Toyota has unveiled a third facelift for the Hilux pickup truck in Australia and Indonesia, which is likely to be the last update for the current-generation model before an all-new Hilux arrives next year. The facelifted Hilux features a slightly revised front end, a new 48V mild-hybrid system for the diesel engine, and a few additional features on the inside.
2024 Toyota Hilux -What’s New?
The cosmetic changes on the Hilux are minimal and mostly concentrated on the face of the truck. The hexagonal grille gets new internals, depending on the trim, and the front bumper has also been redesigned for a more muscular look. Higher-spec trims also get gloss black accents for the fog lamp bezels, wing mirrors, and door handles, along with tinted LED headlamps.
The interior of the Hilux remains largely unchanged, except for some new equipment. Toyota has added two front and four rear parking sensors as standard on the Hilux, and higher-spec variants also get dual-zone air conditioning, a wireless charging pad, two rear USB-C ports, and auto up/down function on all four windows.
Under the Hood
The biggest update on the Hilux is under the hood, where Toyota has added the 48V mild-hybrid tech to the 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that was introduced for the European market late last year. The system comprises a belt-driven electric motor-generator, a small lithium battery and a DC to DC converter that enables a stop/start system. Toyota claims the mild-hybrid tech improves efficiency by 6-10 percent, improves refinement, and reduces noise levels. The engine continues to produce 204hp and 500Nm of torque.
The Hilux is also offered with a 2.4-litre diesel and a 2.7-litre petrol engine, with manual and automatic gearboxes, and in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations in overseas markets. As the cosmetic and feature upgrades are market-specific, it is unlikely to be offered in India, however, Toyota is expected to introduce the mild-hybrid tech for the diesel engine here, not just on the Hilux but on the Fortuner as well.