The popular pickup truck gets a redesigned face, slightly better equipment, and 48-volt technology to battle the Ford Ranger.
Toyota presented the eighth generation of its improved 2025 Hilux, which received modifications and a new facelift.
In Australia, Toyota introduced the eighth generation Hilux facelift in a row. Toyota's best-selling mid-size pickup now features 48V technology added to its 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, improved technical equipment, and several design changes.
In this article, we show you the specifications of the new Toyota Hilux and the capabilities of its new hybrid engine.
Design of the new Toyota Hilux 2025
- The automaker is making these modifications to its top-of-the-range Hilux truck in a bid to maintain its competitive edge with the Ford Ranger, its main rival.
- Following a closely contested race between the two models, the best-selling vehicle in Australia the previous year was the Blue Oval mid-size van.
- The Australian model of the Toyota Hilux 2025 has a new face that contradicts the European and Japanese specifications, which are basically the same as the previous models.
- The bumper has been more shaped than before, with an aluminum skid plate and reworked intakes on either side of a new octagonal grille. The tailgate now has dampers for easier operation, although the rest of the bodywork is retained from the departing Hilux.
- The grille and bumper have different finishes depending on the model. The entry-level WorkMate features a black honeycomb grille, the SR adds a silver lower trim, and the SR5 features gloss black features (foglight bezels, mirror caps, and door handles) along with a black upper grille.
- Toyota has withheld images of the performance-oriented GR Sport and top-spec Rogue grades, which will likely retain their current body kits.
2025 Hilux mild hybrid engine
The standout feature of the 2025 model is the 48-volt technology added to the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which is optional for the SR SUV but standard for the Rogue and SR5 grades.
Unlike other automakers, Toyota keeps the name and logos for plug-in hybrid and self-charging systems and does not use them to refer to mild hybrids.
New Hilux 2025 battery
The system consists of a small lithium battery, a DC/DC converter that allows a stop/start mechanism, and an electric motor/generator that is driven by a belt. According to Toyota, electrification reduces harshness, vibration, and noise while increasing fuel efficiency by 6-10%, depending on the model.
Hilux 2025 diesel engine
The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with mild electrification generates the same 203 PS (150 kW / 204 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.
In terms of power and torque, Toyota Australia did not provide details. However, in a European-spec vehicle, 48V technology delivers up to 16 PS (12 kW / 16 hp) and 65 Nm (48 lb-ft).
In addition, Multi-Terrain Select, which offers six driving modes for different terrain types, is standard on all Hilux mild-hybrid models.
The current non-electrified 2.8-litre and 2.4-litre diesel engines, as well as the 2.7-litre petrol engine available with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, are additional powertrain options in the Hilux range.
For more: Toyota Grand Highlander 2024 Hybrid: specifications and price
Improved instruments in the new Toyota Hilux 2025
- All SR grades of the new Toyota Hilux come equipped with two front and four rear parking sensors, while the 48V system adds floor mats, automatic power windows, dual-zone automatic climate control, and smart entry/start.
- Additionally, a wireless charging pad and two rear USB-C ports are now included on top-spec SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport models.
Toyota Hilux 2025 enhanced prices
In March 2024, the revamped Toyota Hilux will arrive in Australian markets. Drive claimed the base model Hilux Workmate 4x2 single cab costs AU$26,475 (US$17,277).
While the Hilux GR Sport 4x4 dual-cab model costs AU$74,310 (US$48,495). Importantly, compared to their non-electrified counterparts from the previous year, trims that benefit from the addition of the 48V mild hybrid system cost between AU$ 590-1,605 (US$385--1,047) more.
As the current generation of the truck is nearing the end of its production life, it is uncertain whether the updates brought by the Australian-spec Toyota Hilux will make their way to other markets.
It is also reported that the eighth-generation Hilux debuted in 2015 and underwent facelifts in 2020 and 2017 before the 2025 update. With a completely new generation expected to arrive over the next few years, the latter will likely be the last.