The new Toyota Hilux isn’t trying to reinvent the pickup formula, but it is expanding it. Shown publicly in Europe for the first time in Brussels, the latest model adds a fully electric variant alongside a revised diesel line-up, giving operators more choice without moving away from the body-on-frame, four-wheel-drive basics that define the Hilux.
The new Hilux builds on more than five decades of use as a working pickup, with Toyota promising to retain its long-standing focus on Quality, Durability and Reliability. While the design and technology have moved on, the company has been keen to stress that the fundamentals remain unchanged, with traditional body-on-frame construction and the off-road capability the Hilux name is known for.
Central to the new model is Toyota’s multipath powertrain strategy. Rather than pushing customers towards a single electrified solution, the Hilux will be offered with two distinct drivetrains. For UK buyers, the volume seller will remain the 2.8-litre diesel with its 48V mild-hybrid system. This setup, already seen on the outgoing pickup, delivers smoother acceleration, quieter operation and improved efficiency. Working capabilities aren’t compromised either, as the payload remains at one tonne, towing capacity stays at 3.5 tonnes, and wading depth is unchanged at 700mm.
Alongside it sits the first-ever battery-electric Hilux, offering a new option for operators who need zero tailpipe emissions but still require a tough working vehicle. The Hilux BEV uses a 59.2kWh battery and dual eAxles to provide permanent four-wheel drive. Toyota quotes a WLTP combined range of up to 160 miles, rising to 236 miles in urban driving. Payload is rated at 715kg, with a towing capacity of 1.6 tonnes.
Crucially, Toyota says the electric drivetrain has been engineered to preserve the Hilux’s off-road credentials. Ground clearance is 212mm, wading depth again reaches 700mm, and a BEV-specific Multi-Terrain Select system adapts torque delivery and braking for low-grip conditions.
We got an early drive of the Hilux BEV last year, and, while it’s a niche offering, we were impressed by its capabilities, particularly how little the electric drivetrain detracted from its off-road character.
All versions of the new Hilux will be offered exclusively as a double cab, reflecting customer demand for vehicles that balance load carrying with comfort and safety. Electric power steering and the latest Toyota Safety Sense systems are standard across the range.
The new Hilux is due to arrive in the UK from June, with full pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.
