New Battery Technology Drives Hilux Hybrid Further

Toyota V-Active (mild hybrid) gives HiLux better fuel efficiency, improved smoothness, response and off-road ability. V-Active enables electric assistance to Hilux’s 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel on some of the 4×4 automatic double-cab models.

Fuel consumption drops by around 9.5% by combining outputs from the engine and six-speed automatic transmission with a 48V electric motor-generator, 48V lithium-ion battery and idle-stop system.

Toyota has been very care to avoid using the term “hybrid”, HiLux’s 48V system is hybrid none the less, albeit Hybrid Lite. The 48-Volt hybrid makes Hilux smoother and quieter by reducing load under acceleration, and dropping idling speed from 720rpm to 600rpm.

The engine drives a belt on the the electric motor generator which charges the 48V lithium battery under the rear seats. The 7.6kg 4.3Ah battery has 13 cells, and is also topped up using regenerative braking.

The electric motor can assist with 8.4kW/65Nm of torque through the motor-generator to assist the engine. In addition, the 48V battery can supply the vehicle’s 12V system through a new DC/DC converter.

ABOVE: 2024 Toyota Hilux 48v Mild Hybrid

There is a new two-arm belt tensioner and stronger belt add further to the drivability.

Hydraulic braking combines with regenerative braking for a more effective and natural deceleration feel, particularly when performing downhill manoeuvring.

Like mot mild hybrids, the idle-stop system that saves fuel fuel, also delivers quiet engine restarts because the motor generator is constantly connected to the engine. The electric motor spins the engine when required, eliminating the starter motor.

As well as the usual “normal” idle-stop mode, drivers can opt for a “long” mode that keeps the engine off for longer. While adding to the lower economy figures, it makes sitting in traffic a quieter affair.

Restarting the engine on inclines is seamless with the system retaining brake pressure until enough drive force is generated for smooth acceleration.

A first for HiLux V-Active hybrids is the six-mode Multi-Terrain Select. Modes include: auto, sand and mud (low and high range), deep snow and dirt (high range), and rock (low-range).

HiLux V-Active mild hybrids have the same 3,500kg braked towing capacity and 5,850kg gross combined mass other HiLux 4×4 models.

Further updates include a tailgate damper with gas strut and steel cable on pick-up models. There are styling changes with a redesigned front fascia and new black honeycomb grille on most models.

SR double-cab grades with automatic transmission add front and rear parking sensors, SR5 double-cab automatic grades and above get a wireless charger and two rear USB-C ports for charging and convenience.

2024 Toyota HiLux 4×4 double-cab V-Active Technology pricing⁶

	Powertrain	Price	Change
SR double-cab chassis	48V 2.8L TD, 6AT	$54,130	$1,025
SR double-cab pick-up	48V 2.8L TD, 6AT	$56,210	$1,605
SR5 double-cab chassis	48V 2.8L TD, 6AT	$60,580	$590
SR5 double-cab pick-up	48V 2.8L TD, 6AT	$63,260	$770
Rogue double-cab pick-up	48V 2.8L TD, 6AT	$71,530	$770