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Toyota will be extending the history of their Hilux pick-up truck with the arrival of the ‘mild’ 48V Hybrid Toyota Hilux. Expected to arrive in the UK around mid-to-late 2024, this new variation of their popular vehicle will have greater efficiency with improved performance and smoother driving across all terrains, without having to compromise the model’s exceptional towing and payload capacities or off-road capability.

The release of this hybrid Hilux strengthens Toyota’s commitment to reducing emissions through a multi-technology pathway to carbon neutrality. 

Introduced in the Invincible and Invincible X Double Cab models, the new 48V ‘mild’ hybrid electric technology will only be available for models with the larger 2.8L turbo diesel engine and automatic transmission. 

So how will it work? The engine will use a reinforced belt drive system to turn a compact motor generator, which in turn charges a 48V lithium battery installed beneath the rear bench seat. The braking energy from the vehicle will also be regenerated to supply charge to the battery. Weighing 7.6kg and supplying the vehicle’s 12V battery system through a DC/DC converter, the hybrid battery will send up to 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque through the motor generator to the engine which enhances acceleration and power efficiency. However, the vehicle’s power will remain the same at 201bhp.

Using this motor generator in place of a conventional starter motor allows for improved stop-start function allowing the engine to be off for longer periods of time and when this is coupled with the hybrid 48V system, fuel efficiency can be improved by up to 5%. Meanwhile, the additional power of the new 48V hybrid technology delivers improved throttle response and more linear acceleration. The regenerative braking system is tuned to create a more effective and natural deceleration feel.

When navigating through rough surfaces, the robust motor-generator enables smoother acceleration and regenerative braking supports safer downhill manoeuvring. As well as these new features, being featured for the first time on a Hilux, Toyota’s very own Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system provides extra performance and control by giving the driver the option to adjust vehicle stability control settings according to specific driving conditions. 

The system will automatically calibrate the vehicle to regulate power and wheel spin to enhance traction and manoeuvrability and will have five pre-set options; dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rocks.

One of the main focuses for Toyota when developing this Hilux was to ensure the Hybrid version of the Hilux possessed the same off-road capabilities as its Double Cab family. Offering ground clearance of 310mm, approach and departure angles of 29 and 26 degrees respectively, and the ability to travel through water up to 700mm deep, you can tell that off-road handling and capabilities have been the focus for this Hilux. The vehicle will also have anti-slip and strengthening measures on the motor generator pulley and belt to ensure optimum performance even when wet. 

It will also be one of the safest pick-ups on the market featuring the latest Toyota Safety Sense technologies to provide drivers and other road users with world-class protection from many common accident risks. These include an improved pre-collision system, updated lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control with road sign assist and an automatic high-beam function for the headlights.