Toyota begins sales of its Hilux pick-up with 48 V Mild-Hybrid technology

It was at the end of 2023 when Toyota confirmed that the famous Hilux would have a version with mild-hybrid technology of 48 V among its engine range, and it was announced that it would arrive during 2024. The Japanese brand’s plans seem to have been delayed a little longer than expected, but it is finally here: Toyota is starting the commercialisation in Spain of the Hilux with mild-hybrid engine.

Let’s recall that until now the engine range of the Toyota Hilux consisted of the 2,400 cc and 150 CV unit, linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox for the GX trim; while if we want more power we have to opt for the VXL trim to use the 2,800 cc unit with 204 CV of power and 500 Nm of torque, linked to the same six-speed automatic gearbox. Both, by the way, are adapted and approved to use the HVO100 diesel biofuel.

It is precisely this last engine that benefits from mild-hybrid technology, as it is equipped with a 48 V hybrid system, thus becoming 5% more efficient in fuel use compared to the same engine without mild-hybrid technology. Its operation is based on the combustion engine turning a compact generator motor responsible for supplying energy to the 48 V battery, which in turn powers the 12 V system through a new DC/DC converter. If the battery is charged, something it also achieves during deceleration and braking phases, it is able to provide an additional 16 CV and 65 Nm of torque on demand, thus achieving a total system output of 220 CV and 565 Nm of engine torque.

Naturally, the 2,800 cc diesel engine has undergone slight modifications to adapt to mild-hybrid technology; specifically, it now uses a new double-arm belt tensioner along with a more resistant belt. It should be noted that Toyota has obviously taken into account that the mild-hybrid Hilux can also be used for the toughest jobs, so the generator motor has been designed to withstand the heavy workloads that a Hilux can encounter.

If we want to use this new engine, we can only do so through the Hilux with the VXL trim, which comes with standard equipment including items such as:

• Keyless entry and start system
• Electrically folding and heated door mirrors
• Headlights with Follow Me Home function
• Rear differential lock
• Brake assist
• LED rear brake lights
• LED fog lights
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear-view camera
• Pre-collision system with brake assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Hill descent control
• Trailer sway control
• Adaptive cruise control
• MM21 multimedia system with 8-inch screen
• TFT instrument cluster with 4.2-inch screen
• 6 speakers
• Bluetooth and USB ports
• Dual 12 V front sockets
• Dual-zone air conditioning
• Heated front seats

The Toyota Hilux Mild-Hybrid can now be ordered at the brand’s Spanish dealerships, with prices starting from 51,250 euros for private customers and from 41,497 euros for fleets.