Toyota Gazoo Racing has officially announced that it will unveil its all-new GR HiLux at the upcoming 2026 Dakar Rally. Scheduled from January 3 to 17, the Dakar Rally will mark the beginning of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship season, and the anticipation is palpable.
This latest iteration of the HiLux boasts a robust transmission and an innovative tubular chassis. As Toyota notes, these enhancements significantly improve the vehicle's torsional stiffness and reduce its weight, ultimately providing better serviceability for expedited repairs during the race. Currently, the GR HiLux is undergoing a "comprehensive testing programme to prepare it for the punishing demands of the Dakar Rally," according to Toyota executives.
At the forefront of this exciting endeavor is Toby Price, who will be making his much-anticipated debut with Toyota Gazoo Racing in the W2RC at Dakar. A seasoned competitor, Price is no stranger to the rally, having won it twice in the bike category. His transition to four-wheel driving began in 2025 when he piloted a privately-entered Toyota HiLux, setting the stage for this year's prestigious race.
Joining Price in the cockpit will be navigator Armand Monleón, who previously secured the 2025 drivers’ title alongside Lucas Moraes for TGR W2RC. The duo adds further strength to the team, which also includes fellow TGR HiLux drivers Henk Lategan and Seth Quintero.
"This is one of those pinch-yourself moments in my motorsport career," expressed Toby Price. "Dakar at this level is something only a very small group of people get to experience, and I’m extremely grateful to Toyota, Red Bull, Peter Kittle Motor Company, and all our partners for making it happen."
Having faced challenges in last year’s debut, Price seems eager for redemption. He remarked, "I’m really looking forward to heading back to Dakar for redemption after how our debut ended last year. Letting our partners down and seeing Sam suffer a concussion was tough, but it’s only added to my motivation. Teaming up with Armand is incredible. He brings so much experience, and I truly believe we’re in a great position to take it to the Dakar greats."
The three DKR GR HiLux vehicles will not only debut at the Dakar but will also compete in several events throughout the year. Upcoming races include the Portugal rally from March 12-22, followed by events in Argentina from May 24-29, Morocco from September 28 to October 3, and finally Abu Dhabi from November 22-27 as part of the five-event 2026 W2RC season.
This new chapter in the Toyota Gazoo Racing saga highlights the brand's ongoing commitment to motorsport and represents a significant leap in their engineering prowess, providing drivers with advanced tools to tackle the harshest of off-road conditions. As Toby Price and his team gear up for what promises to be a thrilling challenge, all eyes will be on the Dakar Rally as they redefine their limits and pursue sporting excellence on the world stage.