The Toyota HiLux is finally going hybrid, with the brand adding a fuel-saving 48-volt electric system to its venerable workhorse as it continues to do battle with the Ford Ranger.
The brand says the technology won’t just help reduce fuel use – with the bold claim of a 10 per cent saving – but will also deliver “enhanced on and off-road performance”, suggesting the system will also deliver power to the driven wheels.
The brand is yet to explain exactly how the system will work. CarsGuide has contacted Toyota in Australia, but the brand is yet to respond.
We do know that the technology will be applied to the 4×4 SR5 and Rogue Double Cab models, and are set to begin arriving in the first half of 2024.
The models retain the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine – paired with a six-speed automatic transmission – which currently produces 150kW and 500Nm. We don’t know yet whether the system will produce any more power, or if there will be a price premium applied.
We do know, however, that it will use less fuel. If Toyota’s claims are accurate, you can expect the claimed combined fuel use figure to drop from 8.4L/100km to around 7.5L/100km.
The brand says the addition of the hybrid tech won’t impact the vehicle’s towing or payload figures, and should generally improve the HiLux drive experience, though details on exactly how are yet to be confirmed.
“We are continually striving to reduce the fuel consumption of our vehicles to help reduce on-going costs for customers, as well as helping reduce our environmental impact, and the addition of 48-volt technology to our biggest-selling vehicle line will contribute to this,” says Toyota’s Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley.
“This new technology will not only improve fuel consumption, but customers will also benefit from enhanced on and off-road performance, making the HiLux even more appealing for a weekend away or longer term excursion into the outback.”
Keyword: Advantage Toyota? HiLux goes hybrid with new 48-volt tech to take on the Ford Ranger - but does it go far enough?