Confirmed: Toyota to bring first hybrid ute to NZ next year

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Toyota has officially confirmed a hybrid Hilux will land in early 2024.

Toyota has confirmed an electrified Hilux will land in New Zealand in early 2024.

The Japanese maker’s local boss, Neeraj Lala, says while he can’t reveal too many details of the hybrid Hilux just yet, it will have a significant impact in the New Zealand ute scene, the largest segment of the local car and light commercial market.

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“Toyota is transitioning from a traditional automaker to a mobility company focused on sustainable technologies and transport. The hybrid Hilux will be an important addition to our range and will enable many tradies, farmers, and businesses to reduce their carbon footprints,” he said.

“We have maintained for a long time, that hybrid technology is the best solution to decarbonisation until fully battery electric technology is both available and affordable. Our ambition is to offer a fully electric Hilux, however, until that is available, hybrid remains the best technology and will only drive our overall emissions down further.

“We need to make sure no one is left behind in the transition to an electrified future. For this reason, we are truly excited at the prospect of presenting a hybrid Hilux to our customers as we continue to decarbonise the great Kiwi lifestyle.”

The hybrid will continue with the same 2.8-litre diesel engine but benefit from extra electricals.

The Hilux will continue with the 2.8-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder and six-speed automatic, but add a 48-volt battery, electric motor-generator and other components.

Toyota says the new system will enable a stop/start system, improve the off-road driveability and reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, as well as improving fuel consumption.

The addition of the hybrid technology will not have any impact on the capability of the Hilux with the 4x4 models maintaining the abilities of the current model including 3,500kg braked towing capacity. Tow bars are added to 98% of new Hilux sold, so towing capacity will be an important consideration for hybrid Hilux buyers.

Further information on the new hybrid Hilux specifications and performance will be available closer to the launch. Toyota New Zealand expects the first hybrid Hilux units will be available for customer delivery in the first quarter of 2024.