Electric pick-up trucks are rare in today’s market because electrifying such a car isn’t an easy thing to do.
That hasn’t deterred Toyota, which has strengthened its commitment to multi-energy solutions by adding a battery to one of its most prized assets: the Hilux.
This prototype intends to challenge the likes of the Ford F150 Lightning, as well as rivals from Maxus, KGM and Isuzu.
Toyota still wants the Hilux to retain its image as the toughest pick-up truck on the planet, but does this electric version take away from its robust quality and nature? Read on to find out…
The electric Hilux gets a significant design overhaul, representing what the new, ninth-generation Hilux will look like.
The electric vehicle's front grille is designed for improved aerodynamics, featuring minimal air intake openings for smoother airflow. Its upright and aggressive stance also emphasises the vehicle's ruggedness, despite its electric powertrain.
Toyota says it retains its core capabilities, measuring just 5mm shorter than the existing Hilux.
Its design marks the future of the model, serving as the foundation for not only the electric version but also the 48V mild hybrid, which is set to become the standard combustion engine in several markets around the world.
Furthermore, following successful trials with select fleet customers, Toyota plans to launch a hydrogen fuel cell model on this platform by 2028.
The electric Hilux gets permanent all-wheel drive, with 193bhp available.
Power comes from a 59.2kWh battery. The Japanese car maker admits this battery is reasonably small, and that is reflected in the vehicle’s driving range, which is limited to just 150 miles.
That said, the electric Isuzu D-Max only offers 13 miles more from a larger 66.9kWh battery.
Its towing capability isn’t class-leading either, with a 1.6-tonne towing limit and 715kg payload capacity. There is at least a competitive maximum charging speed of 150kW.
The interior design mirrors the latest Toyota Land Cruiser, though with a simpler aesthetic and durable, functional materials.
Key controls for climate, heated seats, and off-road features are managed via physical knobs and switches.
A notable departure from the Land Cruiser is the Hilux's adoption of a Lexus-style gear selector, replacing the chunkier lever.
Do not let those middling figures put you off. The electric Hilux is great to drive, with ride comfort we consider to be far superior to the conventional model. The silence of the electric drivetrain means the cabin is quiet and the model feels refined.
On the road, the performance feels rapid by pick-up truck standards. While there’s no official 0-100kph (0-62mph) time, we reckon it’s comfortably below 10 seconds. Performance is unwavering all the way to the 87mph top speed.
The steering of the Hilux Electric is notably light, which might not appeal to all pick-up truck drivers. At lower speeds, it requires more turns of the wheel than anticipated.
While Eco and Sport driving modes adjust power consumption and steering resistance, it's the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system that truly improves the Hilux's off-road capabilities.
Although it might surprise some to learn that the diff locks and low-range gearbox have been removed, electric motors offer such precise torque control that these features are no longer necessary.
Now, drivers simply select the appropriate terrain mode - such as rocks, sand, mud, dirt roads, or moguls - which adjusts the AWD system, throttle, and steering accordingly.
However, even without manual selection, the Auto mode effectively handles all surfaces, quickly adapting to conditions. Getting stuck is virtually a thing of the past.
The electric Hilux is not a pick-up for the purists, and it comes with some worrying compromises in terms of range and load capacity, but it’s a truck that not only continues the legacy of the Hilux but also enhances it and future-proofs it with zero tailpipe emissions.
