Toyota Hilux: Australia’s automotive landscape is witnessing a fascinating transformation as the legendary Toyota Hilux, once the undisputed king of the ute segment, finds itself playing catch-up in an increasingly competitive market. The Ford Ranger has maintained its position as Australia’s best-selling vehicle for 2024, with 62,593 sales compared to the Hilux’s 53,499 units – a 12.5% decline from the previous year.
This shift represents more than just numbers on a sales chart; it signals a fundamental change in buyer preferences and technological expectations. The current Toyota Hilux has been on sale for close to 10 years and is nearing the end of its life, having lost its crown to the much newer Ford Ranger in 2023.
Hybrid Innovation Takes Center Stage
Toyota’s response to this challenge has been methodical and strategic. The Japanese manufacturer introduced its V-Active mild-hybrid technology to the Hilux lineup in 2024, marking a significant step in the brand’s electrification journey. This isn’t just about keeping up with emissions regulations; it’s about fundamentally improving the driving experience.
The 48-volt mild-hybrid system combines a small electric motor generator with the proven 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, delivering an additional 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque while achieving fuel economy improvements of approximately 6-10%. Real-world testing has shown even more promising results, with some drivers reporting consumption figures dropping from 11L/100km to 9.1L/100km under similar conditions.
The technology works by capturing energy during deceleration and storing it in a compact lithium-ion battery pack. When acceleration is needed, this stored energy supplements the diesel engine’s output, creating a smoother and more responsive driving experience. The system also enables enhanced automatic start-stop functionality and improved regenerative braking, making descending muddy slopes easier for off-road enthusiasts.
Maintaining Core Strengths While Evolving
What’s particularly impressive about Toyota’s hybrid implementation is how it maintains the Hilux’s legendary capabilities. The hybrid version retains the impressive 3,500kg towing capacity and 1,000kg payload capacity that have made the Hilux a favorite among tradies and adventurers alike. The vehicle can still wade through 700mm of water, and all electrical systems are fully waterproofed to maintain off-road credibility.
The mild-hybrid technology is currently available on automatic double-cab 4×4 models across SR, SR5, and Rogue trim levels, with pricing increases ranging from $590 to $1,605 depending on the variant. For many buyers, this modest premium is justified by the additional equipment that comes with the hybrid system, including dual-zone climate control and enhanced connectivity features.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation Beckons
While the current hybrid system represents significant progress, industry insiders are already looking toward the next chapter. An all-new, ninth-generation Hilux is expected to arrive in 2025, built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform and potentially featuring the i-Force Max petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that produces 243kW and 630Nm.
This next-generation model could address one of the current Hilux’s main weaknesses: its aging platform. Using the TNGA-F platform would help bring the Hilux forward by at least a decade, providing a better position to compete against the Ranger as well as new competitors like the Mitsubishi Triton and upcoming Nissan Navara.
Market Dynamics and Future Challenges
The ute segment’s evolution reflects broader changes in Australian vehicle preferences. Australians purchased 229,219 new utes in 2024, with the vast majority being 4×4 models, making it the second-biggest individual market segment after medium SUVs. This sustained demand ensures that competition will only intensify.
Toyota Australia’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, has been clear about the company’s commitment: “We’re not giving up on HiLux,” promising exciting features and upgrades for future models. The brand recognizes that the Hilux remains crucial to its Australian operations, being both the most important vehicle they manufacture locally and a cornerstone of their commercial vehicle lineup.
Toyota Hilux The Road Forward
As Toyota navigates this transitional period, the hybrid Hilux serves as both a bridge to the future and a statement of intent. While it may not have immediately reclaimed the sales crown, it demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to evolution without abandoning the rugged reliability that made the Hilux legendary.
The automotive industry’s shift toward electrification is irreversible, but Toyota’s approach with the Hilux shows how traditional strengths can be enhanced rather than replaced. For Australian buyers who demand capability, reliability, and efficiency, the hybrid Hilux represents a compelling compromise that honors the past while embracing the future.