New Hilux Hybrid 48V expands Toyota’s legendary pick-up range

• Hilux Hybrid 48V delivers greater efficiency, improved performance and smoother driving in urban and off-road environments
• No compromises in Hilux’s exceptional towing and payload capacity or unmatched off-road capability
• Latest Toyota Safety Sense features provide enhanced protection for occupants and other road users
• Newest member of the Hilux family to be introduced in the UK Europe in mid-2024

Toyota’s new Hilux Hybrid 48V introduces electrification to the legendary pick-up range for the first time, delivering greater efficiency, improved driving performance and enhanced comfort in both urban and off-road environments.

The mighty Hilux has been renowned for its quality, durability and reliability (QDR) since the first model was launched in 1968. It went on to become one of Toyota’s most recognisable workhorse vehicles and an authentic dual use vehicle, at home, around town and in its element on the world’s toughest terrains.

By adding a hybrid 48V system, Toyota strengthens its inclusive multi-technology pathway approach to carbon neutrality. Toyota believes that customers need a variety of affordable and practical mobility options for reducing carbon, including commercial and off-road vehicles.

Available exclusively in Double Cab format, the Hilux Hybrid 48V makes a forceful impression with its three-dimensional grille and front bumper, emphasising its strong, rugged stance.

New 48V hybrid electric technology

The powerful 2.8 litre Hilux diesel engine has been strengthened with the addition of a hybrid 48V system, specifically designed to meet the demands of Toyota’s dual-use pick-up. In the UK, it will be introduced on Invincible and Invincible X grades, with automatic transmission.

The engine drives a compact motor generator using a belt system, which in turn charges a 48V lithium battery. The compact battery weighs just 7.6kg and is installed beneath the rear seats, minimising the impact on cabin space. It also supplies the vehicle’s 12V system through a DC/DC converter.

Like Toyota’s full hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration, efficiently regenerating braking energy and providing additional braking performance. Once charged, it sends up to 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque through the motor-generator to the engine to enhance acceleration, power and efficiency.

The robust, compact motor-generator has been designed to withstand harsh working environments, while the engine has been modified to accommodate the hybrid system. A new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt material contribute to the improved drivability and a quieter ride, while preserving Hilux’s famous durability.

The powerful and proven Euro 6d-compliant, DOHC, 16 valve, 2.8-litre diesel engine generates 201bhp/204 DIN hp/150 kW at 3,400rpm and 500Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800rpm. It is equipped with a common rail fuel injection system, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. Exhaust emissions control measures include a Diesel Oxidisation Catalyst, a Diesel Particulate Filter, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Urea Additional Injection.

In common with existing Hilux, Land Cruiser and Proace models, the Hilux Hybrid 48V is compatible with HVO100 diesel, a non-fossil fuel made from 100 per cent renewable sources.

Responsive, efficient and quieter performance

The new Hilux Hybrid 48V combines responsive acceleration, improved braking performance and greater fuel efficiency with a smoother ride, whether on the road or tackling tough terrain.

In an urban environment, the additional power of the hybrid 48V system delivers better throttle response and linear acceleration, particularly from standstill, while regenerative braking creates a more effective and natural deceleration feel.

An enhanced stop-start system allows the engine to remain off for longer periods which, coupled with the benefits of the hybrid 48V system, improves fuel efficiency by up to 5 per cent compared to the conventional, non-electrified diesel powertrain.

As well as these efficiency benefits, the stop-start system delivers a more comfortable drive in traffic, thanks to quicker throttle response from standstill and a quieter engine restart. This is achieved by the motor generator being constantly connected to the engine and, unlike conventional systems, not using the starter motor. That also allows the engine to restart at a higher speed.

The Hilux Hybrid 48V, true its illustrious heritage, naturally excels off road.

Motor-generator power enables smoother acceleration when negotiating rough surfaces too, while regenerative braking supports safer downhill manoeuvring. A reduction in the engine’s idling speed from 720 to 600rpm makes it even easier for the driver to control the vehicle.

