Toyota has announced another update to its Hilux pickup truck, featuring a revamped design and the introduction of 48-volt technology to improve fuel efficiency and engine refinement. The upgraded Hilux is set to arrive in Australian showrooms
early in 2024, with the UK market to follow in the summer.
Design Refresh and Enhanced Features
The Hilux now sports a more rugged and muscular appearance thanks to a newly designed front end with an octagonal grille and a trapezoidal lower section. These changes are complemented by bold outer bumpers, which incorporate the fog lamps on higher-spec models. Other grades now feature a black honeycomb mesh grille for a sportier look, or a premium silver-coloured lower bumper finish. The Australian SR5 model — similar to our Invincible X — gains a black upper grille mould, dark-tinted LED headlamps, and gloss black exterior accents.
All pickup models now come equipped with a tailgate damper to ease the process of raising and lowering the tailgate, with higher-spec models also gaining front and rear parking sensors to enhance manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
Introduction of 48-Volt Technology
A key highlight of the 2024 Hilux update is the introduction of 48-volt technology, available as standard on pickups with the 2.8-litre diesel engine. This mild-hybrid system includes a motor generator, a 48-volt battery, and a DC/DC converter. It enables a stop/start system that improves fuel efficiency by approximately 6-10%, depending on the variant and enhances overall driveability by reducing noise, vibration, and harshness.
Toyota’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, described the inclusion of 48-volt technology as a significant advancement for the Hilux. “Introducing 48-Volt technology on double-cab HiLux models is an exciting step forward, improving fuel efficiency while still providing performance and capability that the HiLux is known for,” said Hanley. “Combined with dynamic styling and improved specification, the HiLux range has never looked more appealing.”
Off-Road Capabilities and Interior Upgrades
The 48-volt technology is not just about efficiency; it also boosts the Hilux’s off-road capabilities. Variants equipped with the fuel-saving system come standard with Multi-Terrain Select, which offers six selectable drive modes designed to optimise performance in various challenging conditions.
The interior of the Hilux has also seen upgrades, with models now featuring dual-zone automatic climate control and smart entry and start. Higher-spec models also receive a wireless charging pad and two rear USB-C ports, enhancing convenience for passengers.
Market Context and Future Prospects
This update comes at a time when the Hilux has seen increased competition, notably from the Ford Ranger, which recently ended the Hilux’s seven-year streak as Australia’s top-selling new vehicle. The refreshed design and new features will likely reinforce Hilux’s market position ahead of a new model anticipated to arrive in 2026.
The introduction of 48-volt technology marks a step forward for Toyota as it continues to evolve its vehicle lineup towards greater efficiency. However, it’s noteworthy that Toyota has chosen not to market the system as a full hybrid, as it does not provide the same level of fuel savings as Toyota’s petrol-hybrid vehicles.
The 2024 Hilux update is expected to be the final facelift for this model generation, which has been in production since 2015. A new Hilux will be introduced next year, possibly built on the TNGA-F platform shared with the US-market Toyota Tacoma and the latest LandCruiser 300 Series.
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