Face-lifted Toyota Hilux With MHEV Heart Debuts In Australia

The Toyota Hilux has been face-lifted once again for the Australian market, and it also gains a new MHEV powertrain option for selected variants.

It appears that a newly face-lifted version of the evergreen eighth-generation Toyota Hilux pick-up truck has been revealed in Australia. Aside from a mild nip-tuck, the biggest update for it sees selected variants gaining a new mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain underneath.

Just two images of the refreshed exterior were released, thus indicating that the exterior nip-tuck is mild. What’s clear though are the redesigned front grille, bumper, and headlights, and all feature new black-finished surrounds and trims. What appears new too are the alloy wheels design.

Apart from which, the Hilux keeps its familiar looks, which isn’t bad news entirely. The model last underwent a major facelift back in 2020, and this latest iteration of which is set to go on sale in Australia starting next month – March.

Visually, much of the exterior changes are focused up front. The grille, bumper, and headlights have been redesigned, as are the black-finished surrounds and trims primed in all.

As noted earlier, the biggest change for this staple pick-up truck – or ‘ute’, as the Aussies fondly calls vehicles as such – is the adoption of Toyota’s new MHEV turbo-diesel lump. Said powertrain was first announced and shown for the European late last year.

As a refresher, the MHEV package sees Toyota’s venerable 2.8-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel lump get paired with a 48-volt MHEV system. The latter consists of a 48-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the rear passenger seat and a belt-integrated starter-generator motor with a DC-DC converter.

The turbo-diesel lump continues to supply up to 204 PS and 500 NM, whilst the MHEV system grants a 16 PS and 65 NM boost. Altogether, the setup promises not fuel efficiency improvements between 6% to 10% compared to the regular non-MHEV variants.

Besides that, the added MHEV system also promises improved drivability both on- and off-road, as well as lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The former fact is bolstered by the addition of a Multi-Terrain select suite equipped as standard with said powertrain.

Similar to the EU market model, the MHEV powertrain option is offered only for select 4x4-equipped dual-cab variants.

Underneath, select 4x4-equipped dual-cab variants gain with the new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel MHEV powertrain choice as seen in the EU Market version Toyota showed late last year.

For Australia, the MHEV powertrain choice is offered on selected 4x4-equipped dual-cab variants. This largely stems from the MHEV setup that sees its 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack mounted underneath the rear passenger seat. (Note: EU-spec Hilux pictured)

Closer to home, we can perhaps expect the ASEAN-spec Hilux to gain a similar exterior refresh, thought the prospects of the MHEV powertrain option offered remains uncertain for now. Given its improved fuel efficiency though, would you fancy a mildly-electrified Hilux if it was offered?