Toyota goes rallying with Hilux mild hybrid pick-up truck

Driven by four-time WRC champ Juha Kankkunen

By now, it has been confirmed that Toyota will launch a mild-hybrid version of the Hilux pickup in 2024. Featuring a 48-volt mild hybrid system paired with the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV engine, Toyota claims the new setup will improve the Hilux's fuel efficiency by up to 10% and give improvements to drivability and NVH.

In true Toyota Gazoo Racing fashion, the mild hybrid system has been put to the test in motorsports. At the 2023 Safari Rally Kenya, Toyota demonstrated the mild hybrid Hilux's capabilities with a legend behind the wheel.

Four-time WRC champion Juha Kankkunen drove the Hilux mild hybrid at one of Safari Rally Kenya's super special stages, while Jimmi Gathu, a renowned local Kenyan media personality and actor serving as his co-driver.

“I’m 100% sure that this type of car will fit in Africa very well because there are still long-distance drives and it’s very difficult to charge electric cars. You can save fuel, which means less CO2. Africa is a good market for this kind of car, and you can make CO2 less with hybrid cars. That is the future,” said Kankkunen.

Toyota says the Hilux mild hybrid is a great fit in the African continent, as it offers a realistic and immediate option to reduce CO2 emissions. They also added it's a viable option for countries and markets that still have very limited BEV charging infrastructures.