Can you believe that the Toyota Hilux is on the market for more than 50 years already? Yes, time flies. And now, after more than five decades of being “practically indestructible”, it also has a mild hybrid system, which brings smoother performance, quieter drives, and all the eco-friendly feels – without touching its 700 mm water-wading ability or load capacity.
The new Hilux Hybrid 48V model is available first as a Double Cab version, which has an updated grill and bumper.
The old engine + some hybrid stuff
The Hilux Hybrid 48V still has the well known 2.8-liter turbodiesel common rail engine which is upgraded with a dose of electrified stuff. This includes:
- a new electric motor-generator
- a 48V lithium-ion battery
- and a DC-DC converter
All these components are designed to fit together seamlessly, so no need to mess around with the Hilux’s famously rugged layout. And according to Toyota, this hybrid system was built with tough conditions in mind. For example:
- the electric motor-generator sits high enough to keep that impressive 700 mm wading depth
- the electric motor-generator belt tensioner is specially designed for commercial diesel engines and it’s able to handle bumpy roads like a pro
- the belt itself got a makeover with high-strength fabric to keep it from slipping under, you know, “challenging” conditions.
- the hybrid battery as well as the DC-DC converter are protected against water ingress
But will this system work even after 10-15 or 20 years of off-road use? Only time will tell…
The battery is surprisingly small, it weighs only 7.6 kg, and fits neatly under the rear seats so your cabin space is safe. As for the main engine, it’s got the usual 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, full range of emission controls (including DPF and AdBlue injection), plus the option to run on HVO100 diesel, “a renewable wonder-fuel”. When the battery is charged enough, it adds 12 kW of extra power and 65 Nm of torque to the engine when you hit the gas.
Yes, it will save some fuel (hopefully)
The electric motor-generator isn’t just here for looks — it should make life on and off the road smoother and easier. It even comes with regenerative braking, which means that it sneakily captures energy every time you ease off the pedal. Paired with engine braking, this handy little system squeezes out extra fuel savings and adds a bit of “zen” to your drive. But keep in mind that this Hilux is a mild hybrid, so it’s not capable of fully electric drive.
Around town, the Hybrid 48V serves up smoother acceleration and deceleration, perfect for those days when you need a ride that’s calm and collected. And when the road gets rugged, it helps the Hilux tackle obstacles like a pro, helped by a 20% drop in idle speed—down from 720 rpm to a chill 600 rpm.
Then there’s the stop-start system, which is much more user-friendly than before. Thanks to the electric motor-generator the engine starts up smoothly without bigger jerks or rumble. Yes, there is no regular starter motor in this car anymore.
But how much better is the fuel consumption of this hybrid compared to the regular version? No idea. Since the official data are still not available. And even if they would be available, it’s still better to wait for real numbers from daily use.
Yes, it’s still off road capable
The 5.3 meters long and almost 2 meters wide Hilux still got the presence to match its practicality. The double cab and 1.5-meter bed keeps it ready for work, boasting a hefty 1,000 kg payload and a 3,500 kg towing capacity.
The well known body-on-frame construction with a ladder frame chassis is not changed. So in the front there is still the double wishbone independent suspension and in the rear you can still find the classic rigid axle with leaf springs and twin shock absorbers. Add 310 mm of ground clearance and angles that make off-roading a breeze, and you’ve got yourself a go-anywhere, tow-anything mild hybrid powerhouse.
The Hilux Hybrid is for the first time also equipped with a Multi-Terrain Select system, because one driving mode clearly wasn’t enough! With six fancy settings—Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, Snow, and Auto—it’s like having a tailor-made outfit for every terrain. Auto mode even lets the Hilux do all the thinking, as sensors decide the best settings for you. And for extra flair, the display changes backgrounds to match each mode, just to remind you how adaptable it’s being.
Various features and gimmicks are available too
Obviously, there are also the various safety assist. features this car can have. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) detects pedestrians and cyclists like a hawk—day or night—and even keep an eye out for unexpected guests at intersections. The Adaptive Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist help you stay on top of speed limits without lifting a finger, while Automatic High Beam takes care of the whole “don’t-blind-other-drivers at night” situation for you.
On the other side, the interior is all about connectivity and convenience. In the highest spec cars you will find a Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system which offers cloud navigation and a nine-speaker JBL sound system, making every journey feel like a road trip to your favorite playlist. And with the MyToyota app, you can lock or unlock the car and even prep the cabin temperature from your phone, so the Hilux is ready for action at the tap of a screen.
The new Hilux Hybrid 48V will be still manufactured in South Africa and the production for European markets will start towards the end of 2024.
