The Toyota Hilux Goes Hybrid In Europe

New Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V for Europe goes on sale next year, and it sees the venerable 4x4 pick-up truck adopt MHEV power.

Starting middle of next year (2024), the Toyota Hilux will go on sale in European markets with a new mild hybrid (MHEV) variant. The Japanese automaking giant confirmed this earlier this week, citing this being a ‘first step’ towards more electrification in its European line-up in 2024.

Christened as the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V, this variant sees its familiar 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel lump now working in tandem with a compact motor generator unit and 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The latter weighs just 7.6 KG and is placed under the rear seats – this variant comes in dual-cob body only.

Under the hood, the Hilux Hybrid 48V sees the familiar 2.8 4-cyl turbo-diesel now paired with a compact motor generator and lithium-ion battery that provides a 16 HP and 65 NM boost.

This MHEV system provides an additional 16 HP and 65 NM boost through the motor generator to aid with acceleration. It also facilitates active engine stop-start system that, according to Toyota, contributes a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency. It also promises to be more refined and comfortable for city traffic.

Toyota adds that the added MHEV system also enhances the Hilux’s all-terrain abilities thanks to the engine’s lowered idling speed – 600 RPM instead of 720 RPM. The system allows smoother acceleration at slow speeds on rough terrain, whilst regenerative braking also help with better downhill descent control.

Despite the added electrification, Toyota says the Hilux’s towing and payload capacities – rated at 3,500 KG and 1,000 KG respectively – weren’t compromised. Additionally, both the battery a converter are fully waterproofed, thus granting the Hilux Hybrid 48V with a respectable 700 MM water-wading ability too.

Updated hybrid-specific meter panel aside, things on board appear business as usual. Toyota have also added key ADAS features such as a pre-collision system, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control.

On board, the cabin of the Hilux Hybrid 48V appears business as usual as it continues to feature things like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The switch to hybrid power does see its instrument display updated to reflect the added electrification.

Apart from which, Toyota also key ADAS features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warnings, as well as an adaptive cruise control module. Altogether, mild-electrification efforts for perhaps one of Toyota’s most recognisable global products doesn’t appear to shabby.

It’s also worth noting that Toyota have developed a hydrogen fuel cell-powered version of the Hilux earlier this year. Boasting comparable specs with its diesel-powered twin and a claimed 587 KM range, this is also set to launch in Europe at an unspecified time.