- Hilux 48V, the first Toyota Hilux with an electrified powertrain
- Mild hybrid system provides smoother, quieter performance in both on and off-road driving
- Uncompromised off-road capability – hybrid system design maintains Hilux’s 700 mm wading depth
- Extra power and torque delivered at start-off and under acceleration
- First Hilux to be equipped with Multi-Terrain Select system for off-road driving
- Hilux GR SPORT II: the new pinnacle of the Toyota Hilux range, influenced by the model’s Dakar Rally-winning heritage with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Chassis, suspension and braking enhancements make GR SPORT II the best-driving Hilux yet, on and off-road
With a heritage spanning more than 55 years, the Toyota Hilux has built an unrivalled reputation as a vehicle of exceptional strength and reliability, proving its quality in the world’s most extreme environments, day-in, day-out.
It has constantly evolved over the years to meet and surpass customer needs and expectations, with improved design, engineering innovation, enhanced comfort and performance, and advanced safety provisions, to achieve a perfect balance of off-road capabilities and a confident on-road behaviour.
The Hilux’s successful development continues with the introduction of two new models which address key considerations for today’s customers.
The new Hybrid 48V is the first Hilux model to adopt an electrified powertrain, a mild hybrid system that delivers smoother, quieter and more confident performance, whether driving on-road or over rough terrain. Benefiting from Toyota’s unmatched experience in electrified vehicle technology spanning more than a quarter of a century, it enhances the driving performance and vehicle efficiency with no compromise in the vehicle’s capabilities: this Hilux has just the same load-carrying and towing capacity and off-road strengths as the non-hybrid models, including deep water wading.
The new Hilux GR SPORT II arrives as the new pinnacle model of the Hilux range. Its powerful design elements strengthen its emotional appeal to customers who want a vehicle that can express their personal style and character. The strong looks are matched by technical enhancements that make this best-driving Hilux yet, wherever your journey takes you, be it off-road exploring or highway cruising.
THE NEW TOYOTA HILUX HYBRID 48V
- Hilux evolves with the adoption of an electrified mild hybrid powertrain
- A stronger proposition for business with enhanced performance on and off-road
- Smooth and natural acceleration and deceleration feel in on-road driving with superior stop-and-start system and regenerative braking function
- Off-road performance benefits from revised low-speed idling control and adoption of Multi-Terrain Select system
Over more than half a century, the Toyota Hilux has established a worldwide reputation for exceptional strength and durability, faithfully serving its owners and drivers in the world’s most challenging environments. During that time, it has also constantly evolved to become a genuine dual-use vehicle: it has retained all the toughness and reliability required for serious work duties while offering the comfort, refinement, on-road poise and safety for day-to-day and leisure driving.
This evolution enters a new phase in 2025 with the introduction of the model’s first electrified powertrain, the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V.
The 48V mild hybrid system strengthens the Hilux’s proposition as an ideal partner for business and commercial users, delivering multiple benefits. Performance is smoother, quieter and more refined, whether driving on standard roads or tackling tougher terrain. Critically, this is achieved without compromising the pick-up’s off-road prowess – notably there is no impact on its deep water (700 mm) wading or its load-carrying capabilities. This has been achieved by ensuring components such as the battery are positioned high up on the engine and using a fabric layer in the structure of the timing belt – a Toyota first.
The Hilux Hybrid 48V is launched in Double Cab format on all grades, including the flagship INVINCIBLE grade.
New Toyota 48V Hybrid system
The Hilux is the first model to use the new Toyota 48V Hybrid system. This mild hybrid powertrain retains the strengths of the pick-up’s proven 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and introduces a new electric motor-generator, a 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery and a DC-DC converter.
These new components have all been designed for simple integration, avoiding the need for complex adjustments to the powertrain layout.
Another key consideration was to ensure the system can withstand the kind of harsh operating conditions the Hilux is likely to encounter. For instance, new parts, including the motor-generator, are located high enough on the engine to maintain the vehicle’s 700 mm wading capability.
Electric motor-generator
The electric motor-generator – a permanent magnet synchronous unit – is driven by the engine and in turn charges the lithium-ion hybrid battery. It provides multiple benefits that make driving easier, smoother and quieter in all conditions – both on-road and off.
Its compact dimensions helped make the hybrid system easy to integrate with Hilux’s existing powertrain.
