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Toyota Hilux has iconic status

The Toyota Hilux has been on the market since 1968 and is recognizable worldwide as a rugged pickup truck. Since its market introduction, Toyota has sold more than 27 million of them. That’s a bizarre number! To keep the Hilux with the times, Toyota is working on several solutions. This Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V is one of them. But the brand will also launch a battery-electric Hilux in 2026. Toyota is also working on a full-fledged hybrid Hilux, reportedly even with a gasoline engine. But Toyota is not ruling out diesel, either.

Indeed, diesel is still incredibly important, especially in countries where the (charging) infrastructure is still in its infancy. That is why this Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V also has a turbodiesel engine. This is currently the best solution worldwide. Important, because the Hilux is sold in every country in the world except China and the United States. About 30 percent of Toyota Professional sales in Europe are Hilux. The model has a 20 percent market share in Europe. It remains a workhorse, even as a mild-hybrid.

Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V (2025) – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Only as a Double Cab

The Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V is available only as a Double Cab. That’s because the 48V battery is placed under the rear seat. Otherwise, Toyota has no room for the battery. The body-on-frame construction remains, as does the ladder chassis. It is 5,325 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,815 mm high. The cargo box is 1,525 mm long. The payload is 1,000 kilograms and the braked towing weight comes out to 3,500 kilograms. Figures that will surely make you happy as an entrepreneur.

Mild-hybridsupport

The familiar 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm in this version. The four-cylinder diesel engine features common-rail injection, a variable turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. Emission standards are met with a combination of diesel oxidation catalyst, SCR catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. The engine is also compatible with HVO100 diesel, a renewable, non-fossil fuel. The proven 2.8-liter, 16-valve diesel engine meets the Euro 6d emissions standard and delivers peak power of 204 hp at 3,400 rpm. Torque of 500 Nm is available between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. The current diesel technology is not suitable for a full-hybrid system, but it is suitable for mild-hybrid support.

On paper, the addition of the 48V system increases efficiency but also driving comfort. A 12 kW (16 hp) and 65 Nm electric motor-generator supports the diesel engine when accelerating. You really feel that, too. At lower revs, you have much more “push. Everything is coupled to a compact 48V lithium-ion battery weighing 7.6 kg, placed under the rear seat. The electric motor also drives the 12V system via a DC/DC converter. Energy is recovered during braking, contributing to lower consumption and additional braking power. The MHEV technology, by the way, is missing on the more hardcore Toyota Hilux GR Sport.

Starting faster

The electric motor makes the stop-start system faster and quieter. Because the starter motor is not needed, the diesel engine restarts more smoothly. In city traffic, the extra torque provides faster throttle response and more linear acceleration. According to Toyota, fuel consumption can be up to 7% lower compared to the conventional diesel variant. Off-road, the system also provides benefits. The electric motor provides more controlled acceleration at low speeds, and regenerative braking supports during descents. Idle speed drops to 600 rpm for better control. Don’t worry about the MHEV system.

Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V also has Multi-terrain Select

For the first time, the Hilux is equipped with the Multi-terrain Select system. This adjusts the tuning of the stability system to the surface. There are five modes: Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock. There is also an automatic mode. This system controls wheelspin and engine power for optimal traction. Ground clearance is 310 mm. The approach and departure angles are 29 and 26 degrees, respectively. This keeps the Hilux employable in rough conditions.

Mild-hybrid also resistant to water

Toyota has made the Hilux Hybrid 48V suitable for water penetration up to 700 mm. The battery and converter are waterproof, the drive belt is reinforced and equipped with anti-slip features.

Interior Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V

Inside, the Hilux Hybrid 48V offers a comfortable cabin with five seats. The dashboard features an 8-inch screen with the latest Toyota Smart Connect system. This includes cloud-based navigation, up-to-date traffic information, voice control and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wireless). Depending on the trim, remote control via an app is possible. This allows you to lock the doors or activate the air conditioning, among other things.

Safety

The latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense is standard. The Pre-Collision System recognizes pedestrians, cyclists and oncoming traffic, even in complex situations. Lane Departure Alert takes lining and road edges into account. Adaptive Cruise Control works together with Road Sign Assist and automatically adjusts speed. Adaptive High Beam Assist (AHB) automatically controls high and low beam. This increases visibility without blinding other road users.

What could be better about the Toyota Hilux?

The Toyota Hilux is an up-and-coming workhorse, but the pickup is not entirely perfect. The seating position, for example, could be better. The adjustability of the steering column is also quite limited, especially in the depth adjustment. But you also have to remember that the Hilux is a world car. For that reason, the interior is tailored to global buyers. In some countries they are a little smaller and in others a little larger. Toyota has chosen the golden mean. So somewhere it is understandable that the manufacturer had to make concessions. In terms of warranty, there is nothing to complain about: you get 10 years or up to 200,000 kilometers of warranty. In that area, the Hilux is unbeatable. Also in general terms, this Toyota gives an impression comparable to the Nokia 3310. Not to be broken, therefore, no matter how big the blow or challenge. Thanks to mild-hybrid technology, on paper the pickup is also slightly more economical. That’s a nice bonus.

Technical specifications Toyota HIlux Hybrid 48V

• Engine: 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV four-in-line turbodiesel
• Engine capacity: 2,755 cc
• Power: 150 kW (204 hp) between 3,000 and 3,400 rpm
• Torque: 500 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm
• Power of electric motor: 12 kW
• Electric motor torque: 65 Nm
• Battery: 48V lithium-ion
• Top speed: 175 km/h
• 0-100 km/h: 10.7 seconds
• Average fuel consumption: 10 to 10.2 l/100 km
• CO2 emissions (WLTP): 262-266 g/km
• Weight: 2,165 to 2,360 kilograms
• Towing weight braked: 3,500 kilograms
• Unbraked towing weight: 750 kilograms
• Length: 5,325 mm
• Width: 1,855 to 1,900 mm
• Height: 1,865 mm
• Wheelbase: 3,085 mm