Toyota updates the Hilux with electric and hydrogen fuel cell versions
The Japanese brand presents the new generation of its popular pickup truck, now with more technological and mechanical options than ever before.
Until recently, it was completely unthinkable that a pickup truck or pick up It doesn't use a traditional combustion engine. These vehicles, designed for rural environments and work tasks, have always used diesel engines in Europe or powerful gasoline engines in the United States, where this type of vehicle is most popular. But Toyota has surprised everyone by announcing new fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains for the new generation of the Hilux, which will arrive on the market during the first half of 2026.
The new Hilux stands out for maintaining the essence of the current truck's design but with more stylish and modern headlights that contrast with a new, larger grille, emphasizing the vehicle's magnetism and sense of power. The biggest change in this new model is that it does away with the single cab and focuses entirely on the double cab (with four doors and a second row of seats), as this is by far the most popular option among customers.
Perhaps the most noticeable change in Toyota's SUV is inside, with a new fully digital instrument cluster, a large 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and an ergonomic and streamlined design. The selector for the different driving modes, which adapt the driving to road conditions, is now located directly in front of the gearshift.
A complete mechanical range
Toyota knows its pickup truck is a global vehicle, and that's why it offers a variety of engines and configuration options adaptable to major international markets. For example, the new Hilux will have an even larger and more powerful 2.8-liter diesel engine than the current one, geared towards Asian and Middle Eastern markets, or a 2.7-liter gasoline engine designed for the emerging South American and Pacific markets.
In addition to these options, there will be a mild hybrid variant designed specifically for the European market, and a fully electric variant with a 59.2 kWh battery and two electric motors, which doesn't offer a great driving range, achieving just over 240 kilometers (150 miles) in the WLTP cycle. However, the electric version will retain the capabilities off-road and will have a driving mode selector, all-wheel drive and even an advanced traction system that is equivalent to the functions that a low-range gearbox can perform.
But the icing on the cake for this new pickup will be the hydrogen-powered version that Toyota has announced for 2028. The Japanese automaker is one of the brands that has made the most progress in this technology in recent years, and They've been selling the Mirai for a while now, an electric sedan powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.