THE LEGEND GROWS: INTRODUCING THE TOYOTA HILUX HYBRID 48V

• Hilux evolves with a new electrified mild hybrid powertrain
• A stronger proposition for business with enhanced performance on and off-road
• Smooth and natural acceleration and deceleration feel in on-road driving with more refined stop-and-start system and regenerative braking function
• Off-road performance benefits from revised low-speed idling control and adoption of Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system
• Introduced in the UK in the Hilux Invincible X double cab

The Toyota Hilux has established a worldwide reputation for exceptional strength and durability, faithfully serving its owners and drivers in the world’s most challenging environments. During that time, it has evolved to become a genuine dual-use vehicle: it has retained all the toughness and reliability required for serious work duties while offering the comfort, on-road poise and safety for day-to-day and leisure driving.

This evolution has entered a new phase with the introduction of the model’s first electrified powertrain, the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V.

The 48V mild hybrid system strengthens the Hilux’s proposition as an ideal partner for business and commercial users, delivering multiple benefits. Performance is smoother, quieter and more refined, whether driving on standard roads or tackling tougher terrain. Critically, this is achieved without compromising the pick-up’s off-road prowess – notably there is no impact on its deep water (700mm) wading or its load-carrying capabilities. This has been achieved by ensuring components such as the battery are positioned high up on the engine and using a fabric layer in the structure of the timing belt – a Toyota first.

In the UK the new powertrain is available exclusively in the Invincible X Double Cab model (with auto transmission), on sale now.

New Toyota 48V Hybrid system

Hilux is the first model to use the new Toyota 48V Hybrid system. This mild hybrid powertrain retains the strengths of the pick-up’s proven 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and introduces a new electric motor-generator, a 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery and a DC-DC converter.

These new components have all been designed for simple integration, avoiding the need for complex adjustments to the powertrain layout.

Another key consideration was to ensure the system can withstand the kind of harsh operating conditions the Hilux is likely to encounter. For instance, new parts, including the motor-generator, are located high enough on the engine to maintain the vehicle’s 700mm wading capability.

Electric motor-generator

The electric motor-generator – a permanent magnet synchronous unit – is driven by the engine and in turn charges the lithium-ion hybrid battery. It provides multiple benefits that make driving easier, smoother and quieter in all conditions – both on-road and off. Its compact dimensions helped make the hybrid system easy to integrate with Hilux’s existing powertrain.

Its benefits include a regenerative braking function, recovering energy produced every time the driver comes off the throttle. Combined with engine braking, this saves fuel, makes driving easier and gives natural-feeling deceleration.  In on-road driving, acceleration when starting off and deceleration are smoother, linear and natural-feeling, contributing to a more composed and comfortable ride. The power assistance provided by the electric motor-generator also reduces the engine load in low-efficiency running. 

When covering rougher, off-road surfaces, the motor generator adds to Hilux’s ability to overcome obstacles. Controllability at low speeds is further helped by a 20 per cent reduction in the engine’s idling speed, from 720 to 600rpm.

The motor-generator’s operating status is indicated in the driver’s multi-information display with a read-out showing CHG (energy regeneration), ECO and PWR (providing assist in both cases).

Smoother, quicker, quieter stop-start performance

The stop-start system delivers a more comfortable drive in traffic, with the 48V Hybrid system enabling quicker and quieter restart response.

The electric motor-generator operates in place of a conventional starter motor and is always connected which means restart is enabled even at high engine speeds and there is less delay in immediate restarts after stopping.

Auto-stopping is provided in heavy traffic, or at times when the driver accidentally restarts the engine by reducing their pressure on the brake pedal. The driver can set their preference for stop and start performance, selecting NORMAL or LONG in the vehicle’s multi-information display. When choosing LONG, the engine’s idling stop time when the air conditioning is operating is increased.

When the vehicle is on an uphill gradient, a slight delay might occur between engine restart and the generation of drive torque. As an auxiliary function, the stop and start system will maintain brake pressure until the necessary drive torque is generated, to support smooth start-off performance. Also, on level surfaces, any excess drive torque produced by the engine speed racing on restart is offset.

Injection volume control has been optimised to support the system’s responsiveness, balanced against the level of shock experienced during acceleration.

Lithium-ion hybrid battery

The 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery has 13 cells and a 4.3Ah capacity. It weighs just 7.6kg and, thanks to the use of small internal components, is sufficiently compact to be housed beneath the rear seats, with minimal impact on cabin space. When fully charged, the battery can supply up to an additional 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque to the powertrain at start-off. 

Both the hybrid battery and the low-profile DC-DC converter are protected against water ingress, and cooling air is drawn into the battery from the front of the vehicle, with a lower temperature than the cabin air. A filter helps prevent the build-up of dust in the battery’s cooling paths and fan, which helps prevent deterioration of battery performance from high temperatures.

