Image credit:https://newsroom.toyota.eu/
For more than half a century, the Toyota Hilux has carried an unshakable reputation for being one of the toughest vehicles on the planet. From extreme worksites to unforgiving mountain roads, it has become a symbol of reliability, endurance, and trust. You’ll find it tackling jungles in Southeast Asia, hauling loads in Australia, or powering across desert dunes in the Middle East.
Yet even icons must evolve. The automotive world is shifting rapidly toward electrification, smarter tech, and more refined driving experiences. Toyota, known for balancing innovation with reliability, is taking bold steps to ensure the Hilux remains relevant for the next generation of drivers.
In 2025, two distinct models are reshaping the Hilux story: the Hilux Hybrid 48V, Toyota’s first step into electrification for this pickup, and the Hilux GR SPORT II, a motorsport-inspired evolution that’s the sharpest, most driver-focused Hilux yet. Together, they represent strength meeting innovation proof that the Hilux can adapt to new demands without losing its core toughness.
Let’s dive into how these two models raise the bar for pickup trucks.
The Hilux Legacy: Why This Pickup Matters
Since its debut in 1968, the Toyota Hilux has earned legendary status as a truck that refuses to quit. Farmers, businesses, adventurers, and even militaries have relied on it to get through conditions that would break lesser vehicles. Stories of Hiluxes surviving floods, wars, and journeys across some of the harshest terrain on Earth are part of its mythology.
The Hilux’s recipe has always been simple yet effective: robust engineering, immense reliability, and go-anywhere capability. For many, it’s more than just a truck it’s a trusted partner.
But today, customers expect more. Pickups aren’t just workhorses anymore; they’re family vehicles, lifestyle companions, and daily drivers. That means comfort, efficiency, and technology matter just as much as durability. Toyota’s challenge? Keep the Hilux’s legendary toughness intact while evolving it for a modern audience.
The Hilux Hybrid 48V: Toyota’s First Step into Electrification
The most headline-grabbing change for 2025 is the arrival of the Hilux Hybrid 48V. This is Toyota’s first attempt at electrifying its iconic pickup, though it’s not a full hybrid like you’ll find in the Prius or RAV4. Instead, it’s a mild hybrid system designed to complement the Hilux’s rugged diesel engine.
So why 48V? Because it’s a clever balance. Full hybrids or plug-in hybrids can add weight, cost, and complexity that might not suit heavy-duty trucks. A 48V system, however, gives meaningful improvements in efficiency, refinement, and drivability without compromising toughness.
With the Hybrid 48V, you get:
- Smoother stop-start operation
- Quieter performance, especially in traffic
- Regenerative braking to recover energy
- A 20% lower idle speed for improved control off-road
Most importantly, it’s still a Hilux. The hybrid system doesn’t reduce its capabilities: it still tows up to 3,500 kg, hauls a 1,000 kg payload, and wades through 700 mm of water. This is electrification on Hilux terms practical, tough, and reliable.
And in the bigger picture, it positions Toyota alongside rivals like the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV and Isuzu’s hybrid plans, showing that even the toughest pickups are heading toward a greener future.
Under the Hood: Diesel Power Meets Hybrid Assistance
At its core, the Hilux Hybrid 48V still runs on Toyota’s proven 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine. This powerhouse produces 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque numbers that make towing and off-roading feel effortless.
The hybrid system adds a compact electric motor-generator, supplying an extra 12 kW and 65 Nm during acceleration and start-off. That might sound small, but in real-world driving, it makes a noticeable difference. The truck feels more responsive from a standstill, smoother in traffic, and less stressed under load.
Toyota has also engineered the hybrid system with durability in mind:
- Components are mounted high for protection during water crossings.
- The hybrid belt is reinforced with fabric and aramid, ensuring it can withstand heavy-duty use.
- The battery is tucked under the rear seats, safe from external hazards and without eating into cargo space.
In plain terms: the Hybrid 48V adds a layer of refinement and efficiency without diluting what makes the Hilux tough.
Smarter Driving: The Multi-Terrain Select System
Another first for the Hilux Hybrid 48V is the addition of Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) a technology borrowed from Toyota’s high-end off-roaders.
Drivers can now choose from six modes: Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, Deep Snow, and Auto. Each mode adjusts throttle response, traction control, and braking to suit conditions.
Picture this:
- You’re towing a trailer up a muddy farm track MTS keeps the wheels from slipping.
- You’re crossing dunes on a weekend desert drive Sand mode keeps momentum steady.
- You’re climbing a rocky trail Rock mode fine-tunes power delivery for grip and stability.
This tech puts the Hilux on par with competitors like Land Rover’s Terrain Response or Ford’s off-road assist systems. For drivers, it means more confidence whether you’re on the job site or exploring the wilderness.
Everyday Practicality and Safety
The Hilux has always been about practicality, and the Hybrid 48V continues that tradition with dimensions built for versatility:
- 5.3 m length
- Up to 1.9 m width
- 1.86 m height
- 310 mm ground clearance
Inside, the Double Cab layout ensures space for passengers and gear. The hybrid battery, cleverly hidden beneath the rear seats, doesn’t compromise cargo or interior space.