Its benefits include a regenerative braking function, recovering energy produced every time the driver comes off the throttle. Combined with engine braking, this saves fuel, makes driving easier and gives natural-feeling deceleration.
In on-road driving, acceleration when starting off and deceleration are smoother, more linear and more natural-feeling, contributing to a more composed and comfortable ride.
When covering rougher, off-road surfaces, the motor generator enhances the Hilux’s ability to overcome obstacles. Controllability at low speeds is further helped by a 20% reduction in the engine’s idling speed, from 720 rpm to 600 rpm.
The power assistance provided by the electric motor-generator also reduces the engine load in low-efficiency running, contributing to up to a 5% improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, compared to the 2.8-litre diesel Hilux without the Hybrid 48V system.
The motor-generator’s operating status is indicated in the driver’s multi-information display with a read-out showing CHG (energy regeneration), ECO and PWR (providing assist in both cases).
Smoother, quicker, quieter stop-start performance
The stop-start system delivers a more comfortable drive in traffic, with the 48V Hybrid system enabling quicker and quieter restart response.
The electric motor-generator operates in place of a conventional starter motor and is always connected which means restart is enabled even at high engine speeds and there is less delay in immediate restarts after stopping.
Auto-stopping is provided in heavy traffic, or at times when the driver accidentally restarts the engine by reducing their pressure on the brake pedal.
The driver can set their preference for stop and start performance, selecting NORMAL or LONG in the vehicle’s multi-information display. When choosing LONG, the engine’s idling stop time when the air conditioning is operating is increased.
When the Hilux is on an uphill gradient, a slight delay might occur between engine restart and the generation of drive torque. As an auxiliary function, the stop and start system will maintain brake pressure until the necessary drive torque is generated, to support smooth start-off performance. Also, on level surfaces, any excess drive torque from the engine speed racing on restart is offset.
Injection volume control has been optimised to support the system’s responsiveness, balanced against the level of shock experienced during acceleration.
Lithium-ion hybrid battery
The 48V lithium-ion hybrid battery has 13 cells and a 4.3 Ah capacity. It weighs just 7.6 kg and, thanks to the use of small internal components, is sufficiently compact to be housed below the Hilux’s rear seats, with minimal impact on cabin space.
When fully charged, the battery can supply up to an additional 12 kW of power and 65 Nm of torque to the powertrain at start-off.
Both the hybrid battery and the low-profile DC-DC converter are protected against water ingress, cooling air is drawn into the battery from the front of the vehicle, with a lower temperature than the cabin air. A filter helps prevent the build-up of dust in the battery’s cooling paths and fan, which helps prevent deterioration of battery performance from high temperatures.
Two-arm belt-tensioner
A two-arm tensioner provides the belt tension required by the electric motor-generator. The first of its kind to be used in a Toyota, it has been designed specifically for use in diesel engine vehicles and to meet the demands of rough-road driving. It provides the level of belt tension the motor-generator requires, plus a restart assist function.
It also helps secure improved acceleration response and its noise and vibration performance is on par with gasoline engine passenger vehicles.
The belt’s material composition is key to its performance. A high-strength cotton fabric layer on the ribbed side of the belt reduces noise, absorbs water and maintains its friction coefficient when wet. This helps achieve consistent performance in challenging conditions, for example when driving through water. Not only can the Hilux 48V wade through water 700 mm deep, it can be stopped at this depth for up to 10 minutes.
A high-strength aramid cord is used at the core of the belt, enhancing reliability when tension increases are experienced when the motor-generator starts the engine or the increases the level of power generation.
Stoppers in the tensioner arms reduce abnormal noise and vibration caused by the arms striking the housing when switching to motor-generator mode. Bushes in the damping mechanism are designed to help prevent foreign bodies entering the sliding parts, such as dust and grit in rough road driving.
2.8-litre turbodiesel engine
The Hilux’s engine, a DOHC 16-valve unit, generates a maximum 204 DIN hp (150 kW) at 3,400 rpm and a muscular 500 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. It features common rail fuel injection, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a water-cooled intercooler. Exhaust emission control features include a particulate filter, Selective Catalytic Reduction and additional urea injection. In common with other Hilux models, the Hybrid 48V is compatible with HVO100 diesel, a non-fossil fuel made from 100% renewable sources.
New Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)
The Hilux Hybrid 48V is the first Hilux to feature the Multi-Terrain Select system, operated using the MTS switch and mode selector on the centre console. This adjusts the vehicle’s drive control systems – drive force, suspension and hydraulic brake pressure – to enhance traction, manoeuvrability and stability in different driving conditions.
