Images
1 / 7
Toyota rolls out its Hybrid 48V tech with its Hilux pick-up. It sounds impressive and there are drivability benefits but the efficiency advantages are slim.
+ More
Background
Toyota has been thinking about electric pick-up trucks for some time. They've already previewed an all-electric pick-up (the EPU concept) and produced a prototype hydrogen-powered Hilux. Electrified tech available from the brand in the here-and-now in this segment though is less ambitious - but it does at least exist, in the form of this model, the Hilux Hybrid 48V.
Essentially, what's going on here is driven by the company's desire to lengthen the shelf life of its long-running four cylinder 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and to that end, an electric motor generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery have been added to it. This is merely mild hybrid technology, rather than the full-Hybrid tech that Toyota uses in its other cars. As such, you can't expect big efficiency gains, but the brand says there are driveability enhancements and off-road prowess and payload remain unaffected. Let's take a closer look.
+ More
Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 41525 | 41525 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 265 | 265 |
| Min | Max |
| Max Speed (mph) | 109 | 109 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 10.7 | 10.7 |
| Payload Capacity (l) | 1000 | 1000 |
Driving experience
An awful lot of clever technology has been implemented here, though in truth it's difficult to see many tangible benefits from it. We're well familiar with the Hilux model's four cylinder 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, which has to be had with automatic transmission with the Hybrid 48V model. Here, that unit has been embellished with a reinforced belt drive system which turns a compact motor generator, which in turn charges a 48V lithium battery installed beneath the rear bench seat.
That hybrid battery weighs 7.6kg and supplies this Toyota's 12V electrical system through a DC/DC converter. It sends up to 12kW of power (and up to 65Nm of torque) through the motor generator to the engine in a bid to improve power, acceleration and efficiency. Total power output is the same as with a normal 2.8-litre Hilux - 201bhp - and there's 510Nm of torque. Rest to 62mph takes 10.7s.
As you drive, braking energy is regenerated to supply charge to the hybrid battery and provide extra braking performance. In town, Toyota claims that the 48V system improves throttle response and provides 'more linear' acceleration. It makes life easier off-road too; a reduced idle speed (down to 600rpm from 720rpm normally) makes low-speed driving easier, while the motor generator enables smoother acceleration and the regenerative braking supports safer downhill manoeuvring.
For this model, Toyota has added a Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system which calibrates the vehicle to regulate power and wheelspin in order to enhance manoeuvrability and traction. Plus the driver can select between five pre-set options - Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow or Rock. As usual with the Hilux, there's 310mm of ground clearance, 700mm of wading depth and the approach and departure angles are 29-degrees and 26-degrees.
+ More
Design and build
Apart from the badgework, there are no external giveaways as to this electrified Hilux model's status. Some pick-ups look a little silly when they're all fashioned up, but we think that this one assumes just the right balance of style and solidity, especially in the Double Cab 'Invincible X' form that Hybrid 48V Hilux customers have to have. At a glance, you know this pick-up's going to be tough and capable, but at the same time, you wouldn't hesitate to park it among the Crossovers outside the gym.
Inside, as with all the toughest pick-ups, you perch up high, bearing down on ordinary road users with authority. Nothing's really changed in recent years about the fundamental design of this cabin, but the Japanese brand has taken the opportunity to upgrade the 'Toyota Touch 2' central infotainment screen, which these days is eight inches in size and incorporates 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. There's dual-tone leather upholstery on this top-spec model, but even here, hard-wearing plastics on the dashboard and the door cards remind you that this is very much a working vehicle, though Toyota has tried to lift things with silvered touches and piano black plastic. A thumping 9-speaker JBL audio system comes included with 'Invincible X' trim.
In the rear seat of this Double Cab variant, there's reasonable space for three and the bench has a useful 60:40-split tip-up function so that valuable things like tools can be kept away from prying eyes.
+ More
Market and model
For the time being, this Hybrid 48V model (only offered in Double Cab form) comes only with the priciest 'Invincible X' level of Hilux trim. Which is why there's a price tag of around £50,000 attached to it - that's including the VAT; it's around £41,500 after VAT's been reclaimed. If you want 'Invincible X' trim with an auto gearbox (as nearly all prospective customers for the highest-spec Hilux would), then you now have to have this 48V powertrain, which is around £1,300 more than the manual model.
'Invincible X' trim comes with a unique exterior look which includes black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels and a black finish for the bulbar-like trim around the grille which extends down towards the front scuff plate. Inside with an 'Invincible X', there are extra niceties like dual-tone black leather upholstery, navigation and ambient door panel blue lighting. Perhaps the highlight 'Invincible X' feature is a 9-speaker JBL Premium Sound audio system with an eight-channel amp, a 244mm subwoofer and Harman Clari-Fi technology that optimises the quality of compressed digital audio files.
As usual with a Hilux, there's Toyota Safety Sense technology. Including an enhanced Pre-Collision System. Plus Adaptive Cruise Control with Road Sign Assist that allows the driver to quickly adjust the speed in line with changes in the limit. The ACC can also automatically slow the vehicle to ensure an appropriate speed through highway bends. When driving at night, the Automatic High Beam function eliminates the need to switch headlight levels to avoid dazzling other drivers. It detects approaching vehicles and instantly and precisely adjusts the lights, so high beam use is maximised.
Customers can choose from a wide range of accessories to personalise their Hilux and equip it to suit their specific work or leisure requirements. Items include a range of hard tops and roll covers, a locking tailgate and a 12V power supply mounted on the deck.
+ More
Summary
In an era where we've full-electric and PHEV pick-ups that are really driving running costs down, it's a bit disappointing to find in this 48V Hilux an engine that will hardly improve your running costs or your emissions at all. Such is the downside of mild hybrid technology.
Still, when this electrified engine switches to battery mode in town, you'll feel you're doing your bit for the environment. And the 48V system's driveability advantages off-road are worth having. But if you want a really properly-electrified Hilux, you'll have to wait a bit longer.
+ More
Find a Review
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