Two-arm belt-tensioner

A two-arm tensioner provides the belt tension required by the electric motor-generator. The first of its kind to be used in a Toyota, it has been designed specifically for use in diesel engine vehicles and to meet the demands of rough-road driving. It also provides a restart assist function and helps secure improved acceleration response. Its noise and vibration performance is on par with petrol engine passenger vehicles.

The belt’s material composition is key to its performance. A high-strength cotton fabric layer on the ribbed side of the belt reduces noise, absorbs water and maintains its friction coefficient when wet. This helps achieve consistent performance in challenging conditions, for example when driving through water. Not only can the Hilux 48V wade through water 700mm deep, it can be stopped at this depth for up to 10 minutes.

A high-strength aramid cord is used in the core of the belt, improving reliability when tension increases are experienced when the motor-generator starts the engine or the increases the level of power generation.

Stoppers in the tensioner arms reduce abnormal noise and vibration caused by the arms striking the housing when switching to motor-generator mode. Bushes in the damping mechanism are designed to help prevent foreign bodies entering the sliding parts, such as dust and grit in rough road driving.

2.8-litre turbodiesel engine

The Hilux’s engine, a DOHC 16-valve unit, generates a maximum 201bhp/204 DIN hp/150 kW at 3,400rpm and a muscular 500Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. It features common rail fuel injection, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. Exhaust emission control features include a particulate filter, Selective Catalytic Reduction and additional urea injection. In common with other Hilux models, the Hybrid 48V is compatible with HVO100 diesel, a non-fossil fuel made from 100 per cent renewable sources.

New Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)

The Hilux Hybrid 48V is the first Hilux to feature the Multi-Terrain Select system, operated using the MTS switch and mode selector on the centre console. This adjusts the vehicle’s drive control systems – drive force, suspension and hydraulic brake pressure – to enhance traction, manoeuvrability and stability in different driving conditions.

There are six settings: Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, Deep Snow and Auto. In Auto mode, sensors around the vehicle continuously assess the road conditions and automatically apply the appropriate control settings. Sand, Mud, Rock and Auto can be engaged when the Hilux is in (low) L4 running; Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Auto can be used in the H4 transmission range.

•      AUTO MODE: provides ground-covering performance without the driver having change the mode according to the road and driving conditions.

•      DIRT MODE: when driving on unpaved roads, vehicle speed and stability are the same as on paved surfaces. The system provides suitable tyre-ground contact feel on undulating or uneven road surfaces and suitable driving force, even when towing.

•      SAND MODE: in H4 range, this mode prevents delivery of excessive drive force, to avoid the vehicle becoming stuck, while still providing enough drive for cruising. In L4 range, higher driving force is provided should the vehicle become stuck, or the sandy surface gives a high level of resistance.

•      MUD MODE: in this mode the wheels spin to help progress on muddy roads with very low grip levels. Higher driving force is provided in L4 range when the mud is deep enough to cover the tyres.

•      DEEP SNOW MODE: this mode can be used when making forward and reverse movements to tackle high snow bumps. When the snow is deep enough to cover the tyres, the system spins the wheels to create a snowplough effect. Moderate drive force is provided when starting off to prevent wheel spin. Note that this mode is not intended for use when driving on packed snow road surfaces.

•      ROCK MODE: this mode is suitable for driving over harsh, rocky terrain, suppressing tyre slippage. Should only two tyres be in contact with the ground, the system will transmit drive force to the other two wheels while simultaneously controlling vehicle speed.

The digital multi-information display features a different background for each mode. In Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Deep Snow modes in H4 and in all L4 modes, the VSC OFF indicator is illuminated; in all modes, the slip indicator light will flash on and off when brake control is being applied.

A strong, stable ride

The new Hilux Hybrid 48V has plenty of street presence, measuring 5,325mm long, up to 1,900mm wide and 1,865mm high. It’s a practical pick-up, the double cab format matched to a 1,555mm long bed. The mild hybrid system in no way diminishes the load-carrying capability: payload is up to 1,000kg and towing capacity is 3,500kg.

The classic body-on-frame architecture and ladder frame chassis are key to its strength, durability and torsional rigidity. The rear suspension’s hard-wearing leaf springs and twin shock absorbers provide sure-footed off-road performance and SUV-like on-road comfort and handling. Hilux’s “go-anywhere” credentials are supported by a running ground clearance of 310mm and approach and departure angles at 29 and 27 degrees respectively.

Advanced safety provisions

The Hilux Hybrid 48V is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense technology to provide occupants 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.

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 highway 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.

Multimedia and connectivity

The high equipment specification includes the eight-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio package.

Toyota Smart Connect gives the driver access to cloud-based navigation with efficient journey planning helped by up-to-the-minute traffic intelligence. The system also includes a voice agent for hands-free operation of mobile phone calls and audio functions. Smartphone integration is provided wirelessly via both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Further convenience is provided by the MyToyota smartphone app. This can be used to operate certain vehicle functions remotely – door locking/unlocking and use of the air conditioning system to warm or cool the cabin ahead of a journey. The app also provides vehicle data and can be used for servicing scheduling and reminders.

ENDS