Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V (2025): Rugged, Refined and Ready for Anything
For over 50 years, the Toyota Hilux has earned global acclaim for its unrivalled toughness, dependability, and endurance in some of the harshest conditions on earth. Over time, it has evolved into a versatile dual-purpose vehicle, equally at home on rugged worksites and smooth tarmac. Now, the Hilux takes a bold step forward with its first-ever electrified powertrain: the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V.
Launching in 2025, the Hilux Hybrid 48V introduces a new level of refinement and performance while preserving the legendary durability and off-road prowess drivers expect. This innovative mild hybrid system enhances the driving experience with smoother, quieter, and more efficient performance across all terrains—without compromising payload, towing capacity, or water-wading depth (up to 700 mm).
Available exclusively in Double Cab format across all trims, including the top-tier INVINCIBLE grade, the Hybrid 48V brings more innovative technology and a cleaner conscience to the Hilux range.
The Hilux Hybrid 48V retains the robust 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and pairs it with a 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery, electric motor generator, and compact DC-DC converter. These components are seamlessly integrated without significant modifications to the engine layout, ensuring easy servicing and uncompromised reliability.
The engine—driven motor—generator charges the hybrid battery and supports the powertrain with up to 12 kW of additional power and 65 Nm of torque during acceleration. This translates into enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced CO₂ emissions (by up to 5%), and smoother low-speed control, especially in off-road situations.
Engineered for durability, the hybrid components are positioned high on the engine bay to maintain deep-water wading capability. The battery cooling system draws in air from the front of the vehicle, aided by a dust-prevention filter, ensuring long-term reliability even in extreme heat and dusty environments.
A new two-arm belt tensioner—developed specifically for diesel vehicles—keeps the motor-generator belt taut, improving acceleration response and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) to levels comparable with petrol-powered passenger cars.
The electric motor-generator adds regenerative braking to recover energy when decelerating, complementing engine braking for smoother stops and improved fuel economy. A reduced engine idling speed (720 to 600 rpm) allows for more precise throttle control in rough terrain.
The stop-start system is quicker and quieter, enabling restarts even at high engine speeds. Drivers can tailor this function with NORMAL or LONG settings depending on traffic or air conditioning usage. An intelligent hill-start assist maintains brake pressure on gradients until sufficient drive torque is restored.
The Hilux Hybrid 48V is the first in its class to feature Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system. This intuitive setup fine-tunes traction and drives dynamics for six off-road environments: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock. Depending on the selected mode, the vehicle adapts its throttle response, braking pressure, and suspension dynamics to provide optimal control and grip.
Each mode is indicated on the vehicle’s digital display, and additional visual cues like VSC OFF and slip indicators appear when relevant. These settings ensure superior capability and confidence across all conditions—from icy slopes to rocky trails.
The Hilux Hybrid 48V retains the model’s hallmark practicality. It is 5,325 mm long and up to 1,900 mm wide and offers a spacious double cab and a 1,555 mm bed. The hybrid system does not compromise utility: the payload remains at 1,000 kg, and the towing capacity at 3,500 kg.
Underneath, the Hilux continues with its rugged body-on-frame architecture, with a ladder frame chassis and rear leaf-spring suspension. Its ground clearance of 310 mm and approach/departure angles of 29 and 26 degrees ensure it can easily tackle challenging terrain.
The 2.8-litre DOHC 16-valve diesel engine produces 204 DIN hp (150 kW) and 500 Nm of torque. It is supported by a variable-nozzle turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. The engine meets stringent emission standards with technologies including a diesel particulate filter, Selective Catalytic Reduction, and HVO100 biofuel compatibility.
Toyota Safety Sense comes as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of active safety systems:
Pre-Collision System (PCS): Detects pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic—even at junctions.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe distance and adapts to speed limits with Road Sign Assist (RSA).
Automatic High Beam (AHB): Optimises night-time visibility without dazzling other drivers.
The cabin features an eight-inch Toyota Smart Connect touchscreen with cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto®. A nine-speaker JBL audio system enhances the in-cabin experience, while the MyToyota app allows remote operation of key functions such as locking, unlocking, and pre-conditioning the cabin.
