Rumour: Toyota Hilux diesel mild-hybrid in the works

Toyota’s diesel mild-hybrid tech could be offered on the HiAce, Fortuner and Prado in the future.

According to a media report, Toyota is secretly developing a diesel mild-hybrid powertrain for the Hilux. It is likely to be introduced in the Australian market initially.

Reports suggest that Toyota Australia could introduce the diesel hybrid on the current model instead of waiting until 2025 for the next-generation Hilux. That being said, the company is going to great lengths to keep the plans hush-hush, as insiders are concerned that it won’t be as fuel efficient as the brand’s petrol-electric hybrid models.

Toyota’s hybrid technology, which is now in its fifth generation, delivers real-world fuel savings of up to 50%. However, the Hilux will get a mild-hybrid system, which isn’t as efficient and the benefits are only marginal.

Earlier this year, Toyota executive Sean Hanley revealed that the Hilux would get some form of electrification by the end of the decade. He added that the company was considering all types of electric technologies but did not specify whether it would be hybrid, hydrogen or electric power.

It is said that Toyota’s diesel mild-hybrid tech could be offered on models like the HiAce, Fortuner and Prado, which use the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine.

Source: Drive