Toyota HiLux hybrid: Mild-hybrid looking most likely

Reports out of South Africa suggest the Toyota HiLux ute and Fortuner SUV could pick up mild-hybrid powertrains as soon as next year.

The information – attained by carmag.co.za [↗] during a visit from Toyota executive vice president, Hiroki Nakajima – suggests a development in the electrification of HiLux and Fortuner.

It also reinforces foreshadowing from local Toyota vice president sales, marketing, and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, who told Wheels earlier this year that something big was coming for the HiLux.

Our goal always is to address market opportunities and customer needs with HiLux. At some point, that will include a form of electrification, although I don't intend to go into the exact details of that today

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Although the South African report doesn't closely detail the hybrid powertrain, it was made clear it will be of the mild-hybrid variety rather than the brand's synergy-drive system that features in the RAV4, Corolla, and Camry.

The system is likely to feature 48-volt electronics, potentially with a small electric motor to provide a power boost, but the bigger battery may simply allow longer idle stop-start interviews.

The HiLux and Fortuner's existing 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder will likely form the combustion-engine basis for the hybrid.

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Toyota seems to be at a crossroads when it comes to electrifying large vehicles. There was much chatter that the 300 Series would offer the Tundra's i-Force Max hybrid, but that has yet to eventuate.

Similarly, the next-gen Thai-built HiLux – purported to be twinned in development with the US-market Tacoma – has been expected to pick up a series-parallel hybrid setup as soon as next year.

More details will emerge as we draw closer to 2024, so stay tuned for new developments.

John Law

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A speculative rendering of the next-gen HiLux | Theottle

Our original story, below, continues unchanged

February 17: HiLux update due late 2023

The top-selling Toyota HiLux ute will be updated later this year to complement the new GR Sport flagship.

Toyota Australia's senior vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley, said the brand isn't "standing still" with the broader HiLux line-up.

"Last year, we launched Hilux Rogue, and it has been very warmly received. In the third quarter of this year, we will launch HiLux GR Sport – an off-road hero with 10 per cent more power and torque, among other new spec.

"Beyond that, we'll have more action on HiLux in the second half of the year.

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"Our goal always is to address market opportunities and customer needs with HiLux. At some point, that will include a form of electrification, although I don't intend to go into the exact details of that today."

This update could introduce minor tech updates – such as rear disc brakes on more variants and a larger, updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay – to better match the latest-generation Ford Ranger, which could overtake the HiLux to become Australia's top-selling vehicle in 2023.

"We certainly respect our competitors. It's a challenging market and we don't take our position for granted. Ultimately, I do think the final result will come down to supply rather than demand," said Hanley.

While the forthcoming update is unlikely to introduce an electrified powertrain to the HiLux line-up, this is expected in the coming years.

It will be matched to either a diesel or petrol engine – in a mild-hybrid, traditional hybrid, or plug-in hybrid form – with the brand remaining tight-lipped on its plans.

However, Toyota says it is also evaluating other forms of electrification for the HiLux, including full-electric and hydrogen.

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"Well, there's hybrid. You know, plug-in hybrid, there's all sorts of variants. We've been looking at H2 (hydrogen) conversions, we're looking at [battery-electric vehicles], we're looking at everything. This is exactly what we're saying, that Toyota won't put all of its eggs in one basket," added Hanley.

As previously announced, Toyota Australia plans to offer an electrified version of every model in its range by 2030 – including HiLux, LandCruiser and HiAce – but not GR performance cars.

Last month, Sean Hanley told Wheels an electrified HiLux was "quite conceivable."

"We said by 2030 all our models have some form of electrification, excluding GR, so it's quite conceivable over the next years, you know, between now and 2030 that, yeah, we'll have some type of electrification on HiLux."

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The first electrified commercial vehicle to be offered by Toyota in Australia will be the Tundra full-size ute, which is expected next year if the right-hand drive conversion project proves successful.

When asked by media if Toyota would sell as many EVs as hybrid vehicles, Hanley reiterated concerns surrounding price and capability.

"Not if they can't tow a caravan, not if they can't do range of 800 kilometres with three-and-a-half tonne on the back, not in our market.

"We've got a Tundra coming soon that I think will be more than capable as a hybrid, and that's why we're saying hybrid is a real credible, practical solution."

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As such, the transition to battery-electric vehicles for Toyota Australia will be slow and gradual, with a continued focus on all electrified options.

Toyota Australia forecasts more than half of its sales will be electrified by 2025, but – although no breakdown was offered with that forecast – this is expected to be made up mostly of hybrid options for popular vehicles, such as the RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Cross, Kluger, Camry and Yaris Cross.

In 2022, hybrid vehicles accounted for 31.5 per cent of Toyota Australia's sales – 72,815 of 231,050 registrations – with that number expected to rise this year, despite lengthy wait times.

It will launch its first electric vehicle, the RAV4-sized BZ4x medium SUV, later this year, with two additional battery-powered models due in Australia by 2027.