Toyota’s Australian subsidiary has revealed the first official details on the mild-hybrid Hilux that will go on sale in 2024 and is on the way to local shores.
Down under, the partially-electrified Hilux will be hitting showrooms in the first half of 2024, while in South Africa, the official launch window has not been announced but it is confirmed to arrive before the end of the next year.
Everything you need to know
The mild-hybrid (MHEV) Toyota sees a 48-volt battery, small electric motor-generator, and “other components” paired with the brand’s familiar 2.8-litre, turbo-diesel GD6 motor and six-speed automatic transmission.
The main benefit of this upgrade is an improvement in fuel economy of up to 10%.
The 4×4 GD6 in Australia achieves a combined consumption of 8.4l/100km, so with the MHEV setup, owners will be looking at about 7.6l/100km. Locally, the same powertrain burns fuel at 8.0l/100km, meaning the semi-electric underpinnings have the potential to bring this down to 7.2l/100km.
In addition to delivering fuel savings, the MHEV technology will enable a stop/start system, improved driveability, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness, according to the automaker.
“The introduction of 48-volt technology to Hilux demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to reducing the fuel consumption of its vehicles without compromising on the performance and capability demanded by customers,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations.
“This new technology will not only improve fuel consumption, but customers will also benefit from enhanced on and off-road performance, making the Hilux even more appealing for a weekend away or longer-term excursion.”
Hanley also said the MHEV drivelines won’t impede the Hilux’s capabilities, the bakkie retaining its 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.
In Australia, the 48-volt systems will be fitted as standard to the top-of-the-line 4×4 SR5 and Rogue Double Cab models and be an option for the more affordable 4×4 SR Double Cab.
For South Africa, no concrete information has yet been announced on the particular MHEV powertrain that will be utilised on locally-built Hilux bakkies, nor on which trims it will be.
Australia gets its units from Thailand, whereas ours are built right here in Durban, so the possibility remains that they may not use the exact same configurations.
The manufacturer hasn’t divulged any specifics on the hybrid Fortuner that is in the pipeline, either, but considering the two body styles share the same chassis, it’s likely that the SUV will be powered by the same drivetrain.
Join the discussion