The Toyota Hilux pickup truck will be getting a mild hybrid system by 2024. The Toyota Motor Company officially confirmed this and the first region that will be receiving the electrified Hilux is Australia.
The Australia-spec Toyota Hilux Rogue
This new update validates the earlier report on a Hilux hybrid which was initially shared by a South African Toyota executive. Though if one remembers, the previous article did say that the Fortuner SUV is also getting a hybrid but that is yet to be materialized officially by the Japanese brand.
Regarding the mild hybrid powertrain for the pickup truck, Toyota says that it will be combined with its existing 2.8-liter turbodiesel engines to provide better fuel efficiency. Only the six-speed automatic and 4x4 versions will be getting the mild hybrid system as standard
In the context of the Aussie market, this means that only the SR5 and the Rogue double cab will be offered with the new hybrid systems. In the Philippines, the latter is equivalent to the Hilux Conquest.
The new hybrid powertrain in question will then be comprised of a 48-volt battery, a small electric motor generator, and other components. Other features that will be making it to the hybrid Hilux is a start/stop system,
Toyota likewise promises that the upcoming Hilux hybrid offers improved driveability. It will also be less noisy and will exhibit less vibration and harshness. Toyota didn't share details for how the latter part will be achieved, nor did it say anything about performance gains but the brand at least assures that it will be able to maintain its 3,500 kg braked towing capacity.
The Philippine-spec Toyota Hilux GR-S
This impending introduction of a Hilux Hybrid can be taken as a sign that the brand is on the move in expanding its hybrid portfolio. Just a few days ago, Toyota likewise introduced the Zenix Hybrid three-row MPV model in the Philippines. Of note, this all-new model gets an entry-level gasoline-only version priced at Php 1,670,000, while its top-spec version is the Q Hybrid which retails at Php 1,968,000.
But what about the Philippine market? Are we getting a hybrid Toyota Hilux too? Well, Toyota Motor Philippines is yet to say anything regarding this but it would be great to see an environmentally-friendlier, more fuel-efficient Hilux on local roads.
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