Next Toyota HiLux could get 300kW-plus V6
New 300 Series LandCruiser’s muscular turbo-petrol V6 could make its way into the next-gen HiLux uteThe next-generation Toyota HiLux looks set to bring out the big guns, with not one but two turbocharged V6 engines under consideration.
While talk of the new Toyota LandCruiser’s stump-pulling circa-230kW/690Nm 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel being dropped into the next-generation Toyota GR HiLux refuses to go away, more recent intel suggests Toyota could also deploy a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in its new hay-hauler.
Although Toyota won’t talk about next-generation HiLux powertrains – save for confirmation we’ll see a hybrid HiLux before 2030 – it’s understood the company’s product planners are plotting a top-spec turbo-petrol GR HiLux.
Indeed, the replacement for Australia’s top-selling vehicle, which is due around 2024-2025, could get both engine options from this year’s all-new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – and the petrol V6 is expected to pump out around 310kW and 590Nm.
With the all-conquering Ford Ranger winning yet another accolade as carsales Best Dual-Cab 4x4 Ute for 2021, and the next-gen Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok set to unleash their own V6 weapons, Toyota is under pressure to respond.
The next HiLux is expected to be based on the same upgraded ladder-frame platform (TNGA-F) as the new LandCruiser 300 Series, as well as the next Prado and Tundra pick-up, so it should technically be compatible with the bigger turbo engines – something the current model is not.
Perhaps the only question is whether the circa-310kW biturbo 3.5-litre petrol V6 will be fitted exclusively to the range-topping GR HiLux model grade, which will also leverage the brand’s Dakar Rally-winning V8-powered HiLux racer by adopting hard-core chassis enhancements.
The new petrol V6 is also expected to make its way into the new Tundra, Toyota’s answer to North America’s dominant Ford F-150, in which it could replace the current pick-up’s 5.0-litre V8.
Toyota Australia has made no secret of its desire to sell the Tundra to Aussie customers who demand a vehicle that can tow more than the 3500kg capacity of Australia’s most popular four-cylinder turbo-diesel utes.
What do you think – would Australian buyers embrace the return of a muscular petrol V6 to the HiLux? Have your say in the comments section below.
Related: carsales Best Dual-Cab 4x4 Ute 2021
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