Toyota has introduced the Euro-spec Hilux revealing a fully electric version alongside the familiar mild-hybrid diesel model.
The new Hilux BEV offers a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a WLTP-rated range of 160 miles, but limitations in towing and payload could lead some buyers to stick with diesel when orders open this June.
For decades, the Hilux has built a reputation for surviving virtually anything, from mud and floods to extreme stunts on television, but now Toyota is testing the truck against a new challenge: remaining relevant in an electric future. The ninth-generation Hilux for Europe debuted in both mild-hybrid and fully electric forms, months after the models launched in Asia.
While the introduction of an electric Hilux marks a significant milestone, Toyota isn’t stopping there. The company has confirmed that a hydrogen-powered Hilux is also in development, and prototypes are already undergoing public testing. This is the same pickup that earned its legendary status hauling heavy loads, soon to be paired with a fuel-cell stack.
Toyota calls its approach a multipath strategy, offering multiple powertrains to meet varying buyer needs. Many customers will continue to choose the familiar 201-hp (204 PS) 2.8-liter diesel mild-hybrid, which maintains the previous generation’s 1,000-kg (2,205-lb) payload and 3,500-kg (7,720-lb) towing capabilities while delivering slightly cleaner and smoother operation.
In some European markets, particularly less-developed regions, even non-hybrid diesel variants will be available. In the UK and wider Europe, the 48-volt mild-hybrid diesel is expected to remain the volume seller, even after the arrival of the electric model.
For businesses focused on reducing operating costs and taxes, the Hilux BEV offers an attractive alternative. The electric pickup uses a 59.2-kWh battery powering motors on both axles for permanent all-wheel drive. The front motor generates 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque, while the rear produces 198 lb-ft (268 Nm).
Toyota quotes a WLTP range of 160 miles (258 km), which rises to 236 miles (380 km) in urban driving conditions. Payload is reduced to 715 kg (1,580 lbs) and towing capacity to 1,600 kg (3,530 lbs) in the BEV, but the fundamental capabilities remain unchanged.
Both powertrains preserve the Hilux’s body-on-frame construction, 212 mm (8.4 inches) of ground clearance, and 700 mm (27.6 inches) of wading depth. The electric model also features a specialized off-road drive mode tuned to its electric torque and braking characteristics.
Both the hybrid and BEV models share Toyota’s new Cyber Sumo design, reportedly developed by the brand’s Australian team.
The style emphasizes sharper angles and flatter surfaces, giving the Hilux a more modern, rugged appearance, though opinions on the new look are mixed. The BEV is distinguishable by its solid grille panel and a subtly reshaped silver bumper insert.
Inside, the crew-cab-only cabin offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and a steering wheel borrowed from the latest Land Cruiser.
Toyota has incorporated dual storage compartments on the passenger side, dashboard-mounted cupholders, and a full suite of electronic safety features, while retaining numerous physical switches for frequently used functions.
UK sales are set to begin in June, with pricing expected to be higher than the outgoing diesel model. Toyota plans to announce the exact figures in the coming months, marking the start of a new chapter for the Hilux in Europe’s evolving truck market.
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