Introducing the Third Consecutive Toyota Hilux Upgrade in the Eighth Generation in Australia
Toyota has unveiled the third consecutive upgrade of the eighth generation Hilux in Australia with a range of changes. The Toyota pickup truck has been redesigned with a revamped appearance, a redesigned front bumper with a new hexagonal grille accompanied by honeycomb-shaped air intakes, and an aluminum underbody skid plate. The body remains similar to the previous version, but the cargo bed is equipped with additional shock absorbers. Depending on the specific version, the exterior will have different features.
The highlight of the 2024 Hilux is the addition of a 48V electric motor to the standard 2.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine in the Rogue and SR5 versions, and as an option on the 4×4 SR. Unlike other automakers, Toyota does not use the term or symbol “hybrid” to describe mild hybrid vehicles, reserving it only for plug-in hybrids and self-charging hybrids.
The system includes a belt-driven electric motor/generator, a small lithium battery, and a DC/DC converter, allowing for stop/start operation. Toyota claims that electrification helps improve fuel efficiency by 6-10% depending on the configuration, while reducing noise, vibration, and harshness.
The mild hybridized 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine produces the same 203 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Toyota Australia did not go into detail about how much power and torque the additional 48V technology adds, but in standard EU models, it increases power by an additional 16 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque. All mild hybrid versions of the Hilux also come standard with the Multi-Terrain Select system, which provides six driving modes for different terrains.
Other drivetrain options in the Hilux lineup include the 2.8L and 2.4L diesel engines, as well as a 2.7L gasoline engine offered with both manual and automatic transmission options in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
In terms of equipment, all SR versions have two front parking sensors and four rear parking sensors, while 48-Volt versions come with dual-zone automatic climate control, smart entry/start, power windows, and floor mats. Moreover, the premium SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport versions now come with a wireless charging pad and two rear USB-C ports.
The Toyota Hilux will have a starting price of AUD 26,475, equivalent to around VND 430 million for the single cab Hilux Workmate 4×2, and go up to AUD 74,310, equivalent to around VND 1.2 billion for the double cab Hilux GR Sport 4×4. The 48-Volt mild hybrid versions have a higher price: an additional AUD 590 – AUD 1,605 (around VND 10-26 million) compared to the previous models.
Son Pham (Forum.autodaily.vn)