Toyota is introducing a 48V mild hybrid system to the Hilux, promising to enhance the pickup’s performance without compromising its toughness, off-road capability, or load-carrying capacity.

Revealed in July 2023, this marks the first time the Hilux has featured any form of electrification. Toyota promises smoother acceleration, better efficiency, and improved off-road performance while maintaining its 3,500kg towing capacity and 1,000kg payload.

Hybrid power

At the heart of the Hilux Hybrid 48V is the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, producing 204hp and 500Nm of torque. The key change is the addition of a 48V lithium-ion battery, an electric motor-generator, and a DC-DC converter, which assist rather than replace diesel power. The result is smoother acceleration, regenerative braking, and an improved stop-start system, reducing unnecessary idling and making city driving more efficient.

The battery can provide up to 16hp of additional power and 65Nm of torque, improving low-speed responsiveness while taking some strain off the diesel engine. Although Toyota has yet to release official fuel economy figures, a Toyota spokesperson explained that efficiency gains of up to 7% are expected, potentially reducing running costs for commercial users.

However, it’s interesting to note that the CO2 emissions of the new hybrid model are slightly higher than the existing non-hybrid model. This is apparently due to the increased weight of the pickup, although the hybrid system only adds 7kg to the vehicle’s total.

Toyota has ensured that the hybrid system does not impact off-road ability. The battery and motor-generator are positioned high in the engine bay and waterproofed, preserving the 700mm wading depth.

Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V

Smoother drive on and off-road

For the first time, the Hilux benefits from Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, a feature designed to optimise traction and stability across different surfaces. Drivers can select from modes tailored to dirt, sand, mud, deep snow, and rock, while an automatic setting adjusts traction control on the fly. This system makes the Hilux better suited to more challenging terrain, offering finer low-speed control and improved obstacle handling.

Toyota also claims the Hilux Hybrid 48V delivers a more comfortable and composed drive. The electric motor-generator provides assistance during acceleration and braking, creating a smoother power delivery. The stop-start system is faster and quieter than before, reducing the time the engine spends idling in traffic.

Toyota has also fine-tuned the diesel engine’s idling speed, lowering it from 720rpm to 600rpm, improving slow-speed manoeuvrability.

Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V

Hard-working Hilux

Despite the addition of the hybrid system, the Hilux Hybrid 48V remains a practical workhorse. The 3,500kg towing capacity and 1,000kg payload are unchanged, and Toyota has retained the rugged ladder-frame chassis and leaf-spring rear suspension. With a ground clearance of 310mm, and approach and departure angles of 29° and 27°, the Hilux remains a capable pickup for both work and adventure.

Inside, the cabin features Toyota’s Smart Connect multimedia system, complete with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.

Toyota Safety Sense is in place, with a suite of driver assistance features including an enhanced pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beam to prevent dazzling other drivers at night.

Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V pricing and availability

The hybrid engine option will only be available in the Invincible X Double Cab with an automatic transmission, priced at £40,436 plus VAT and OTR charges. That’s £1,266 more than the Invincible X with the existing 2.8-litre non-hybrid engine. Dealers can take orders now, with deliveries expected imminently.

Phil Huff
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