model equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid diesel engine.

What is the rooftop tent on Overland NZ's new Hilux?

It is the HAWK'S NEST V2 STANDARD Green from FELDON SHELTER.

It's a hard-shell rooftop tent with a full aluminum structure that can be deployed in less than 30 seconds.

About Overland NZ

Overland NZ (@overlandnz) is an overlanding media platform that provides information on 4WD, camping, routes, and equipment across New Zealand.

Their activities began in early 2018.

The concept was born during a long drive back to Wellington from Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand.

Instead of merely advertising products, they use photos, videos, and travel logs to convey how tools are useful in actual use during travel.

They also operate Overland Navigator, which allows users to search for driving routes and places to stay.

Instagram: @overlandnz
YouTube: Overland NZ TV
Website: Overland NZ