There are six settings: Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, Deep Snow and Auto. In Auto mode, sensors around the vehicle continuously assess the road conditions and automatically apply the appropriate control settings. Sand, Mud, Rock and Auto can be engaged when the Hilux is in (low) L4 running; Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Auto can be used in the H4 transmission range.
• AUTO MODE: provides ground-covering performance without the driver having change the mode according to the road and driving conditions.
• DIRT MODE: when driving on unpaved roads, vehicle speed and stability are the same as on paved surfaces. The system provides suitable tyre-ground contact feel on undulating or uneven road surfaces and suitable driving force, even when towing.
• SAND MODE: in H4 range, this mode prevents delivery of excessive drive force, to avoid the vehicle becoming stuck, while still providing enough drive for cruising. In L4 range, higher driving force is provided should the vehicle become stuck, or the sandy surface gives a high level of resistance.
• MUD MODE: in this mode the wheels spin to help progress on muddy roads with very low grip levels. Higher driving force is provided in L4 range when the mud is deep enough to cover the tyres.
• DEEP SNOW MODE: this mode can be used when making forward and reverse movements to tackle high snow bumps. When the snow is deep enough to cover the tyres, the system spins the wheels to create a snowplough effect. Moderate drive force is provided when starting off to prevent wheel spin. NB: this mode is not intended for use when driving on packed snow road surfaces.
• ROCK MODE: this mode is suitable for driving over harsh, rocky terrain, suppressing tyre slippage. Should only two tyres be in contact with the ground, the system will transmit drive force to the other two wheels while simultaneously controlling vehicle speed.
The Hilux’s digital multi-information display features a different background for each mode. In Sand, Mud and Deep Snow modes in H4 and in all L4 modes, the VSC OFF indicator is illuminated; in all modes, the slip indicator light will flash on and off when brake control is being applied.
A strong, stable ride
The new Hilux Hybrid 48V has plenty of street presence, measuring 5,325 mm long, up to 1,900 mm wide and 1,865 mm high. It’s a practical pick-up, the double cab format matched to a 1,555 mm long bed. The mild hybrid system in no way diminishes the load-carrying capability: payload is up to 1,000 kg and towing capacity is 3,500 kg.
Hilux Hybrid 48V has a body-on-frame architecture and ladder frame chassis which are key to its strength, durability and torsional rigidity. The rear suspension’s hard-wearing leaf springs and twin shock absorbers provide sure-footed off-road performance and SUV-like on-road comfort and handling. It’s “go-anywhere” credentials are support by a running ground clearance of 310 mm and approach and departure angles at 29 and 26 degrees respectively.
Advanced safety provisions
The Hilux Hybrid 48V is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense technology to provide occupants and other road users with world-class protection from many common accident risks.
An enhanced Pre-Collision System (PCS) can better detect pedestrians at night, bicyclists during daytime, and oncoming vehicles or pedestrians at intersections when making turns. When such hazards are detected, the system issues audible and visual alerts before applying braking force if required.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Road Sign Assist (RSA) allows the driver to quickly adjust the speed in line with changes in the limit. The ACC can also automatically slow the vehicle to ensure an appropriate speed through highway bends.
When driving at night, the Automatic High Beam (AHB) function eliminates the need to switch headlight levels to avoid dazzling other drivers. It detects approaching vehicles and instantly and precisely adjusts the lights, so high beam use is maximised.
Multimedia and connectivity
The high equipment specification includes the eight-inch Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio package.
Toyota Smart Connect gives the driver access to cloud-based navigation with efficient journey planning helped by up-to-the-minute traffic intelligence. The system also includes a voice agent for hands-free operation of mobile phone calls and audio functions. Smartphone integration is provided wirelessly via both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®.
Further convenience is provided by the MyToyota smartphone app. This can be used to operate certain vehicle functions remotely – door locking/unlocking and use of the air conditioning system to warm or cool the cabin ahead of a journey. The app also provides vehicle data and can be used for servicing scheduling and reminders.
