Toyota Joins the Electric Truck Race With an Electric Version of the Hilux
Toyota has been known in many corners of the globe for its truck, the Toyota Hilux, and now they are unveiling the next generation of it, with an all-new electric option! It will come in multiple powertrain options, including the first battery electric version of the truck, a Hybrid 48V, and the traditional diesel and petrol engines for select areas. This aligns with Toyota’s multipath philosophy, giving customers different electrification options instead of just one option.
The design theme on the new truck is “Tough and Agile” with a bolder front end, slim LED headlights, and the Toyota name across the front bar, giving it a classic meets modern look. The BEV does skip the traditional grille for a sleeker, aerodynamic front, while all the other trims get alloy wheels, a side step, and a rear deck step for easy access. It is definitely influenced by the Land Cruiser, with features like a 12.3-inch digital display and how it has a horizontal console layout. It also includes other features like wireless charging, USB ports, and support for the MYToyota app for vehicle data and fleet tracking.
The BEV is the highlight of the update with a 592 kWh battery, front and rear eAxles, a range of around 154mi, which is pretty bad for now adays, and something you don’t usually see in EVs, permanent AWD. It keeps the normal body-on-frame construction and is actually designed for off-road use with battery protection and equal wading depth for the diesel model. It has a payload of 1,576lb and a towing capacity of 3,527 lb, which is all pretty good for an early electric truck.
Toyota will sell a diesel and petrol model of this new Hilux in Eastern Europe, keeping options open for different markets. A hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux is planned for 2028, and that will push Toyota’s clean-energy commitment even further. All of this shows that Toyota is still in its multi-energy strategy, balancing traditional and future tech rather than just abandoning one and using the other. This launch is more than just a new truck; it is Toyota, a famous brand, stepping into the electric pickup race with a familiar name and trust.
The Hilux BEV will launch in December of 2026, with the Hybrid 48V production starting in spring 2026. Toyota hasn’t confirmed U.S. pricing, but European models are expected to start at around €45,000–€55,000, depending on trim and powertrain.
Do you think Toyota waited too long to bring out its first electric truck, or was it the right moment to? Does this truck sound like the rugged Hilux we know so well, or is Toyota pushing it more into the luxury SUV territory? Let us know in the comments!
Source and Images: Toyota