Toyota has officially opened orders for the Hilux BEV, marking its debut in the fully electric pickup segment. The new model brings the brand’s renowned Hilux nameplate into the electric era, featuring a body-on-frame design and a host of modern features. The Hilux BEV is now available in select markets, with pricing starting below $60,000 (~AUD 85,506).
Toyota Launches the Hilux BEV
The Hilux BEV is Toyota’s first fully electric pickup and its first body-on-frame electric vehicle. This all-electric version is based on the ninth generation of the Hilux, a model with a long-standing reputation in the pickup segment.
During its global debut, Toyota described the Hilux BEV as taking the “legendary pickup into a new era of electrified power.” The electric variant adopts a new design language called ‘Tough and Agile,’ featuring slim LED headlights connected by a light bar and the Toyota name displayed prominently on the front.
Performance and Off-Road Capabilities
The Hilux BEV comes in a Double Cab body style and is equipped with a permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain. Its dual motor setup delivers a combined 278 hp (208 kW) and 348 lb-ft (473 Nm) of torque, allowing it to tow over 3,700 lbs (1,700 kg).
For off-road enthusiasts, the Hilux BEV features reinforced eAxles and special undercovers. It is also Toyota’s first EV to include Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), with an electronic control system that automatically switches between five drive modes to optimize performance based on terrain and driving conditions.
The vehicle maintains a wading depth of 700 mm (~27 inches), comparable to other Hilux models, though its ground clearance is slightly lower at 212 mm (~8.3 inches) due to the battery placement.
Battery, Range, and Charging
Powering the Hilux BEV is a 59.2 kWh water-cooled lithium-ion battery, composed of 80 cells arranged in five 16-cell modules. The pickup offers a WLTP driving range of up to 160 miles (~257 km), while Toyota claims a city cycle range of up to 236 miles (~380 km).
The Hilux BEV supports DC fast-charging at 125 kW, enabling a recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Hilux BEV features Toyota’s latest cabin design, similar to the new Land Cruiser. The interior includes a 12.3-inch central infotainment display and a 12.3-inch driver display, which offers four layout options: casual, smart, tough, or sporty.
The model is equipped with Toyota’s third-generation T-Mate system, providing advanced safety and driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, safe exit assist, and parking support brake. Lane assist is also included for the first time, thanks to electric power steering.
Market Availability and Pricing
The Toyota Hilux BEV is now available to order in the UK, starting from $56,445 (~AUD 80,440) (excluding VAT). In Australia, sales began last month with a starting price of A$74,990 (~$52,621) before on-road costs.
Toyota does not offer the current gas-powered Hilux in the US market. However, the company continues to expand its electric SUV lineup in the US, with three models currently available and a three-row Highlander BEV set to join later this year.
Why this matters
The launch of the Hilux BEV marks a significant milestone for Toyota, introducing its first fully electric pickup and body-on-frame EV. This move signals Toyota’s commitment to electrification in a segment where durability and off-road capability are highly valued.
With established markets like the UK and Australia receiving the Hilux BEV, Toyota is expanding its electric vehicle offerings beyond SUVs, providing more options for buyers seeking electric utility vehicles.
What this means for buyers
Buyers in the UK and Australia now have access to Toyota’s first electric pickup, combining the Hilux’s reputation with zero-emission driving. Those interested in an electric utility vehicle with proven off-road credentials may find the Hilux BEV an appealing choice.
US buyers will need to look to Toyota’s electric SUV lineup, as the Hilux BEV is not available in that market.
Key Specs
- Body Style: Double Cab
- Powertrain: Permanent AWD, dual motor
- Combined Power: 278 hp (208 kW)
- Torque: 348 lb-ft (473 Nm)
- Towing Capacity: Over 3,700 lbs (1,700 kg)
- Battery: 59.2 kWh water-cooled lithium-ion
- WLTP Range: 160 miles (~257 km)
- City Cycle Range: 236 miles (~380 km)
- DC Fast-Charging: 125 kW (10% to 80% in ~30 min)
- Ground Clearance: 212 mm (~8.3 inches)
- Wading Depth: 700 mm (~27 inches)
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch central and driver displays
- Safety Features: T-Mate (blind-spot monitor, safe exit assist, parking support brake, lane assist)
- Starting Price (UK): $56,445 (~AUD 80,440) (excluding VAT)
- Starting Price (Australia): A$74,990 (~$52,621) (before on-road costs)
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, electrive.com
