Toyota's Hilux is in its eighth generation and has received several updates over the last few years, mostly styling-related. However, in 2024, the Japanese brand introduced its first hybrid off-roader, the 48V Hilux Raider, and we drove one recently!
Related: Toyota Hilux Raider 48V (2024) First Drive Review
This new derivative uses Toyota's extensive research into hybrid drivetrains employed by many of its other models and now incorporates this technology into the IMV Hilux platform. Unlike the parallel type systems found in vehicles like the Prius, Corolla, Corolla Cross and Lexus models, the 48v Hilux makes use of a belt-driven generator unit that injects power into a battery, which can then be used during start-stop city driving and gives an extra boost when pulling away and overtaking. We spent a week testing out this system to see if hybrid can work in our tough double cab market.
Styling
Space and Comfort
Even with the addition of the 48v lithium battery under the rear seats, space inside the cab of the Hilux has not been compromised. Leather seating is now standard in the 2.8 models, and the driver now gets an 8-way electrically adjustable seat. You can expect the same levels of trim and comfort that you will find in the standard Raider models, with just a few additions that let you know you're in a hybrid.
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Comfort and Convenience
The hybrid's interior is the same as that of the standard Raider models: soft-touch leather-trimmed contact surfaces, auto air conditioning, one-touch electric windows, steering wheel controls, and an 8.0-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
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The Drive
The mild-hybrid system means that the engine drives a motor generator via a belt system, which charges a small 48V lithium battery hidden below the rear seats. The battery weighs 7.6 kg and powers the Hilux’s 12V system. Every time the driver brakes or decelerates, the battery recharges. This kinetic energy would have been lost under normal circumstances, but the hybrid system 'harvests' it and saves it in the battery.
The benefits of this new system become very evident during city driving, where the initial boost delivered during pull-away negates any turbo lag, giving the Hilux a sense of urgency. The small boost also comes into play when overtaking on the freeway. The lithium battery is good for an additional 12kW and 65 Nm of boost during these maneuvres. The stop-start system is excellent when restarting. It's instant when your foot leaves the brake pedal, giving the 48V Hilux a sense of get up and go!
Performance
The 2.8 GD-6 and auto box configuration still delivers 150kW and 500Nm, but the addition of that small 12kW and 65Nm from the battery makes all the difference in the drive. It's just that extra bit of spice that enhances the drive. The big difference, though, is at the pumps, where you will see significant improvements in fuel economy.
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Fuel Consumption
Driving without care, the 48V Hilux returned at worst 10.1L/100km; when we went into savings mode, we got the figures down to 7.8L/100km. Toyota claims the new hybrid system should bring figures down to 8L/100km, and they were spot on. When we tested previous models, we averaged around 11L/100km, so the hybrid system will reduce costs and improve performance.
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Safety
Our test vehicle had following notable safety equipment:
- 7 airbags
- Multi-Terrain Select
- ABS, EBD, TSC
- Rear camera
- Tyre Pressure Monitor
Price
Double Cab: | |
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6MT | R612, 100 |
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT | R633, 200 |
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6MT | R684, 800 |
Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6AT | R716, 300 |
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT | R769, 900 |
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT 48V | R785, 400 |
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT | R858, 600 |
Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT 48V (driven on launch) | R876, 600 |
Competitors
- Ford Ranger
- Isuzu D-Max
- Nissan Navara
- Volkswagen Amarok
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The Verdict
The addition of a hybrid drivetrain option in the Hilux brings it one step closer to further electrification and possible alternative fuels. This may be a small step, but the performance and efficiency gains have been incredible. We really like this new derivative and can't wait to see what Toyota has in store for the Hilux in the future.
