Last June, we found out that Toyota trademarked the term “Toyota Kinetic Assist” for its 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Now, the Japanese automaker has explained why it decided to go for a different name instead of using “hybrid.”
The 2024 Toyota Hilux will get the Toyota Kinetic Assist
In a report by Drive, Toyota intends to reserve the “hybrid” moniker for full hybrid models capable of running using an electric motor only in electric-only mode. Since the new 48-volt mild-hybrid tech for the 2024 Toyota Hilux is not capable of doing so, the automaker wants to call it “Toyota Kinetic Assist” instead.
“Most of you have called it a mild hybrid. We don’t, there’s a reason we don’t,” said Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley told Australian media.
“In the Toyota world, hybrid refers to a system where the engine and the electric motor can both propel the vehicle either together or independently. That’s not the case with the electric motor for the 48-volt system.”
The next-gen Land Cruiser Prado will also use the Toyota Kinetic Assist
Despite the lack of an electric-only propulsion system, the upcoming Hilux with the Toyota Kinetic Assist is promised to deliver improved efficiency. To be more specific, Toyota claims a 10-percent improvement in fuel efficiency. The electric motor should also aid the pickup truck in acceleration, particularly at low RPMs.
The Toyota Kinetic Assist will be paired to the existing 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, which makes 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque on its own. Only the six-speed automatic and 4x4 versions will be getting the mild-hybrid technology.
In addition, the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will also adopt the Toyota Kinetic Assist. Since the Hilux and Fortuner midsize SUV share the same platform, the latter could also go hybrid.
The Toyota Kinetic Assist is arriving early next year
The Toyota Hilux with the Toyota Kinetic Assist is expected to debut in the first half of 2024 in Australia. Upon its arrival, the Land Cruiser and Fortuner should follow suit shortly.
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