Toyota Hilux: New edition with diesel and electric debut

The new Toyota Hilux is available with a wide range of powertrains. It comes as a diesel mild hybrid, for the first time also as a fully electric vehicle, and in the future as a fuel cell model. We tested the Japanese pickup truck.

Toyota brings the Hilux On a course for the future – yet remaining true to itself: The ninth generation of the global Bestsellers It appears with a sharpened design, significantly more digitalization and a first time a broad range of drives on. That's how it is. Hilux Available for the first time as a purely electric vehicle, while the familiar 2,8-liter diesel engine with 48-volt mild hybrid system forms the robust foundation of the model range. From The Hilux 2028 will be available in 2028. also available with a fuel cell drive.

That Toyota It goes without saying that the new model doesn't sever its own roots: The company has been producing it since 1968. Hilux With over 27 million units sold, it stands worldwide for indestructibility, reliability, and durability like almost no other model. This promise remains, but the ninth generation makes this classic fit for the future.

More SUV look for the pickup truck

The electric version is on the left, the Hilux with a diesel engine on the right. Photo: © Toyota

In Europe The 5,32 meter long Hilux in future exclusively as four-door models double cabin and with a significantly sharpened presence. Pickup It appears more modern, athletic, and noticeably more dynamic than before. The most striking feature is the redesigned front end: the distinctive, powerfully sculpted radiator grill On the diesel model, it stretches broadly across the nose of the vehicle, flanked by a distinctive light signature with high-positioned, sharply defined headlights. This gives the Hilux not only greater visual width, but also an almost SUV-like dominance in appearance. Nevertheless, practical solutions are part of the concept. For example, the integrated steps in the side walls noticeably facilitate access to the loading area, while the rear tailgate is pleasingly low for a pickup truck.

Modern cockpit with more comfort

The redesigned cockpit has a more premium feel. Photo: © Toyota

Who in the Hilux Anyone boarding will find a noticeably upgraded experience. Cockpit landscape. The redesigned interior is characterized by large, high-resolution displays. A display in front of the driver provides information. fully digital instrument cluster, while the centrally positioned Multimedia monitor The control center is formed. Operation is pleasingly intuitive, and the materials used appear significantly higher quality than before: they are robust, cleanly manufactured, and have a pleasant, homely feelThe front seats are comfortable and offer ample legroom, while the second row is naturally a bit more compact. Overall, however, the standard remains good.

In matters assistance systems and connectivity is the Hilux up to date. The so-called third-generation Toyota Safety Sense has been updated with digital services and Over-the-air updates added. This expands the pickup's functional utility with a modern technology package.

Extensive drive portfolio

The seats prove to be comfortable. Photo: © Toyota

Go to the Market launch this summer will the new Toyota Hilux with the feature known from the previous model 48-volt mild hybrid diesel engine as well as being offered as a fully electric variant. A model with a fuel cell drive is announced for 2028. The mild hybrid delivers 204 hp and provides a maximum torque of up to 500 Newton meters. With a Payload from up to 990 kgWith a maximum towing capacity of 3,5 tons and switchable all-wheel drive, it remains the classic workhorse in the program.

The Electric version It focuses on other aspects. The Hilux BEV uses a 59,2 kWh battery and features a permanent all-wheel drive with two electric motors. Together, these deliver 144 kW (196 hp) and develop a torque of 206 Newton meters at the front axle and 269 Nm at the rear axle. Toyota specifies a towing capacity of 1.600 kilograms and a payload of 715 kilograms. This means the electric version lags significantly behind the mild-hybrid diesel in terms of towing and charging capabilities.

Diesel remains the benchmark, electric version with limitations

The Toyota handles even difficult terrain with ease. Photo: © Toyota

For many commercial users This aspect is likely to be the deciding factor. While the all-electric version enables locally emission-free driving, it clearly sets lower standards in terms of towing capacity. With a maximum towing capacity of 1.600 kilograms, the BEV especially for lighter transport tasks. For towing heavy trailers, for example with construction debris, the mild hybrid diesel remains the first choice.

Toyota The manufacturer states a range of up to 257 kilometers for the all-electric version, or up to 380 kilometers in city traffic. These figures seem particularly practical for urban use. Charging is possible at up to 125 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes.

The electric vehicle also impresses off-road.

Even with slightly less ground clearance, the electric Hilux impresses in off-road use. Photo: © Toyota

But even in the electric version, the Pickup A vehicle for off-road use. classic ladder frames It still forms the stable backbone. With electric all-wheel drive and high axle articulation, it confidently tackles rutted tracks, gravel, and deep grooves. Even riverbeds Depths of up to 70 centimeters pose no problem for it. The waterproof battery is securely housed within the frame.

The electric all-wheel drive system It distributes power precisely according to the surface, ensuring that the all-electric Hilux can continue to move forward even where other vehicles get stuck. At 20,7 centimeters, the Ground clearance on BEVs It is about ten centimeters shorter than the diesel version. However, this rarely makes a difference in everyday driving or off-road. On paved roads, the electric car offers the same driving comfort as the diesel, but the steering in the electric car is slightly more precise and less indirect in direct comparison.

Cheap was yesterday

However, those who are involved with the new Hilux to a Bargain hopes that the ninth generation of the pickup will be disappointed. The entry price for the ever-popular Japanese SUV has risen noticeably. Toyota is now asking €44.950 (all prices net) for the base "Duty" model. Previously, the starting price was around €38.450. Customers will also have to dig deeper into their pockets for the higher trim levels, and those wanting a purely electric version will have to invest at least €59.000. Unfortunately, this means the new Hilux loses its reputation as an affordable workhorse.

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