Memasuki generasi kesembilannya, Hilux akhirnya memperoleh versi elektrik-bateri serta penggayaan yang lebih sasa. Varian Malaysia ini dibekalkan dari kilang Toyota di Thailand.

Ia menggunakan tetapan dwi-motor yang menjana tenaga daripada pek bateri litium-ion 59.2-kWj dan dinilai untuk jarak gerak WLTP sejauh 240 km. Motor hadapan menghasilkan 112 PS dan tork 205 Nm, manakala unit belakang menghasilkan 176 PS dengan tork 268 Nm untuk output gabungan sebanyak 196 PS.

Toyota telah menyertakan langkah-langkah khusus bagi melindungi bateri daripada kerosakan atau air untuk mengekalkan keupayaan pemanduan lasak trak pikap tersebut. Selain itu, kedudukan bateri merendahkan pusat graviti bagi kestabilan dan pengendalian yang baik. Kedudukannya mengelakkan sebarang gangguan pada ruang kabin dan ruang muatan, manakala reka bentuk rangka menghalang risiko bateri rosak akibat daya kilasan.

Berbeza dengan varian diesel, penutup pengecasan terletak pada fander hadapan dan kadar pengecasan maksimum adalah 150 kW melalui pengecas pantas DC serta 10 kW dengan bekalan kuasa AC.

Pengecasan dari 10-80% di stesen pengecasan DC pada kadar 150 kW mengambil masa sekitar 30 minit, manakala dengan pengecasan AC, masa yang diambil dari 10-100% adalah 6.5 jam.

Sebagai sebuah BEV, angka keupayaan kerja kenderaan ini secara munasabahnya sedikit rendah berbanding varian diesel. Kapasiti muatan maksimum adalah 715 kg dan kapasiti tunda maksimum adalah 1,600 kg.

Toyota mendakwa bahawa sistem pacuan semua roda elektrik dan perisian pintar mampu menggantikan sistem pacuan empat roda mekanikal tradisional, kotak pindah julat rendah dan kunci pembeza belakang (locking rear differential). Versi suite mod pemanduan Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) daripada varian diesel pada Hilux BEV ini mewujudkan mod pemanduan yang setara dengan julat rendah L4 untuk rayapan (crawling).

Di sini, MTS merupakan sistem elektronik 5-mod yang menyesuaikan prestasi kenderaan secara automatik mengikut senario pemanduan off-road yang berbeza. MTS menggunakan daya pacuan dan kawalan brek untuk mengekalkan kemajuan yang stabil di atas rupa bumi yang sukar dan mencabar. Pemandu boleh memilih tetapan yang sesuai untuk permukaan berbeza seperti batu, pasir, lumpur, tanah, dan buat pertama kali dalam sebuah BEV, permukaan beralun (mod Mogul).

Gandar hidup (live-axle) yang biasa digunakan telah tiada memandangkan bahagian belakang kini menempatkan motor. Sebagai ganti, tetapan De Dion digunakan. Anda mungkin tidak pernah mendengarnya kerana reka bentuk ampaian berusia 130 tahun ini asalnya dibangunkan untuk enjin stim.

Walau bagaimanapun, ia telah dihidupkan semula seiring dengan pertumbuhan kenderaan elektrik (EV) yang perlu mensimulasikan gandar hidup dan spring dedaun. Tetapan De Dion memindahkan aci pemacu daripada bahagian dalam anggota struktur melintang ampaian belakang ke bahagian luarnya.

Walaupun dikuasakan elektrik sepenuhnya, Hilux BEV mempunyai artikulasi roda 500 mm dan kedalaman meredah air maksimum sejauh 700 mm.

Di sebalik reka bentuk luaran yang dirombak sepenuhnya itu, ia kekal menggunakan platform Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV), bermakna ia masih sebuah trak pikap kerangka tangga (ladder-frame) yang sebenar. Platform IMV kekal penting bagi Toyota kerana ia turut menjadi asas kepada Land Cruiser FJ baharu.

Pek bateri dipasang di bawah lantai untuk memanfaatkan sepenuhnya lebar rangka, manakala eAxles output tinggi digunakan pada bahagian hadapan dan belakang bagi membolehkan sistem kawalan canggih memberikan prestasi off-road yang cemerlang.

Penggayaan baharu ini sememangnya menyerlahkan estetika Hilux ke era moden, di mana Toyota melabelkannya sebagai gaya Cyber Sumo.

