Facelifted 2024 Toyota HiLux emerges ahead of March sales

The facelifted 2024 Toyota HiLux has been officially unwrapped ahead of the popular ute’s landing in Australian showrooms next month, introducing a fresh look and more efficient turbo-diesel engine that now boasts 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

After losing its mantle as Australia’s most popular new vehicle last year to the Ford Ranger, the Toyota HiLux facelift – shown in just two official images released overnight – is designed to keep the ute fresh for at least another 12 months as the Japanese car-maker puts the finishing touches on an all-new ninth-generation model due in 2025.

When it lands, the new 2024 HiLux is said to feature a more muscular rugged look than before with a new grille and revised bumper added.

On the WorkMate grade, this also involves the addition of a black honeycomb mesh grille and a revised front bumper bar that includes black air blades and dark finish for the lower half of the grille.

The SR models get a new silver lower bumper finish, while the SR5 sports a black upper grille, darkened headlights and a gloss black finish for the fog lamp housing, exterior mirrors and door handles.

The new 48-volt mild-hybrid tech is only applied to the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that powers the SR5 auto and Rogue dual-cab utes. It is also an option on the 4x4 SR dual-cab.

As well as added electrification, the SR models now come with dual-zone climate control and keyless entry/start.

Other changes include a tailgate damper for the WorkMate and new front and rear parking sensors for the SR, while the SR5, Rogue and Sport all get a wireless charging pad and two rear USB-C ports in the dual-cab variants.

Instead of being fully integrated, the new mild-hybrid system uses a belt-driven starter-generator that charges a small 48-volt lithium-ion battery that resides beneath the rear bench seat.

Braking energy is clawed back to charge the battery that can then use the starter-generator to send an extra 12kW and 65Nm of torque to the engine, boosting acceleration, power and efficiency.

The system weighs just 7.6kg and is claimed to enhance efficiency by between 6-10 per cent.

As well as claiming to provide smoother, more linear acceleration at low revs, the electrified turbo-diesel has a reduced idle speed of 600rpm (down from 720rpm), making it quieter and more refined in traffic.

Stand by for local pricing and full local specifications in the coming weeks.

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