Toyota Europe has confirmed “approximate” range, payload and towing capacity figures for the upcoming HiLux BEV (battery electric vehicle), ahead of its overseas release in December with Australian arrivals in early 2026.
Like the incoming Australian model, the 2026 Toyota HiLux will be offered in various European markets with 48V mild-hybrid diesel and pure electric powertrains. Europe will get the non-48V 2.8L diesel as per Australia, though the region will also receive the more attainable 2.7-litre petrol engine which has been discontinued Down Under.
Headlining the European media release, however, are preliminary details of the HiLux BEV. The EV ute will be powered by a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery; dual electric motors (205Nm front, 268.6Nm rear) providing “permanent all-wheel drive”; 715kg payload (approx); 1600kg towing capacity (approx); and a WLTP driving range of approximately 240km.
By comparison, the HiLux ‘Hybrid 48V’ – or V-Active technology as it’s known here – offers 150kW/500Nm from its 48V-assisted 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, and boasts a braked tow capacity of 3500kg.
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Toyota adds that it “has targeted best-in-class charging capabilities that will minimise vehicle down-time”.
Beyond the drivetrain and capacities, Toyota Europe has confirmed the HiLux BEV’s body-on-frame construction features “specific measures to protect the battery from damage or water ingress”, and quotes an “equal” wading depth to the current diesel model.
Further, there’s a Multi-Terrain Select system with various modes to adapt the HiLux’s brake and torque control to different terrains. Toyota says this is “equivalent to driving in L4 range in a conventionally powered vehicle”.
Toyota Australia just announced pricing and initial specifications for the diesel 2026 HiLux range, set to kick off from $33,990 plus on-road costs when first vehicles arrive in December.
The HiLux EV has been confirmed for an early-2026 arrival in Australia, indicating a January-March launch. A hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) has also been confirmed for our market, but not until 2028.
“HiLux BEV will, of course, be available for anyone who wishes to purchase one, but we are primarily targeting fleets and urban trade users that will benefit most from the advantages that a BEV offers,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley.
Fleet sales make up 48 per cent of Toyota sales across all nameplates sold in Australia, equating to around 120,000 vehicles annually.
“The Hilux BEV is an integral part of our multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, and we are also exploring potential opportunities beyond the vehicles we produce,” said Mr Hanley.
“It’s going to be a vehicle that has a passenger-like payload, so it’s not going to be a heavy-use vehicle,” he explained.
“We think it’s a good step in the right direction – the market’s right for that type of car; it won’t be huge numbers, we don’t expect massive volume, but it will play a role.”
Last year, Toyota began testing anelectric HiLuxhere as part of a 12-month trial at mining giant BHP’s Port Headland operations in Western Australia – no doubt a precursor to the arrival of the series production HiLux BEV.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Toyota HiLux BEV updates!