Toyota Hilux mild hybrid diesel coming soon to PH?
TMP could be looking to electrify Hilux pickup truck
The 2024 Philippine International Motor Show has just concluded, and the country’s leading manufacturer in terms of sales has made it clear with their Beyond Zero campaign that they want to achieve carbon neutrality using a multi-path approach.
Speaking of which, it looks like Toyota Motor Philippines has set its sights on electrifying one of its most popular vehicles in the country – the Hilux pickup truck.
TMP has received approval for a light-duty, diesel-engined vehicle with an exact displacement of 2755cc. That equates to an engine capacity of 2.8 liters, which points out to the 1GD-FTV turbodiesel that also powers the Innova and some variants of the Fortuner.
Usually, automakers apply for these approvals to indicate an upcoming new model, or for existing models with updates done to the body and its powertrain. As for the Hilux, the latest update came when Toyota introduced the new GR-S variant that had a wider body and a more powerful 2.8-liter engine last year.
But in the global market, particularly in Europe, a Toyota Hilux with 48-volt mild hybrid assist already exists, and it could be the particular model that’s coming soon to the Philippine market.
The Toyota Hilux with a 48-volt mild hybrid system is still powered by the 1GD-FTV. In terms of power, it still makes 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque. But with an additional belt-starter generator, it gets an extra 16 PS and 65 Nm of torque for short bursts, giving the Hilux faster acceleration, improved power delivery, and better fuel efficiency.
According to Toyota Europe, the Hilux 48V mild hybrid has a stop-start system that allows the engine to remain off for longer periods when stationary. Coupled with the benefits of the hybrid 48V system, it could improve fuel efficiency by up to 5% versus the conventional non-electrified diesel powertrain.
As for the robust build of the Hilux that it was known for, Toyota Europe says the 48V system is also up to the task as it was waterproofed to enable the Hilux to drive through water up to 700mm deep.
Apart from the 48V mild hybrid system, the other new thing we could expect from the Hilux is a multi-terrain select for the 4x4 variant. This adjusts the pickup’s vehicle stability control and throttle response according to the specific driving condition.
In the Philippine market, the 48V mild hybrid diesel trend has already been started by Foton with the Tunland V7 and V9 trucks. With this approval, Toyota could be the next. That said, 2025 could be an interesting year in the pickup truck market, particularly for those brands that could offer electrified ones.
