Some markets will start receiving an upgraded 2024 Toyota Hilux equipped with 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology starting next year. Australia has confirmed that it will receive the electrified 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine within the first half of 2024.

Considering that the Australian market Hilux is imported from Thailand, it is reasonable to expect the electrified engine to be launched there as well.

Toyota says the MHEV setup cuts fuel consumption by up to 10 percent but the motor is only be paired to 6-speed automatic transmission variants, at least that’s the case for Australia.

Unlike full-hybrids (HEV) like a Corolla Cross Hybrid, mild-hybrids (MHEV) cannot do stop-go driving in electric power alone, so the engine has to fire up before the car can move. The small motor only gives assistance when cruising but it is able to do energy recuperation (but no regenerative braking) when coasting. 

The confirmation of a production specs Hilux MHEV comes after last week’s announcement by Toyota Africa that it has successfully completed demonstration runs with a Hilux MHEV prototype in the grueling WRC Safari Rally 2003 in Kenya, piloted by four-time WRC champion Juha Kankkunen.

For Australia, the MHEV upgrade will be fitted as standard on all 4x4 SR5 and Rogue Double Cab variants, and as an optional extra for the 4x4 SR Double Cab.

Toyota adds that the MHEV upgrade will not have any impact on the capability of the Hilux, maintaining their 3500 kg braked towing capacity.

Closer to home, it is unlikely that the feature will be added to UMW Toyota Motor’s locally assembled (CKD) Hilux models, as the company is increasingly pushed into a corner by the weakening Ringgit and rising cost of raw materials. Also, unlike Thailand’s carbon emission-based excise tax structure and unsubsidized diesel, adding MHEV to our local Hilux will only raise prices even higher.

The Toyota Hilux has seen several rounds of price hikes and as of today, starts from RM 103,880 for the most basic Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD. The cheapest double-cab automatic transmission variant now starts from RM 119,880.

When the facelifted Hilux Rogue was launched in October 2020, the prices were RM 92,880 and RM 108,880 respectively. That's a very high RM 11k increase in just 3 years.