Toyota to Unleash Hydrogen-Powered Hilux at Dakar Ahead of 2028 Road DebutMotorBiscuitSaajan JogiaFri, September 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTCAdd us on GoogleToyota GAZOO Racing will take its first hydrogen-powered truck to the Dakar Future Mission 1000 in Saudi Arabia from January 1-15, 2027. The team has now unveiled the DKR GR FC Hilux, a fuel-cell version of its regular Dakar Hilux. The Future Mission 1000 is dedicated to alternative-fuel vehicles and runs alongside the main Dakar Rally.Toyota describes the Hilux's powertrain as a "2.5-generation" fuel-cell system, combining its second-generation technology with newer third-generation components. The Dakar Future Mission 1000 program will give Toyota another opportunity to test the setup in extreme conditions, including high temperatures, heavy vibration, sand, and prolonged off-road driving over 13 stages, comprising a total of 1,000 competitive kilometres. It follows the HySE hydrogen prototypes that competed in the event's 2024 and 2025 editions, Motor1 reported.The testing also ties into Toyota's plans for a production Hilux Fuel Cell, which is targeted for 2028. The road-going model is expected to offer more than 250 miles of range and tow up to 5,500 pounds, with the Dakar program helping Toyota gather real-world data on how the technology performs under demanding loads.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe DKR GR FC Hilux marks the Japanese manufacturer's first fuel cell electric entry in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 category. Toyota aims to push the technology further by swapping the DKR GR Hilux's internal combustion engine for a Toyota fuel cell stack. Instead of producing traditional exhaust emissions, the hydrogen-powered truck emits water vapor as it operates.GAZOO Racing will team up with Jameel Motorsport, Denso, Toyo Tires, and IAV as it puts the hydrogen-powered Hilux through roughly 621 miles of demanding Mission 1000 competition. Jameel Motorsport already has ties to Toyota, since it serves as the authorized distributor for Toyota, including Lexus in Saudi Arabia, and offers Gazoo Racing a base for the rally.Toyo Tires will equip Toyota's hydrogen-powered Hilux with its Open Country M/T-R tires, designed specifically for high-level rally-raid competition. According to the company, the tires are engineered to withstand demanding terrain and extended wear while incorporating sustainable materials.Denso will support the project with key fuel-cell, cooling, and electronic components, while engineering company IAV will contribute its technical expertise. Together, they will help Toyota develop and evaluate the hydrogen Hilux as it faces the demands of rally-raid competition.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Dakar project also fits into Toyota's growing investment in hydrogen fuel-cell technology for heavy-duty transport. The automaker will supply its latest 300-kW fuel-cell systems for 40 Scania trucks, with real-world operations expected to begin in early 2027. Toyota is also working with IVECO on next-generation fuel-cell trucks, including the S-eWay Fuel Cell, which targets more than 900 km of range.For Toyota, putting the hydrogen Hilux through Dakar's harsh conditions offers valuable data as it continues developing the technology for production vehicles. The company is targeting a road-going Hilux Fuel Cell for 2028, making the rally-raid program another step toward bringing hydrogen power from the desert to commercial roads.