Introducing the latest addition to the Toyota Hilux lineup, the Hybrid. With a 7% fuel savings and a reduction of 7g of emissions from the exhaust, this new hybrid variant not only offers financial and environmental benefits but maintains the performance and versatility of the Hilux we’ve come accustomed too. And to find out more, Toyota NZ gave us 2 models to play with.
Frankly speaking, Toyota’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by 46% by 2030 is a bold goal, and if it is to reach it (which I believe they will), their popular workhorse will undoubtedly need to be electrified. But rather than (simply?) throw a big battery and 2 electric motors at it, they have taken a more tiered approach and made it a Mild Hybrid (MHEV) option. As seemingly not not wishing to scare the Hilux driving public, have opted not to brag about it either, with no exterior ‘hybrid’ badges to be found.
Available exclusively in the SR/SR5 range, including Cab Chassis, 4WD, and Cruiser 4WD models, the Hybrid (ok MHEV) Hilux’s (I have no idea what multiple Hilux are called) I was given to test were the SR5 and SR5 Cruiser – and since the latter was the top of the line, I think I’ll mostly tell you about that.
My SR5 Cruiser came in Oxide Bronze, which made it very easy on the eye. It also boasted flared wheel arches, black and chrome accents, Cruiser decals and bold 18-inch alloys. Conversely, the SR5 came in a more fleet worthy white and 17s.
Under the hood of both lay a 2.8L turbo diesel engine with a 48v generator and a small battery (that was actually under the rear seat), resulting in the same power output as its un MHEV’d diesel counterpart (150kW/500Nm) but with a 7% boost in fuel efficiency and a 7g decrease in CO2 emissions. Towing capacity remains impressive at 3,500kgs.
Inside, the interior of the Hybrid SR5 Cruiser mirrors that of the diesel model, featuring premium seats, an advanced infotainment system, a JBL sound system, and wireless charging. However, the eagle-eyed among you will notice that there’s a new ECO mode dial which does what it says on the tin, shutting down the engine when it can and in turn saving you fuel. There’s also a button that sits above the dial that (regardless of it being labelled driving mode) does nothing at all, but it’s cathartic to push I guess.
Through its infotainment and instrument screens, the Hybrid Hilux offers real-time feedback on battery levels, eco-driving performance, and fuel efficiency, providing drivers with insight into their driving habits and energy consumption, but in fairness, that’s all she wrote, it’s a Toyota Hilux – and that’s a good thing.
So while the hybrid technology enhances responsiveness and efficiency, it seamlessly integrates with the 4WD system, preserving the Hilux’s exceptional off-road capabilities without compromising performance.
Overall, the Hybrid Hilux is a step closer towards a (probably) more fully-electric ute, but being MHEV (and not shouting about it) will do little to offend those (generalising here) die hard petrolheads that feel that ‘EVs are for wimps and P****s’. You can wave as you pass them by at the gas-station filling up. The SR5 Cruiser comes with more toys and treats but both offer a more compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking both efficiency and performance in a versatile package.