THE NEW TOYOTA HILUX GR SPORT II
- The new pinnacle of the Toyota Hilux range, influenced by the model’s Dakar Rally-winning heritage with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
- Powerful exterior design
- Chassis, suspension and braking enhancements make this the best-driving Hilux yet, on and off-road
The Toyota Hilux line-up reaches new heights of performance, ride comfort and imposing appearance with the new Hilux GR SPORT II. Positioned at the top of the range, it draws both on Hilux’s unrivalled reputation for durability and reliability and the model’s sporting success with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, scoring multiple victories in the gruelling Dakar Rally and winning World Rally-Raid Championship titles. It demonstrates how Toyota applies the experience and knowledge gained in top-level motorsport to help create ever-better cars for the road.
Its powerful design gives it an imposing street presence, matched by enhanced handling and stability and uncompromised capabilities. Towing (3,500 kg) and payload (1,000 kg) capacities remain equal to the best-in-class.
This is the second GR SPORT model edition to be offered in the Hilux range and it builds on its predecessor in both design and chassis engineering. The significant changes include wider front and rear tracks, a raised ride height and an increase in the approach angle, strengthening the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The result is a confidence-inspiring ride, particularly when driving in adverse weather or road conditions.
Toyota considers the GR SPORT II to be the best driving Hilux yet, both on and off-road, thanks to the wider tread and improvements in handling characteristics, such as greater stability from a reduced roll angle and precise steering response.
Enhanced suspension and brakes ensure a sure-footed drive, while noise and vibration levels have been reduced. The result is a more rewarding drive with a sporty feel, and a comfortable ride.
Hilux’s powerful and well-proven 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine can be relied upon to provide response and muscle, whatever the driving demands. Delivering 204 DIN hp/150 kW and 500 Nm of torque, it is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Exterior Design
While the current Hilux has a commanding look, the GR SPORT II adds even more impact to the exterior styling. Its imposing demeanour and sense of purpose are accentuated by red-painted rear coil springs and dampers, red brake callipers, robust black over-fenders and new-design 17-inch black alloy wheels.
The new wheels also contribute to the vehicle’s performance with a large rim area that reduces aerodynamic drag and a weight-saving central spoke design.
The GR SPORT II further stands out with its black G-mesh pattern upper and lower grilles, with the TOYOTA name spelled out in classic style. The black detailing theme continues with the side steps, mirrors, door handles, aero sport bar and rear bumper. A silver front under-run and distinctive GR Sport badging complete the look.
Interior Design
The Hilux GR SPORT II’s sense of purpose is also evident in the cabin design, which expresses the model’s strength and sporting heritage. A black, monochrome theme with creates a stylish feel, with bold red accents, such as the contrasting seat belts.
The sporting character is reflected in the provision of paddle controls for manual shift selection and aluminium sport pedals.
The sports seats are upholstered in a combination of black synthetic suede and leather sport seats, with silver stitching and perforations exceptional comfort as well as a better grip, minimising sliding when the occupants experience higher lateral forces.
Completing the high-quality look and feel of the Hilux GR SPORT II cabin is a new carbon fibre ornament on the door trim and dashboard, which also features GR details on the information display and instrumentation.
Technical enhancements
The Hilux’s world-famous “go-anywhere” qualities are strengthened with an increase in the approach angle from 29 to 30 degrees and higher ground clearance – 323 mm, and widening the front and rear tracks, by 135 mm and 155 mm respectively.
The suspension system has been revised with a 70 mm increase in the width of the front arms, the adoption of a lighter, tubular anti-roll bar and repositioning of the spring and damper assemblies further outboard. At the rear the axle has a new square cross-section and the dampers have been repositioned, to the outside of the vehicle’s frame.
The changes have not compromised aerodynamic performance, thanks to the introduction of a new “air curtain” effect. This is created by a combination of the new grille, fog light bezels, wide over-fenders, sports bar, deck cover and alloy wheel design. Each element has been tailored to reduce drag and contribute to the vehicle’s overall aero-efficiency.
Measures to gain a smoother and more stable ride over any terrain include new monotube dampers with large-diameter (46 mm) pistons in place of the previous twin-tube units. These provide better performance and faster response in tough conditions.
Toyota Smart Connect + multimedia
The Hilux GR Sport II is equipped as standard with the Toyota Smart Connect + multimedia system, accessed via an 8-inch touchscreen display or using an advanced voice command function. Users can also wirelessly connect their smartphone or tablet to the system using Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto®.
The multimedia package includes access to cloud-based journey navigation, which uses constantly updated real-time traffic event information for accurate and efficient route planning. There is also an embedded navigation system that can be used when no data connection to the cloud is available.
