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By Jonathan Crouch

The eighth generation version of Toyota's indestructible Hilux pick-up is the first to gain electrified tech. Jonathan Crouch looks at the Hybrid 48V model.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 25

Toyota rolls out its Hybrid 48V tech with its Hilux pick-up. It sounds impressive and there are drivability benefits but the efficiency advantages are slim.

Backgroundword count: 147

Toyota has been thinking about electric pick-up trucks for some time. They've already previewed an all-electric pick-up (the EPU concept) and produced a prototype hydrogen-powered Hilux. Electrified tech available from the brand in the here-and-now in this segment though is less ambitious - but it does at least exist, in the form of this model, the Hilux Hybrid 48V. Essentially, what's going on here is driven by the company's desire to lengthen the shelf life of its long-running four cylinder 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine and to that end, an electric motor generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery have been added to it. This is merely mild hybrid technology, rather than the full-Hybrid tech that Toyota uses in its other cars. As such, you can't expect big efficiency gains, but the brand says there are driveability enhancements and off-road prowess and payload remain unaffected. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 287

An awful lot of clever technology has been implemented here, though in truth it's difficult to see many tangible benefits from it. We're well familiar with the Hilux model's four cylinder 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, which has to be had with automatic transmission with the Hybrid 48V model. Here, that unit has been embellished with a reinforced belt drive system which turns a compact motor generator, which in turn charges a 48V lithium battery installed beneath the rear bench seat. That hybrid battery weighs 7.6kg and supplies this Toyota's 12V electrical system through a DC/DC converter. It sends up to 12kW of power (and up to 65Nm of torque) through the motor generator to the engine in a bid to improve power, acceleration and efficiency. Total power output is the same as with a normal 2.8-litre Hilux - 201bhp - and there's 510Nm of torque. Rest to 62mph takes 10.7s. As you drive, braking energy is regenerated to supply charge to the hybrid battery and provide extra braking performance. In town, Toyota claims that the 48V system improves throttle response and provides 'more linear' acceleration. It makes life easier off-road too; a reduced idle speed (down to 600rpm from 720rpm normally) makes low-speed driving easier, while the motor generator enables smoother acceleration and the regenerative braking supports safer downhill manoeuvring. For this model, Toyota has added a Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system which calibrates the vehicle to regulate power and wheelspin in order to enhance manoeuvrability and traction. Plus the driver can select between five pre-set options - Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow or Rock. As usual with the Hilux, there's 310mm of ground clearance, 700mm of wading depth and the approach and departure angles are 29-degrees and 26-degrees.

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