Toyota has refurbished the Toyota Hilux range globally and while the move was a long time coming, the world’s largest carmaker opted to use the 2026 Hilux BEV to spearhead the rollout. Now, UMW Toyota has previewed the first pure electric Hilux in Malaysia and it will be priced at RM 226,300. As it enters
As it enters its ninth generation, the Hilux has finally gained a battery-electric version and some beefier styling as well. The Malaysian variant hails from Toyota’s factory in Thailand.
It uses a dual-motor setup that draws electricity from a 59.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and is rated for a WLTP range of 240 km. The front motor makes 112 PS and 205 Nm of torque while the rear does 176 PS with 268 Nm of torque for a combined 196 PS.
Toyota have incorporated specific measures to protect the battery from damage or water to retain the pick-ups off-road capabilities. Additionally, the battery’s location lowers the centre of gravity for good stability and handling. Its location avoids any intrusion in the cabin and load space, while the frame design prevents the risk of the battery being damaged by twisting forces.
Unlike the diesel variants, the charging flap is located on the front fender and the maximum charging rates are 150 kW on a DC fast-charger and 10 kW with an AC power supply.
Charging from 10-80% at a DC charging station at 150 kW takes around 30 minutes, while with AC charging, the time from 10-100% is 6.5 hours.
Being a BEV, the workhorse figures are understandably a little lower than the diesels. The maximum payload capacity is 715 kg and max towing is 1,600 kg.
Toyota touts that the electric all-wheel drive and clever software compensates for the traditional mechanical four-wheel-drive system, low-range transfer case and locking rear differential. A version of the diesel’s Multi-Terrain Select off-road drive-mode suite in the Hilux BEV creates an equivalent driving mode to L4 low range for crawling.
Here, the MTS is a 5-mode electronic system that automatically adapts vehicle performance to suit different off-road driving scenarios. MTS uses the drive force and braking control to maintain steady progress over difficult and rough terrain. The driver can choose settings appropriate for different surfaces such as rock, sand, mud, dirt, and for the first time in a BEV, bumpy surfaces (Mogul mode).
Gone is the usual live-axle as the rear now houses a motor. In its place is a De Dion setup. You may not have heard of it as the 130-year-old suspension layout was originally developed for steam engines.
However, it has been revived with the growth of EVs that need to simulate a live axle and leaf springs. The De Dion setup moves the drive shafts from inside the rear suspension’s transverse structural member, to outside it.
Despite being fully electric, the Hilux BEV has 500 mm of wheel articulation and 700 mm of maximum water-wading depth.
Under that heavily redesigned exterior remains the Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform, meaning it is still a proper ladder-frame pick-up. The IMV platform remains an important one to Toyota as it also underpins the new Land Cruiser FJ.
The battery pack is installed under the floor to make full use of the frame’s width while high output eAxles are used in the front and rear for the advanced control system to deliver excellent off-road performance.
The new styling definitely muscles the Hilux’s aesthetics into the modern age, with Toyota labelling it the ‘Cyber Sumo’ styling.
It is angular, like the Tacoma, and replaces the front logo with a wordmark. Even the headlights have been slimmed down. Being the BEV variant, the upper portion of the front grille is closed off.
It measures in with a length of 5,320 mm, a width of 1,855 mm and a height 1,800 mm with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.
Telling the Hilux BEV apart from the diesel variants is made easy with the 17-inch wheel design that is exclusive to it. There is also a new rear deck step for easier access to the bed and this is standard across the range.
Inside comes the biggest changes, the centre console is inspired by the Land Cruiser FJ’s. Another welcomed feature are physical controls as the dual 12.3-inch screens are complemented by a traditional buttons and knobs for the climate controls and 4×4 hardware.
As with other EVs, operators of the Hilux BEV will benefit from reduced running costs, with lower parts maintenance and replacement requirements. Over several years, the benefits can be significant, particularly for business vehicle fleets.
Customers can choose from three distinct colours, Ash, Platinum White Pearl (Premium) and Super White 2 (Fleet/Basic).
Safety comprises Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This third-generation ADAS consists of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Auto High Beam.
Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) have been fundamental to the success and popularity of the Hilux since the first generation was launched in 1968. The Hilux BEV would not be worthy of the model nameplate if it did not have similar QDR as all other Hilux models past and present.