Toyota has given its Hilux pickup a major update for 2025. While the styling and the interior remain much the same, under the skin, for the first time, the Hilux gets hybrid power.
It’s not a full hybrid but a mild-hybrid, using a small lithium-ion battery (stored under the seats) to power a 48-volt starter-generator, which can add up to 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque to the familiar 2.8-litre 204hp diesel engine when needed. Power is sent to all four wheels through an automatic gearbox, and Toyota claims a five per cent improvement in emissions and fuel consumption thanks to the hybrid system.
No impact on practicality
The mild-hybrid system has been designed to be compact, so it doesn’t affect the Hilux’s load-carrying — 1,000kg — nor its towing — 3,500kg on a braked trailer — abilities. It also doesn’t affect the 700mm water wading depth, and in fact, Toyota says that a waterproof coating on the belt drive for the starter generator means that you can actually stop the Hilux in water that deep for up to ten minutes. The Hilux has a running ground clearance of 310mm and approach and departure angles at 29 and 26 degrees, respectively.
The latest Toyota Hilux is HVO compatible
The Hilux’s 2.8-litre diesel engine is also fully compliant with HVO bio-diesel use, and for those who need to tackle tricky terrain, there’s a selectable off-road mode system which allows you to choose between Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, Deep Snow and Auto driving modes.
Sporty GR version for Hilux
As well as the mild-hybrid Hilux, there’s also an update for the sporty GR Sport II version, which gets beefed-up suspension with a little more ride height, heavy-duty monotube shock absorbers, and sportier styling with wheelarch extensions, a mesh grille, and a leather-and-suede interior. The GR Sport II Hilux has the same load-carrying and towing capacity as the standard model.
