Toyota to offer MHEV HiLux from 2024

TOYOTA is set to offer 48-volt mild hybrid technology on selected HiLux models from next year, delivering what it says is an approximate 10 per cent improvement in fuel economy on that offered by the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Working in tandem with the 1GD-FTV series four-cylinder diesel engine and AC60F six-speed automatic transmission, the 48-volt motor/generator and battery pack combination is set to provide the HiLux with not only improved fuel economy, but idle-stop functionality and improved driveability, and reduced noise vibration and harshness.

Toyota Australia will offer the mild hybrid system as standard on all four-wheel drive SR5 and Rogue double cab variants, and optionally on the four-wheel drive SR double cab and says the technology “will not have any impact on the capability of the HiLux with the 4x4 models, maintaining their 3500kg braked towing capacity”.

Detailed specifications, including power and torque figures, and fuel economy and CO2 emissions numbers, have yet to be provided. For reference, the current turbo-diesel HiLux four-wheel drive double cab delivers 150kW of power at 3400rpm, 500Nm of torque from 1600-2800rpm, consumes 8.4 litres per 100km and emits 220 grams per kilometre of CO2.

With a claimed 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, that average should fall to around 7.6L/100km.

Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, said the introduction of a mild-hybrid HiLux demonstrates Toyota's commitment to reducing the fuel consumption of its vehicles without compromising on the performance and capability demanded by customers.

“We are continually striving to reduce the fuel consumption of our vehicles to help reduce on-going costs for customers, as well as helping reduce our environmental impact, and the addition of 48-volt technology to our biggest-selling vehicle line will contribute to this,” said Mr Hanley.

“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 into the outback,” he said.

In spite of its age, the current N80-series HiLux remains one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles, vying with the Ford Ranger for top spot on the monthly sales charts.

In two-wheel drive format, the HiLux leads the PU/CC 4x2 segment by a significant margin. Toyota has sold 4958 two-wheel drive HiLux variants year-to-date, well ahead of the second-place Ranger with 2682 unit sales and third-place Isuzu D-Max with 1933 unit sales.

The four-wheel drive range – which is the subject of Toyota’s mild-hybrid update – sells in even stronger numbers. Year-to-date figures show Toyota has sold 16,993 HiLux units, slightly behind the Ford Ranger with 18,725 unit sales, but well ahead of third-place Isuzu D-Max with 8810 unit sales.

Toyota Australia says further details of the HiLux MHEV will be announced closer to its launch in the first half of 2024.