Can’t wait for the new Toyota Hilux? Give your senior $2,000

The Fortuner is the SUV counterpart of the Hilux, which explains their similar dimensions and makes such a conversion possible

Toyota is developing a new generation Hilux, and recently released spy shots of a camouflaged prototype preview the upcoming product. But one Hilux owner in Malaysia decided they couldn’t wait for the big reveal and took matters into their own hands, ordering a custom conversion to swap out the look of their old truck for something more modern.

Specifically, the front end of the truck features modifications from the Toyota Fortuner. For context, the Fortuner is a three-row SUV that shares its ladder-frame underpinnings with the Hilux. This structural overlap means that aside from the Hilux’s longer wheelbase, the two models are fairly similar in size, making this Frankenstein swap surprisingly feasible.

More: 2026 Toyota Hilux looks like a major facelift

It’s obvious from the introduction that the conversion is based on the seventh-generation Hilux, which first hit the roads in 2004 and remained in production until 2015. A car concept garage In Malaysia, the company has equipped the truck with a new front fascia. The makeover includes new bumpers, headlights, grille, hood and front fenders, all borrowed from the Fortuner.

The Fortuner’s sharper LED headlights and aggressive bumper air intakes blend well with the Hilux’s bodywork, although some elements tend to be more ‘aftermarket’. The same goes for the vented carbon fiber hood and wheels on this particular example, which appear to have been lowered for a sportier stance.

Photo: Azwan Ali/Facebook

The upgrades don’t stop at the front, though. The rear of this unique Hilux adopts the design of the eighth-generation model, with more sculpted rear fenders, LED taillights and a more modern tailgate and bumper design. Black paint and matching trim complete the transformation, making the Hilux look even more menacing.

More: Toyota Hilux Champ transforms into seven-seat SUV

It’s unclear whether the facelifted Hilux has received any performance upgrades to match its new look. For now, the stock powertrain is likely to remain unchanged.

Interestingly, this kind of custom work isn’t as rare as you might think. A quick online search shows similar conversion kits available on the following platforms AliExpress (Where else?) About $2,000. This relatively low cost may explain why other Hilux owners in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia are attracted to the Fortuner-inspired facelift. Social media is awash with examples of similar architecture, proving the trend is growing in popularity in the area.