Featured for the first time on a Hilux, the Multi-terrain Select system provides extra performance and control by giving the driver the option to adjust vehicle stability control settings according to specific driving conditions. It can be set to an automatic, or one of five pre-set options – Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow or Rock – calibrated to regulate power and wheelspin to enhance traction and manoeuvrability.

Special attention has been paid to ensuring the Hilux Hybrid 48V possesses formidable water-crossing capabilities. It can negotiate water up to 700mm deep thanks to waterproofing of the 48V battery and DC-DC converter, while anti-slip and strengthening measures on the motor-generator pulley and belt ensure optimum performance, even when wet.

A strong and stable ride

The new Hilux Hybrid 48V stands proud at 5,325mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,815mm high. And, of course, it is a practical pick-up with a 1,525mm-long bed and no compromise in towing and payload capacity, which remain exceptional at 3,500kg and 1,000kg respectively.

Like its Hilux stablemates, the Hilux Hybrid 48V has a body-on-frame architecture and ladder-frame chassis, which are key to its durability and torsional rigidity. The tough, hard-wearing leaf spring and twin shock absorber rear suspension system ensures the off-road capabilities expected of an all-wheel drive workhorse are matched by SUV-like ride comfort and handling. Reinforcing its go-anywhere credentials, the Hilux Hybrid 48V has a class-leading minimum running ground clearance of 310mm and approach and departure angles of 29 and 26 degrees respectively.

Safety and multimedia

The new Hilux Hybrid 48V features the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology to provide drivers and other road users with world-class protection from many common accident risks.

An enhanced Pre-Collision System (PCS) can better detect pedestrians at night, bicyclists during daytime, and oncoming vehicles or pedestrians at intersections when making turns. When such hazards are detected, the system issues audible and visual alerts before applying braking force if required.

An updated Lane Departure Alert (LDA) can now detect road margins in addition to surface-painted lines, while Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA) allows the driver to quickly adjust the speed in line with changes in the limit. The ACC can also automatically slow the vehicle to ensure an appropriate speed through motorway bends.

When driving at night, the Automatic High Beam (AHB) function eliminates the need to switch headlight levels to avoid dazzling other drivers. It detects approaching vehicles and instantly and precisely adjusts the lights, so high beam use is maximised.

The high grade specification includes the latest Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system, complete with eight-inch screen, cloud-based navigation and interactive voice agent for hands-free operation of mobile phone calls, audio functions, air conditioning, electric windows and ambient lighting. Drivers can lock or unlock the vehicle and control the air conditioning via a smartphone app. Connection via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is wireless.

An award-winning heritage

Today, the Toyota Hilux is produced in six different countries and is sold in more than 180 countries and regions around the world. More than 21 million have been sold globally since 1968.

In more than half a century of excellence, Hilux has proved its invincibility time and again, having conquered the extremes of the North Pole, Antarctica and Icelandic volcanoes. It has also made its mark in motorsport, with three wins in the gruelling Dakar Rally, in 2019, 2022 and 2023, and twice winning the FIA World Rally Raid Championship.

It is also the most recent winner of the prestigious 2022 International Pick-up Award (IPUA) for medium-sized pick-up trucks. The IPUA jury recognised Hilux for its dynamic powertrain, fine handling and legendary quality, durability and reliability, in addition to its ever-increasing appeal in the world’s growing dual-usage, leisure and urban markets.

In 2024, the Hilux range is part of a reinvigorated Toyota Professional line-up of commercial vehicles, alongside the expanded Proace family, consisting of the all-new Proace Max and updated Proace and Proace City.

The Toyota Professional line-up demonstrates Toyota’s renewed commitment to commercial vehicles. The company aims to increase sales volumes in this sector, which amounted to 119,000 vehicles in Europe in 2022, and are on track to set a new record of more than 140,000 this year. It intends to achieve this with a comprehensive vehicle line-up allied to a strong focus on customer satisfaction, including competitive finance and insurance products, warranties and roadside assistance, together with courtesy vehicles to keep customers on the road and at work.

The new Hilux Hybrid 48V will be arriving at retailers in the UK and Europe in mid-2024.

ENDS

Note: All Hilux Hybrid 48V performance data are provisional prior to homologation. Final specifications will be confirmed at the full product launch.