2024 Toyota HiLux hybrid confirmed: New 48-volt electric system promises to drop diesel fuel use by 10 percent

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 Stephen Corby 2856 Views HiLux, hybrid, Toyota

Toyota will launch its first hybrid HiLux in Australia in the first half of 2024, with the brand promising the new 48-volt system will reduce fuel use by 10 percent, and improve the way the HiLux drives both on- and off-road.

That second point is interesting, because usually 48-volt systems are purely a fuel-saving measure, with the electric motor not actually driving the wheels. But Toyota’s promises suggest its system could be different, though our requests for an explanation have so far gone unanswered.

The brand will offer the technology on its two top-spec models initially, with the 48-volt system to be offered on the SR5 and Rogue models, with deliveries set to begin in the first half of 2024.

It doesn’t sound like the technology will be optional, with information released so far suggesting the 48-volt system will be applied to those models in their entirety.

“We are continually striving to reduce the fuel consumption of our vehicles to help reduce on-going costs for customers, as well as helping reduce our environmental impact, and the addition of 48-Volt Technology to our biggest-selling vehicle line will contribute to this,” says Toyota Australia’s vice-president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley.

“This new technology will not only improve fuel consumption, but customers will also benefit from enhanced on and off-road performance, making the HiLux even more appealing for a weekend away or longer term excursion into the outback.”

Toyota says the 48-volt system won’t diminish the HiLux’s payload capacity or its 3.5-tonne braked towing limit, but should reduce fuel use by around 10 percent.

That would see the combined L/100km claim drop to around 7.5L.

Stephen Corby

Stephen is a former editor of both Wheels and Top Gear Australia magazines and has been writing about cars since Henry Ford was a boy. Initially an EV sceptic, he has performed a 180-degree handbrake turn and is now a keen advocate for electrification and may even buy a Porsche Taycan one day, if he wins the lottery. Twice.