Toyota Hilux gets a third facelift

Toyota has introduced a third facelift for the Hilux pickup truck in Australia and Indonesia, and this is likely to be the last update for the current-gen model before an all-new Hilux arrives next year. There’s a slightly revised front end, a new 48V mild-hybrid tech for the diesel engine and a few feature additions on the inside. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Mild-hybrid tech improves efficiency by up to 10 percent
2. Power output continues to remain same
3. Interior gets dual-zone AC, wireless charging pad

Toyota Hilux facelift exterior and interior

Cosmetic updates on the Hilux are rather minimal and mostly concentrated on the face of the truck. The hexagonal grille gets new internals, depending on trim, and the front bumper has also been redesigned for a more muscular look. Higher-spec trims also get gloss black accents for the fog lamp bezels, wing mirrors and door handles, along with tinted LED headlamps.

On the equipment front, Toyota has added two front and four rear parking sensors as standard on the Hilux, and higher-spec variants also get dual-zone air conditioning, a wireless charging pad, two rear USB-C ports and auto up/down function on all four windows. The overall interior, however, remains unchanged.

Toyota Hilux facelift powertrain, specs

The bigger update is under the hood where Toyota has added the 48V mild-hybrid tech to the 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that was introduced for the European market late last year. The system comprises a belt-driven electric motor-generator, a small lithium battery and a DC to DC converter that enables a stop/start system.

Toyota claims the mild-hybrid tech improves efficiency by 6-10 percent, improves refinement and reduces noise levels. The engine continues to produce 204hp and 500Nm of torque. Overseas, the Hilux is also offered with a 2.4-litre diesel and a 2.7-litre petrol engine, with manual and automatic gearboxes, and in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.

As the cosmetic and feature upgrades are market-specific, it is unlikely to be offered in India, however, Toyota is expected to introduce the mild-hybrid tech for the diesel engine here, not just on the Hilux but on the Fortuner as well.