Toyota has unveiled the ninth-generation Hilux pickup in Europe, featuring both a mild hybrid diesel version and a fully electric model, the Hilux BEV. A hydrogen variant using fuel cells is also in development and currently undergoing road tests. This premiere follows a couple of months after its Asian debut, taking place at the Brussels Motor Show.
The diesel option is equipped with a 2.8-liter engine delivering 201 horsepower with a 48-volt add-on, supporting a payload capacity of 1,000 kg.
The Hilux BEV features a 59.2 kWh battery paired with dual electric motors, one on each axle, ensuring constant all-wheel drive. It boasts a WLTP cycle range of 258 km (160 miles), extending to 380 km (236 miles) in urban settings. The payload is reduced to 715 kg, and maximum towing capacity is almost halved compared to the diesel version, capping at 1,600 kg.
Despite its electrification, the Hilux BEV preserves the rugged off-road capabilities of the conventional Hilux, including a ladder-frame construction, 212 mm ground clearance, and a special off-road mode. It can wade through water up to 700 mm deep.
The updated Hilux will hit the UK market in June, with pricing to be announced later. Prices are expected to exceed those of the previous generation, yet Toyota is banking on the diverse powertrain offerings to maintain its market standing.
