Toyota's Performance Hybrid system, which can match diesel for towing, could be a good fit for the next-generation HiLux due soon.
Toyota Australia has opened the door for a HiLux Hybrid ute with the introduction of the LandCruiser Hybrid, which leverages petrol-electric technology for diesel-matching performance.
Speaking to media at the preview event for the LandCruiser Hybrid, Toyota Australia Sales and Marketing boss Sean Hanley made it clear that the petrol-electric-powered LandCruiser would not be arriving in Australian showrooms next year if it could not match the diesel version’s 3500kg braked towing capacity.
When asked by Drive if the same Performance Hybrid technology could be applied to other diesel-powered models like the HiLux workhorse, Hanley did not rule out the possibility.
“There are no plans for [Performance Hybrid] for HiLux as we sit here, but … the real strength of Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy is adaptability,” Hanley said.
“We can be quite agile; with the technology which is a real plus in a global company where every country has different requirements.
“As we’ve often said, it’s not one glove fits all.
“You’ve got to take into account what does the customer want, so you’ll never ever say no to different adoptions of the technology.”
Toyota is set to reveal a new-generation HiLux soon, and has promised a hybrid technology powertrain across its entire line-up (excluding GR performance models) by 2030.
A Performance Hybrid HiLux could fit the bill for HiLux as it uses an electric motor to boost outputs of the petrol engine, rather than aiming for maximum efficiency.
This would enable, in theory, a class-matching 3500kg braked towing capacity to keep it competitive against the likes of the petrol-electric version of the Ford Ranger that uses a plug-in hybrid system.
However, Toyota would need to adopt a smaller engine if it takes the Performance Hybrid route for HiLux, as the LandCruiser and Tundra use a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with a single electric motor.
It is also all but confirmed the new HiLux will rollout initially with diesel powertrain options, and if a Performance Hybrid version were to materialise, it would not be for a few years yet.
“There are no plans right now that I’m aware of, but part of our multi-pathway strategy allows us to move fairly quickly,” Hanley said.
“We will always do what we can that is best for the customer – so customer lens first, regulatory lens second, commercial lens third.”
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