Ia tampil bersudut seperti model Tacoma dan menggantikan logo hadapan dengan tanda perkataan. Malah, lampu hadapannya juga telah dikecilkan. Sebagai varian BEV, bahagian atas gril hadapan ditutup sepenuhnya.

Ia berukuran 5,320 mm panjang, 1,855 mm lebar, dan 1,800 mm tinggi dengan jarak roda sejauh 3,085 mm.

Membezakan Hilux BEV daripada varian diesel adalah mudah dengan reka bentuk rim 17-inci yang eksklusif untuknya. Terdapat juga pemijak dek belakang baharu untuk akses yang lebih mudah ke ruang kargo, dan ini merupakan ciri standard bagi seluruh rangkaian model.

Bahagian dalaman membawakan perubahan terbesar di mana konsol tengah diinspirasikan daripada Land Cruiser FJ. Satu lagi ciri yang dialu-alukan adalah kawalan fizikal, di mana skrin dwi 12.3-inci dilengkapi dengan butang dan tombol tradisional untuk kawalan suhu serta perkakasan 4×4.

Seperti EV yang lain, pengendali Hilux BEV akan mendapat manfaat daripada pengurangan kos operasi, dengan keperluan penyelenggaraan dan penggantian alat ganti yang lebih rendah. Dalam tempoh beberapa tahun, manfaat ini boleh menjadi sangat signifikan, terutamanya bagi armada kenderaan perniagaan.

Pelanggan boleh memilih daripada tiga warna berbeza iaitu Ash, Platinum White Pearl (Premium) dan Super White 2 (Fleet/Asas).

Ciri keselamatan merangkumi Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). Sistem ADAS generasi ketiga ini terdiri daripada Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert dan Auto High Beam.

Kualiti, Ketahanan dan Kebolehpercayaan (QDR) telah menjadi asas kepada kejayaan dan populariti Hilux sejak generasi pertama dilancarkan pada tahun 1968. Hilux BEV tidak akan layak memegang nama model tersebut sekiranya ia tidak mempunyai QDR yang setara dengan semua model Hilux yang lain, sama ada yang terdahulu mahupun sekarang.

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.

But if recent leaks from Australia are anything to go by, the next-generation Hilux due in 2026 could be very different from what Malaysians are used to. Documents filed for homologation reveal changes that point to a more powerful and tech-laden truck, though they may come with higher costs and fewer body style options.

According to Drive, the filings, listed under new “GUN2” model codes (the current Hilux runs under “GUN1”), suggest a major reshuffle in the powertrain line-up. Central to this is the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, which could become the standard across the range. 

In contrast, the 2.7-litre petrol engine looks set to be dropped, particularly from the lower trims. Another notable omission could be the extra-cab body style, leaving buyers with only single-cab and double-cab choices.

Interestingly, two versions of the 2.8L engine appear in the documents. One is labelled “1GD-FTV (HI) – AT”, while the other carries the “MHV” suffix, widely read as mild-hybrid. This points to the inclusion of Toyota’s 48V “V-Active” hybrid assist system, already available in select markets, which could now become a mainstream feature. 

Some lower-grade variants are still expected to retain the non-hybrid diesel setup, possibly paired with a basic automatic and rear-wheel drive to serve as an affordable entry-level option.

If Toyota introduces these changes here, it could mark one of the biggest shake-ups for the Hilux in years. Making the 2.8L diesel the standard engine would deliver stronger torque and mid-range power across the board, giving the truck more muscle for towing, heavy loads, and highway overtakes.

The addition of mild-hybrid tech could also bring real-world benefits in Malaysia’s urban traffic. The system is designed to smooth out low-speed driving, boost efficiency during stop-start conditions, and trim fuel use, something that would appeal to owners who use their Hilux daily, not just for work.

However, there’s a flip side. If every model gets upgraded engines and hybrid assistance, the price of entry could climb noticeably. Today, the Hilux’s base cab-chassis model competes strongly on affordability, but that position could weaken if the new line-up leans heavily towards premium powertrains.

A quick look through the price list will show you that the Hilux Single Cab 2.4 MT 4WD starts from RM104,880, while the Hilux GR Sport 2.8L sits at the top with a starting price of RM173,280.

The possible removal of the extra-cab body style is another point to watch. While not the most popular choice, it still serves a niche market of buyers who want a balance between load space and cabin flexibility. Losing it would simplify the range but reduce choice.

