The Toyota HiLux will stick with four-cylinder turbo-diesels in its next generation, according to a report from Japan, but will offer electrification.
A translated report from Japanese outlet Response says the HiLux will feature two electrified turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines: a 2.4-litre and a 2.8-litre.
While it says these will both use a six-speed automatic transmission, it doesn’t say what kind of electrification they will feature.
The current HiLux is gaining an electrified 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four in the first half of 2024, featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system and a six-speed automatic transmission. That suggests the next-gen model will also feature mild-hybrid assistance.
Current HiLux
The report makes no mention of either a turbo-diesel V6 to battle the Ford Ranger, or a turbocharged petrol-hybrid four-cylinder engine as seen in the new Tacoma.
It does, however, reiterate rumours of an electric version with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. Toyota previewed an electric HiLux with last year’s HiLux Revo BEV concept in Thailand.
The new HiLux is expected to move to a version of the TNGA-F underpinnings of, among other vehicles, the new Tacoma and LandCruiser Prado.
New Tacoma
While those models also haven’t receive a V6 in their latest iterations, they’ll both be available with a 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder powertrain.
In the LandCruiser Prado, or LandCruiser 250 Series as it will be known overseas, this produces 243kW of power and 630Nm of torque. However, it hasn’t been confirmed for Australia.
Six-cylinder power can be found in TNGA-F-based Toyotas. A 3.4-litre petrol V6 hybrid is used in the Tundra, while a 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6 sits under the bonnet of the LandCruiser 300 Series.
Current HiLux
The current HiLux offers a choice of three engines: the aforementioned 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre, soon to be getting a mild-hybrid system; a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four; and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol mill.
The Japanese outlet reports the next HiLux will measure 5355mm long, 1860mm wide and 1800mm tall. That’s 30mm longer and 5mm wider than the current dual cab HiLux.
The HiLux remains Australia’s best-selling vehicle, even as the current-generation model is set to celebrate its eighth birthday this year.
MORE: Everything Toyota HiLux
