Report: Toyota Australia Plans To Launch Hybrid Hilux in 2024

MANILA: According to an official statement from Toyota Australia, the Hilux will be available in the first half of 2024 with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The existing 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission will smoothly interact with this cutting-edge system. It is made up of necessary pieces such a 48-volt battery, a small electric motor generator, and others.

All dual-cab 4x4 SR5 and Rogue models will come equipped with this technology as standard in Australia, while the dual-cab 4x4 SR will have the option to do so. Toyota guarantees that this cutting-edge system will provide important advantages. Toyota claims that "certain" Hilux vehicles can expect a 10% increase in fuel efficiency over the 2.8-liter engine's non-electrified counterpart. The hybrid technology will also improve maneuverability and help to lessen harshness, vibration, and noise levels.

“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,” commented Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales Sean Henley.

Sean Henley said that the Hilux's use of this innovative technology will have benefits beyond just reduced fuel usage. Customers may anticipate improved on- and off-road performance, which will increase the appeal of the Hilux for weekend trips or lengthy outback excursions.

It is interesting to note that Toyota has chosen a different strategy for labeling the new Hilux technology. Toyota has chosen to refer to it as the Toyota Hilux with 48-volt technology, in contrast to some automakers who refer to their mild-hybrid vehicles as "hybrids."

This deliberate decision is probably made to avoid any confusion with Toyota's conventional hybrids, which provide even higher fuel efficiency and have become significantly more popular than their combustion-powered counterparts in model lines like the Corolla Cross HEV, RAV4, and of course the Camry. Toyota promises to release additional details about this innovative technology after it hits the market.

Photos from Toyota and Roy Robles

Also read: Beefed-up Toyota Hilux Rogue introduced in Australia