Discover Toyota’s new electric Hilux pickup, now debuting in Europe with a 258‑km range and off‑road chops. Learn how this rollout could affect Vietnam’s market – read more now!
Renowned for its rugged durability, the Toyota Hilux has conquered everything from deep mud and floodwaters to crane drops. Now, the iconic pickup is stepping into the electric era, and the stakes are high as stricter emissions standards reshape demanding markets.
Electric Powertrain Options
At the recent Brussels Motor Show, Toyota rolled out the ninth‑generation Hilux for Europe, offering two electrified configurations: a 2.8‑litre diesel mild‑hybrid and a fully electric BEV version. Both models were already on sale in parts of Asia, but their European debut signals a broader distribution strategy aimed at markets with tight emission regulations.
While the BEV marks the first zero‑emission Hilux, Toyota is also testing a hydrogen‑fuel‑cell variant, underscoring a “multi‑path” approach to the brand’s transitional phase.
Diesel Still Holds Ground
For many buyers, the classic diesel engine remains the workhorse. Toyota continues to offer the 2.8‑litre 201‑hp diesel mild‑hybrid that appeared at the tail‑end of the previous generation. Some European regions will even receive a non‑hybrid diesel. In the UK and much of Europe, the 48‑V mild‑hybrid diesel is expected to stay the flagship, thanks to its 1,000 kg payload and 3,500 kg tongue‑weight capacity.
Performance and Range of the Hilux BEV
The electric Hilux is geared toward fleet operators focused on operating costs and tax incentives. It packs a 59.2 kWh battery and features dual electric motors—one on each axle—delivering permanent all‑wheel drive. The front motor produces 205 Nm of torque, while the rear offers 268 Nm.
According to Toyota, the WLTP‑based range is about 258 km (160 mi), extending to roughly 380 km (236 mi) in city driving. Although respectable for a pickup, the range is modest compared with passenger EVs, raising questions about its suitability for the Vietnamese market, where only diesel variants are slated for launch this month.
Off‑Road Capability Remains Intact
Despite the electric drivetrain, the BEV retains the Hilix’s hallmark ladder‑type frame, 212 mm ground clearance and 700 mm water‑wading depth. A dedicated off‑road mode exploits instant torque and regenerative braking. However, payload drops to 715 kg and max tow capacity falls to 1,600 kg, noticeably lower than the internal‑combustion versions.
New Design Language – “Cyber Sumo”
Both the hybrid and electric models showcase Toyota’s fresh “Cyber Sumo” aesthetic, developed by the Australian design team. The styling emphasizes bold, squared surfaces and a modern, large‑pickup silhouette. The electric version is identifiable by a closed‑front grille and revised front bumper.
Upgraded Interior Tech
The cabin receives a technology boost with a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster, a centrally mounted infotainment screen borrowed from the latest Land Cruiser, and a steering wheel that mirrors the premium SUV’s design. While electronic safety suites are comprehensive, Toyota retains tactile buttons for frequently used functions, keeping the driver’s experience familiar.
Market Availability and Pricing
Toyota plans to start selling the new Hilux in the UK from June. Official pricing—expected to sit above the outgoing model—will be announced in the coming months.
What It Means for Vietnam
Given the limited electric range and reduced payload, the BEV is unlikely to reach the Vietnamese market in the near term. Local buyers can anticipate a diesel‑only rollout later this month, while the electric version remains a showcase of Toyota’s evolving strategy for tougher emission landscapes abroad.