Toyota has announced the first official details of its upcoming Hilux mild-hybrid powertrain. Here’s what we know about the mildly electrified Japanese bakkie so far…

Toyota has released the first official details on its upcoming Hilux mild-hybrid powertrain, which is expected to hit the South African market at some point in 2024.

As revealed in a press release put out by Toyota Australia, the widely used 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine is in line to gain 48-volt technology, though seemingly only in conjunction with the 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the Japanese firm’s Australian arm, this will result in a fuel saving of “approximately 10%” for “certain” derivatives.

Though the automaker seemingly makes a point of avoiding the word “hybrid” in its official press material on the subject, the Hilux’s hybrid arrangement will include a 48-volt battery, a “small” electric motor-generator and various “other components”. Toyota claims the addition of this system “will not have any impact on the capability of the Hilux with the 4×4 models”, which are set to retain their respective 3500 kg braked towing capacities.

Toyota promises the mild-hybrid version of the Hilux won’t lose any of its off-road or towing capability.

In addition to the claimed improvement in fuel economy, Toyota says the 48-volt technology will enable the fitment of a stop/start system, while also improving “driveability” and reducing noise, vibration and harshness. However, the company suggests this will not compromise “the performance and capability demanded by customers”.

Down Under, the 48-volt technology will be fitted as standard on high-spec 4×4 models (badged as the SR5 and Rogue in Australia), while furthermore being offered as an option for the all-paw version of the lower-spec SR.

So, what about South Africa? Well, it’s worth keeping in mind Australia sources its Hilux units from Thailand, while Mzansi builds its own at the Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal. That said, in May 2023, Toyota South Africa Motors announced plans to introduce fresh new-energy vehicles to the local market, including hybrid versions of both the Hilux and the closely related Fortuner.

We’ll update this story once Toyota SA Motors releases more official details on the topic, as a lightly electrified version of South Africa’s best-selling vehicle draws ever closer…

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