Beyond the mechanical changes, spy images indicate a fresh interior design may also be on the way. Expect dual widescreens, new switchgear, and a reworked dashboard that brings the Hilux closer to modern SUVs in look and feel. For Malaysians, this could be a significant advantage. Today’s cabin is tough and functional, but it lags behind rivals in terms of refinement and technology.

Of course, any update will need to balance innovation with Toyota’s traditional strengths in Malaysia: wide parts availability, proven reliability, and affordable after-sales service. Hybrid systems and new cabin tech are great, but they must be supported by service infrastructure that keeps ownership costs reasonable.

At this stage, nothing has been confirmed for Malaysia. The big questions remain: will Toyota Malaysia commit to making the 2.8L diesel and mild-hybrid the standard here? How much will prices shift once the upgrades are factored in? 

Until Toyota makes it official, all we can say is this: If the leaks are accurate, the 2026 Hilux could set a new standard for pickups in Malaysia, blending serious power with hybrid efficiency and a more premium feel. But whether buyers are ready for the higher price tags that come with it is another story.

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the opening of orders for the 2024 models of the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, and Toyota GR86, all of which come with significant enhancements and upgrades. The order books for these models are now officially open.

Maintaining its position as Malaysia’s top non-national automotive brand, UMWT continues to deliver innovative mobility solutions that meet the diverse needs of Malaysian drivers. The company’s commitment to quality, performance, and customer satisfaction remains steadfast as it pushes the boundaries of automotive excellence.

Toyota Hilux: Malaysia’s Best-Selling Pick-Up Truck

The Toyota Hilux, known for its durability and reliability, remains a top choice for Malaysian consumers. Its robust design and enhanced features continue to lead the pick-up segment, offering a perfect blend of performance and practicality.

• Vehicle Stability Control: Now included in the Hilux 2.4 Single Cab, significantly improving handling performance.
• Remote Engine Start: A first for Toyota models, this feature allows users to start or stop the engine, preheat or cool the cabin, and schedule engine operation via the Toyota My app, available on selected Hilux variants.

• Panoramic View Monitor: Standard for the Hilux 2.8 GR Sport, Hilux 2.8 Rogue, and Hilux 2.4V.
• Wireless Charger: Standard for Hilux 2.8 GR Sport and Hilux 2.8 Rogue, optional for the other models except the Hilux 2.4 Single Cab.

• Euro 4 Emission Standard: The Hilux comes with this latest emission standard.
• Engine Specifications: The 2.8 GR Sport and 2.8 Rogue are powered by a 2,755 cc engine delivering 224PS / 550Nm and 204PS / 500Nm of torque, respectively. The 2.4V variant features a 2,393 cc engine with 150PS and 400Nm of torque.
• Pricing: Prices start at RM104,880 without insurance.

Toyota Fortuner: Ruggedness and Versatility Redefined

The Toyota Fortuner has established itself as a favorite among drivers who value ruggedness and versatility.

• GR Body Kit: Available as an optional accessory for the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and Fortuner 2.4, including a front bumper skirt, front fog lamp garnish, and rear bumper skirt.
• Remote Engine Start: Available on the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and Fortuner 2.7 SRZ.

• Engine Options: The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ is powered by a 2,694 cc petrol engine delivering 166PS and 245Nm of torque, while the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ features a 2,755 cc clean diesel engine with 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque. The Fortuner 2.4 variant includes a 2,393 cc clean diesel engine producing 150PS and 400Nm of torque.
• Pricing: The starting price for the new Toyota Fortuner is RM195,880 without insurance.

Toyota GR86: Sharper Handling, Enhanced Performance

The Toyota GR86 offers significant enhancements for both 2.4 A/T and 2.4 M/T variants.

• Handling and Responsiveness: Throttle response has been tuned for exceptional controllability at the limits. The suspension system has been refined for improved handling response and road feel. The electric power steering system has been recalibrated for a more direct and engaging steering experience.
• Enhanced Transmission Tuning: For automatic transmission enthusiasts, the GR86 2.4 A/T allows for higher engine RPM after downshifts, providing greater control and performance.

• Safety Features: Equipped with a front and rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) as standard, automatically activating and recording wide-angle footage in full HD upon engine ignition.
• Pricing: The GR86 2.4 A/T and GR86 2.4 M/T are priced competitively, starting from RM295,000 without insurance.

With these upgraded models, UMWT reinforces its dedication to delivering top-notch automotive solutions that blend performance, innovation, and luxury, reflecting Toyota’s ongoing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.