Toyota’s Hilux is an iconic 4x4 pick-up that has almost 60 years of history behind it and sales of more than 27 million, in that time. So why change a proven formula? Toyota has responded to changes in the European market, in particular the need to meet the challenges of lowering vehicle emissions and the new hybrid drive Hilux aims to play its part.
That’s the reason why this new Hilux combines a 48-volt hybrid drive with a 2.8 litre turbo-diesel engine, the same power set-up that’s currently available on the Toyota Land Cruiser. The company has also launched a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version of the Hilux at the same time, but that, we understand, will not be available in Ireland, at least in the short term.
Last week, I had the opportunity to test drive the new Toyota Hilux in both hybrid and BEV form as we navigated the Bulgarian Hills following wet and stormy weather conditions. The off-road sections were designed to be challenging and also to show the range of off-road driving abilities that are now available on Toyota’s latest Hilux. And both vehicles performed well, ably coping with steep slopes, rocky tracks, and muddy lanes that were made greasy by those heavy rain showers.
What’s different about this new Hilux? The new design is more modern and stylish, while the interior has improvements in both layout and comfort. The double cab interior is completely new and is similar to that of the Land Cruiser.
The comfort is enhanced by new padding material and a thicker upholstery covering for the front seat cushions. The eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat on Invincible grade has a longer cushion section. A new headrest design claims to provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.
There is a new slim and lightweight instrument panel. It includes a larger 12.3-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia display. Entry DLX grade model has a smaller features nine-inch Toyota Touch display. Easy smartphone setup is enabled on all Hilux versions with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while a wireless charger is provided on SR5 and Invincible grades.
The more important change is the move to a diesel hybrid engine. This new hybrid engine has the same rating in terms of power, performance as the older non-hybrid version. The towing rating remains unchanged at 3.5 tonnes with a braked trailer, while the payload is the same at 1 tonne, across a slightly larger rear pick-up area.
Driving experience
What is noticeable is a more refined and smoother driving experience. This new generation Hilux is quieter and more comfortable to drive. The automatic transmission, which is now the only option, is effortless to use and when combined with the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system can be used to manage the 4x4’s performance in difficult ground conditions.
The transmission gives a two-wheel-drive option for general road use, as well as high and low ratio, four-wheel-drive settings for off-road use.
Within the off-road settings, the MTS system gives a range of options, and it can be incorporated with a Hill Descent Control and central differential locking system, both of which are button controlled electronically.
There was no disputing the off-road ability of this new hybrid Hilux when we put it to the challenge. Most Irish drivers will have greater appreciation for the improved on-road driving experience.
It is marginally faster in terms of acceleration than the previous non-hybrid version and has the same 80 litre diesel tank capacity.
The hybrid motor-generator is positioned high on the engine, so a 700mm water wading capability is maintained. Toyota claims that the motor-generator’s drive belt has a fabric layer that absorbs water and maintains consistent tension, even when wet.
The motor-generator is driven by the engine and charges the hybrid battery. It also gives regenerative braking to recover energy when the driver comes off the accelerator pedal.
Combined with engine braking, this claims to save fuel and make driving easier and give natural-feeling deceleration.
The performance figures as shown by the Toyota specifications, indicate a very slightly higher level of CO2 emission and slightly lower fuel economy with the new hybrid model.
This remains a puzzle to me, as the Toyota team at the launch event were proclaiming a 5% reduction in economy. This was not evident in the specification sheets provided. You would expect that the addition of the hybrid drive would reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, but that does not appear to be the case with this new Hilux.
Other significant improvements to the Hilux, such as an electric power steering system, have enhanced the on-road driving feel. While off road, the steering system is lighter as it automatically accounts for more difficult driving conditions with improved feedback.
There is an improved chassis durability, with thicker side rails, better welding and improved coatings to give enhanced anti-corrosion properties. The front axle is stronger to cope with the additional engine plus generator load. The rear axle design for the hybrid version remains similar to the previous model, as does the load capacity.
There is a new sidestep incorporated for easier access to the pick-up area, similar to what some others are offering. One third of the rear seat can be folded for more storage, while the 48-volt hybrid battery is located on the other two-third side.
I’ve looked at the current Invincible specification model as a comparison to the new, more comfortable, and attractive Hilux version. The new Invincible hybrid grade specification price is expected to be €65,200 incl. VAT which is more than a €4,000 (incl. VAT) price lift compared with the current non-hybrid model.
This gives a view of the controls for the new Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system which can be used to manage the 4x4’s off-road performance.
With this new hybrid Toyota Hilux, you are buying new styling, more comfort and improved driving features but not necessarily better economy. With our current road tax system, the CO2 changes don’t deliver any ownership running cost savings, while the Hilux driving experience will be better and it needed to be.
Toyota’s new Battery Electric Hilux
The battery electric version of the new Toyota Hilux may appear in time on the Irish market, possibly before the arrival of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell Hilux model, which is due in 2028, if we have a hydrogen infrastructure by then.
This Hilux BEV comes with a large 59.2 kWh battery pack that drives the front and rear axles. The combined power from the two electric motors is almost a match for the hybrid diesel engine in terms of power and torque. The torque delivery is smoother as is the acceleration.
The range remains an issue at 257km while the towing capacity is also significantly lower at 1.6 tonnes. There is a new rear axle system fitted to take the additional battery load, while the battery is located within the ladder chassis frame.
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