The new Toyota Hilux – now also available as a full-time electrician

The Japanese pickup truck is more versatile than ever before and is now also available as an electric vehicle for the first time. We took a closer look at the Japanese model.

This article is part of the special topic Electromobility for trades and medium-sized businesses

Since more than five decades stands the Toyota Hilux For indestructible reliability and powerful performance. Since its market launch in 1968, the Japanese Over 27 million copies sold. Pickup Since then, it has been considered a global symbol of robustness and longevity. The ninth generation remains true to these values, but for the first time offers, in addition to the proven Mild hybrid diesel also one fully electric Propulsion. Soon the program will even be supplemented by a fuel cell variant that uses hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Electric cars lead the way, diesel cars follow

The battery-electric version will launch first; the diesel version will follow in the summer. Photo: © Toyota

At the market launch in April 2026 debuts the Hilux First, a battery-electric version. The energy comes from a 59,2 kWh lithium-ion battery, each powering one Electric motor It drives the front and rear axles. Together, these produce 144 kW (196 hp) and achieve a maximum torque of 205 Nm at the front and 268 Nm at the rear. WLTP cycle The full-time electrician is expected to achieve a range of up to 257 kilometers, with up to 380 kilometers possible in urban areas. These figures should be quite sufficient for many trades and businesses, such as those in the gardening or construction sectors. everyday use .

Technically, the Stromer a real hilux: A robust ladder frame, 207 millimeters of ground clearance, and a wading depth of 700 millimeters ensure the familiar off-road capability. The battery is protected and integrated into the frame and equipped with a Underrun protection equipped. A specially tailored Multi-Terrain Select System It distributes torque variably, adapting to different road surfaces. However, the electric drive also has disadvantages: the high weight of the battery reduces the payload to 715 kilograms and the towing capacity to 1,6 tons. For comparison: The mild hybrid diesel engine can tow 3,5 tons and allows a payload of up to one ton on the flatbed.

Diesel as mild hybrid, fuel cell from 2028

With two digital displays, the Hilux's cockpit is state-of-the-art. Photo: © Toyota

The known 2,8-liter diesel engine, which is already from the previous Hilux and the current land Cruiser The model, known for its mild hybrid technology, will make a comeback in July 2026. The 48-volt system with its own... Lithium-ion battery It improves responsiveness and reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Final homologation figures for the 204 hp diesel engine are not yet available. Toyota She plans to release it only upon market launch.

As a third drive system, plans Toyota, the Hilux from 2028 onwards hydrogen technology to equip. The existing prototypes already utilize the Fuel cell system des Look, where hydrogen and oxygen react to produce electricity. While concrete range figures are still lacking, with a targeted range of more than 600 kilometers, the version with fuel cell drive This will be particularly interesting for users who have to travel long distances or work in remote locations. However, this is contingent on the... Hydrogen infrastructure in the future it will be further expanded, instead of shrinking further as in this country.

More modern and higher quality than before

Inside, the Hilux is comfortable and spacious. Photo: © Toyota

Visually, the new Hilux It looks significantly more striking than its predecessor. Narrow, higher-positioned headlights and a wide radiator grille characterize the redesigned front end. Since the Pickup Still based on the basic architecture of its predecessor, the proportions remain virtually unchanged. With a length of 5,32 meters, a width of 1,86 meters, and a height of 1,80 meters, the Hilux its typical dimensions. In Europe it is exclusively known as four-door double cab offered. This caters to customers who expect both a large loading area and ample space.

The latter is not the case for a medium-sized one. Pickup It's spacious. Even tall passengers enjoy ample headroom and legroom in the double cabin. Newly designed seats with firm yet comfortable support. upholstery They are intended to improve long-distance comfort. Overall, the interior of the new [model] appears... Toyota Hilux more modern and of higher quality than its predecessors. Even the central area Touchscreen It sits comfortably high in the field of vision. Depending on the configuration, it measures up to 12,3 inches and offers a fast, intuitively operated multimedia system with Over-the-air updates, and Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTherefore, the new Toyota a successful compromise between a robust workhorse and a modern ambience.

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