On the safety front, Toyota equips the Hilux with its Toyota Safety Sense suite, including:
- Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic High Beam
Add to that the Toyota Smart Connect infotainment system with MyToyota app integration, and you’ve got a pickup that feels more SUV-like in convenience and tech. It’s proof that today’s pickup buyers don’t have to sacrifice safety or comfort for ruggedness
Hilux GR SPORT II: Motorsport Spirit on the Road
Image credit:https://newsroom.toyota.eu/
If the Hybrid 48V represents efficiency and refinement, the Hilux GR SPORT II is about pure excitement. This is the most driver-focused Hilux ever built, drawing direct inspiration from Toyota’s Dakar Rally-winning Hilux and the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) motorsport division.
Key performance upgrades include:
- Wider front and rear tracks for better stability
- A raised ride height for improved clearance
- New suspension setup with monotube shock absorbers
- Reinforced chassis tweaks for sharper handling
The results are clear: the GR SPORT II is more planted on highways, more agile in corners, and more capable off-road. With a 323 mm ground clearance and an improved 30-degree approach angle, it’s just as ready for rough terrain as it is for spirited road driving.
Toyota has found a sweet spot here blending motorsport DNA with the everyday usability of a pickup.
Bold Looks, Serious Presence
A performance-focused Hilux needs to look the part, and the GR SPORT II delivers.
Exterior highlights include:
- Black mesh front grille with bold TOYOTA lettering
- Gloss black alloy wheels
- Red brake calipers
- Aero sport bar for added presence
Inside, the GR SPORT II turns up the drama:
- Sports seats trimmed in suede and leather mix
- Red seatbelts for a performance vibe
- Aluminium pedals and GR-branded details
It’s a cabin that feels sporty yet refined the kind of place where you can enjoy both a spirited drive and a long-distance haul.
This emotional appeal is no accident. Pickups are increasingly lifestyle vehicles, and Toyota knows many buyers want their truck to reflect personality, not just practicality.
Technology for the Modern Driver
Both the Hybrid 48V and GR SPORT II benefit from Toyota’s latest infotainment tech. The Toyota Smart Connect + system includes:
- 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cloud-based navigation with real-time updates
- Offline maps for when you’re off the grid
The Hybrid 48V also gets an optional JBL premium audio system, while the GR SPORT II’s infotainment feels tailored for a connected lifestyle.
In today’s world, connectivity isn’t just a luxury it’s expected. Whether you’re running a fleet or heading out on a weekend trip, staying connected adds value and convenience.
Comparing the Hybrid 48V and GR SPORT II
Image credit:https://newsroom.toyota.eu/
So, which Hilux is right for you?
- Hilux Hybrid 48V: Perfect for business owners, fleets, or drivers who value refinement, fuel efficiency, and everyday toughness.
- Hilux GR SPORT II: Built for enthusiasts, lifestyle buyers, and anyone who wants their Hilux to feel as exciting as it is capable.
Both share the same DNA: durability, safety, and world-class towing capacity. But they’re tailored for very different audiences, and that’s exactly why Toyota is offering both.
The Future of Pickups and Electrification
Toyota’s approach with the Hilux Hybrid 48V is telling. Instead of rushing into full electrification, it’s starting with a practical, reliable mild hybrid a logical step for a vehicle used in demanding conditions.
Globally, pickups are slowly moving toward hybrid and electric powertrains. Ford has its Ranger PHEV on the horizon, and EV-only trucks like the Rivian R1T are making waves. But for markets that demand long-range reliability, heavy towing, and off-road capability, Toyota’s incremental approach makes sense.
The Hilux Hybrid 48V is a bridge to the future easing customers into electrification without compromising trust. And given Toyota’s reputation, when a fully hybrid or electric Hilux arrives, it will likely be just as dependable.
Conclusion
The Toyota Hilux has always been a benchmark for toughness, but with the Hybrid 48V and GR SPORT II, Toyota shows it’s not afraid to evolve.
One model adds refinement, efficiency, and smoother driving without losing capability. The other celebrates motorsport heritage, injecting excitement and style into a pickup that’s as ready for adventure as it is for work.
Together, they ensure the Hilux remains at the top of its game in a changing automotive landscape. For businesses, adventurers, and lifestyle buyers alike, the Hilux still sets the standard just with more innovation than ever before.
The Hilux Evolution and What It Means for UAE Drivers
In Dubai and across the UAE, pickup trucks are more than just workhorses. They are lifestyle statements, tools for business, and trusted companions for desert exploration. The Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V brings smoother refinement and hybrid efficiency without losing its legendary toughness, while the GR SPORT II takes off-road and on-road performance to new heights. Whether you’re hauling loads, crossing dunes, or cruising the city, the new Hilux range fits right in with the UAE’s unique demands.
To keep your Hilux in peak condition, MotorHub connects you with expert workshops across the Emirates. From hybrid system checks to suspension care, we make sure your pickup stays as reliable as the day it rolled out of the showroom.
