Toyota Hilux BEV

The Toyota Hilux BEV is a five-seat electric double-cab pick-up offered in Malaysia as a single fully imported 4x4 variant. Priced at RM226,300 on-the-road without insurance for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia, it is Toyota’s first global retail battery-electric pick-up.

Its dual-motor system produces a combined 144 KW or 196 PS, supported by a 59.2-kWh lithium-ion battery. Toyota quotes up to 315 KM of NEDC range, while its reported WLTP figure is approximately 257 KM. Warranty coverage includes five years or 150,000 KM for the vehicle and eight years with unlimited mileage for the battery, inverter and BEV ECU.

The redesigned dashboard takes inspiration from the Land Cruiser 250, combining horizontal surfaces, angular air vents and physical climate controls. Two 12.3-inch displays provide instrumentation and infotainment functions.

The centre console houses a shift-by-wire selector, electronic parking brake, Brake Hold switch and Multi-Terrain Select controller. Frequently used off-road and vehicle functions retain physical controls for easier operation.

The 12.3-inch full-colour digital instrument display provides speed, battery status, energy consumption, driving range and assistance information. Customisable layouts also display Multi-Terrain Select and off-road information.

Black combination-leather upholstery is standard. The driver receives eight-way powered adjustment with two-way lumbar support, while the front passenger seat is manually adjustable in four directions. The rear bench includes a centre armrest and 60:40 tip-up bases.

The double-cab layout accommodates five occupants. Its large exterior and 3,085-MM wheelbase provide useful passenger space, although the upright rear bench remains more work-focused than the rear seating in a passenger SUV.

A three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel provides controls for media, calls, the instrument display and driver-assistance systems. Electric power steering and tilt-and-telescopic adjustment help make the large pick-up easier to manoeuvre.

Storage includes two dashboard gloveboxes, large door pockets, front seatback pockets and compartments around the centre console. The open areas surrounding the drive controls provide convenient storage for smaller personal items.

Cup holders are positioned within the centre-console area and beside the outer dashboard air vents. Additional bottle holders are incorporated into the door pockets.

A wireless smartphone charger is fitted, together with one front USB charging port, two rear USB ports and a front 12-volt accessory socket. A Type 2 AC charging cable is listed as a RM4,000 optional accessory.

Stitched dashboard surfaces, combination-leather seats and more neatly integrated displays give the cabin a more premium appearance than earlier Hilux models. The controls remain substantial and practical to suit commercial and off-road use.

Instead of a conventional boot, the Hilux provides an open rear cargo bed with a factory bedliner. Maximum payload is 750 KG, while braked towing capacity is rated at up to 2,000 KG.

The Hilux BEV measures 5,320 MM long, 1,855 MM wide and 1,845 MM tall, with a 3,085-MM wheelbase. Kerb weight stands at 2,455 KG, while the minimum turning radius is 6.4 metres. Ground clearance is approximately 212 MM.

Toyota describes the exterior as its “Cyber Sumo” design. The front features a largely closed fascia, prominent TOYOTA lettering, an angular lower intake and silver underbody trim, giving the electric model a more modern appearance than the previous Hilux.

The upright rear receives angular combination lamps, large TOYOTA lettering and integrated corner steps for easier access to the cargo bed. A factory bedliner is included to protect the loading area during regular use.

LED projector headlamps are fitted with LED daytime-running lights, LED turn signals and LED front fog lamps. Automatic static levelling and Auto High Beam are also included.

The rear combination lamps use an LED signature graphic, together with LED reverse and rear fog lamps. The rear turn indicators continue to use conventional bulbs.

The painted exterior mirrors provide powered adjustment, automatic folding and integrated turn indicators. Blind-spot warnings are displayed within the mirror area when another vehicle is detected alongside.

Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at both the front and rear. They are supported by ABS, Brake Assist, stability control, traction control and regenerative braking from the electric motors.

The Malaysian model rides on unique 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65 R17 tyres. Their aerodynamic design helps distinguish the BEV from conventional Hilux variants.

Active-safety equipment includes ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, Hill-start Assist, Downhill Assist Control, Emergency Stop Signal, Brake Hold and tyre-pressure monitoring.

Seven airbags are fitted, covering the front occupants, front sides, cabin curtains and the driver’s knee. All seats receive three-point seatbelts, while two ISOFIX child-seat mounting positions are provided at the rear.

Multi-Terrain Select provides dedicated Rock, Mogul, Mud, Sand and Dirt settings. These modes adjust motor output and traction-control behaviour to suit different off-road surfaces.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical shortcut buttons are retained beneath the display for frequently used audio and menu functions.

Toyota Safety Sense includes Pre-Collision System, all-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist and Auto High Beam. Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Road Sign Assist and Parking Support Brake are also included.

A Panoramic View Monitor provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, while the Multi-Terrain Monitor assists when navigating obstacles and uneven surfaces. Front and rear parking sensors are standard.

An eight-speaker audio system is fitted as standard, providing coverage throughout the double-cab interior.

The Hilux BEV uses two permanent-magnet synchronous motors. The front motor produces 82 KW and 206 NM, while the rear develops 129 KW and 269 NM. Combined system output is 144 KW or 196 PS.

Each motor operates through a single-speed electric reduction drive. The shift-by-wire selector provides immediate and uninterrupted power delivery without conventional gear changes.

One motor powers each axle, creating a permanent dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The battery is installed within the strengthened ladder frame, while reinforced underside protection shields the battery and eAxle components.

Toyota Malaysia does not list an official 0–100 KM/H acceleration figure for the local Hilux BEV. Its powertrain is tuned for controlled off-road response, carrying ability and low-speed traction rather than sports-car performance.

The 59.2-kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 315 KM under NEDC testing, while the WLTP range is approximately 257 KM. Actual range may decrease considerably when carrying heavy loads, towing or travelling off-road.

Charging supports up to 10 KW AC, requiring approximately 6.5 hours from 10% to 100%. Official Malaysian materials list up to 150 KW DC charging, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes under suitable conditions.

Convenience equipment includes smart entry, push-button start, one-touch powered windows, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, illuminated entry, wireless charging and a factory front digital video recorder.

The Toyota Remote application adds vehicle location, remote locking, climate control, battery-status monitoring, geofencing, trip history and charging-station search functions.

Dual-zone automatic climate control is fitted with dedicated rear air-conditioning vents. A PM2.5 cabin filter helps reduce fine airborne particles entering the interior.

The front uses independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, while the rear adopts a De Dion arrangement with leaf springs. The setup is designed to accommodate the rear electric motor while retaining the load-carrying characteristics expected from a Hilux.

The electric drivetrain should make low-speed driving quieter and smoother than a diesel Hilux because there is no combustion engine vibration. However, wind and tyre noise from the large pick-up body and all-terrain-style tyres may still be noticeable at higher speeds; this remains an inference pending a full local road test.

The Toyota Hilux BEV combines the familiar toughness of a ladder-frame pick-up with quiet dual-motor performance, permanent all-wheel drive and useful off-road technology. Its 700-MM wading capability, Multi-Terrain Select system, 750-KG payload and comprehensive safety package make it suitable for fleets operating on predictable daily routes.

Its main limitations are the RM226,300 price, modest 257-KM WLTP range and reduced payload compared with conventional one-tonne diesel pick-ups. The 2,000-KG towing limit is also below the 3,500-KG capacity commonly associated with diesel Hilux variants. Overall, it is a specialised electric work vehicle rather than a direct replacement for every diesel pick-up application.