by At the Brussels Motor Show, Toyota presented the European version of its new ninth-generation Hilux pickup. The main news was that the familiar mild hybrid diesel is now joined by a fully electric Hilux BEV version.
A New Challenge for a Legend
For decades, the Hilux has proven its reliability in the most extreme conditions. Now, Toyota is preparing this famous pickup for a new, more complex test—remaining relevant in an electric future. The presentation in Brussels took place several months after the debut of the new models in Asia.
The first fully electric Hilux is a major event, but soon it will not be the only version of this unbeatable pickup that emits no harmful substances from the exhaust pipe.
As previously reported, Toyota not only confirmed work on a hydrogen version of the Hilux, which will appear later, but is already testing such vehicles. Thus, the pickup that built its legend hauling bricks and sheep will receive fuel cells.
Multi-Pathway Strategy for a Versatile Vehicle
The company calls this approach a multi-pathway strategy. For many buyers, little will change, as they will still be able to get a pickup with the same 2.8-liter diesel mild hybrid producing 201 hp that debuted in the previous generation. In some European countries, even a diesel without the hybrid component will be available.
This 48-volt version is expected to remain the main sales variant in the UK and Europe even after the EV appears. It retains the previous model’s payload capacity of 1000 kg and towing capacity of up to 3500 kg, while becoming slightly smoother and cleaner.
Electric, But Still Indestructible
However, business buyers looking to reduce operating costs and taxes should take a closer look at the Hilux BEV. It uses a 59.2 kWh battery and motors on both axles for permanent all-wheel drive.
The front motor develops 205 Nm, and the rear one—268 Nm. The claimed WLTP range is 258 km, which may seem modest, but in the urban cycle this figure increases to 380 km.
The payload capacity of the electric version is reduced to 715 kg, and the maximum trailer weight—to 1600 kg. However, the key characteristics remain unchanged: a ladder frame, 212 mm of ground clearance, and a wading depth of 700 mm—regardless of the power source. The BEV also received a special off-road mode tuned for electric torque and braking.
A Real Cyber Sumo
Both hybrid and BEV models received a new Cyber Sumo design, reportedly developed by Toyota’s team in Australia. It is characterized by sharper angles and flatter surfaces, giving the Hilux a modern big-pickup look. The electric vehicle is easily recognizable by its solid front grille panel and (less noticeably) a redesigned silver insert on the bumper.
Interior Updates
The modernization also touched the interior, which is now available only in a double cab configuration. Drivers and passengers get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen of the same size, and a steering wheel from the new Land Cruiser.
The cabin features two storage compartments on the passenger side, cup holders on the dashboard, and a full set of electronic safety systems. At the same time, Toyota did not forget to include a large number of physical switches for frequently used functions.
Sales in the UK will begin in June. Prices, which the manufacturer guarantees will be higher than the previous model’s, will be announced in the coming months.
The arrival of the electric Hilux is a logical step for Toyota in the European space, where environmental requirements are tightening. While the specifications, especially the range, may raise questions among fans of long-range gasoline pickups, for urban and suburban use, as well as for corporate fleets, this model opens up new opportunities. Importantly, the engineers have preserved the model’s key advantages—durability and off-road capability—adapting them to an electric platform. The parallel development of a hydrogen version indicates that the company is not relying on a single technological path but is preparing the Hilux for different future scenarios, which is a sensible strategy for such a versatile and globally popular model.
