Mild-hybrid Toyota HiLux 'not ruled out'

A mild-hybrid version of the Toyota HiLux already confirmed for New Zealand by late 2021 is a chance to come here as well.

The top brass at Toyota New Zealand confirmed the existence of the mild-hybrid HiLux model and its arrival timing but little else during a virtual media conference in mid-August.

“We hope to have HiLux hybrid enter the market before the end of next year,” Toyota New Zealand chief executive Neeraj Lala told Kiwi motor-noters.

However, Lala would not clarify if the mild-hybrid set-up would assist a petrol or diesel engine, saying only the electrified model would still “do everything a HiLux needs to do”.

In Australia, speculation about an electrified version of the top-selling HiLux has been around for a number of years, but has focussed on orthodox hybrids of the type Toyota already markets here within various model ranges including Camry and RAV4.

In 2019, Toyota confirmed it was developing a hybrid HiLux as part of the next-generation range due about 2024.

It has also said it will offer some form of electrification with every model it sells by 2025.

Again, like the mild-hybrid, the question is whether a HiLux hybrid would be petrol or diesel. Also, by mid-decade, whether it would adopt plug-in hybrid tech.

Speaking at today’s virtual media launch of the updated eighth-generation HiLux, Toyota Australia marketing and sales chief Sean Hanley was – as usual – enthusiastic about hybrids while also – as usual – giving little away.

“Straight to my heart, I love hybrids given my history with them,” he said, referencing his involvement in the launch of the first-generation Prius hybrid in Australia.

“First off we have no announcement today about hybrid HiLux, be it mild or otherwise.

“Will Australia get this [mild-hybrid HiLux] model? It is something we would surely not rule out given it is well understood.

“There is also the need to get our emissions down considerably, especially now we are entering this period of self-regulation within the industry.

“Toyota’s hybrid credentials are well understood. We have been in the hybrid space nearly 20 years in Australia.

“Hybrid vehicles represent over 20 per cent of our sales mix now, which we are incredibly encouraged by.

“Would we ever rule out a hybrid Hilux? No we would not.”