Toyota Hilux BEV: Legendary Japanese pickup goes electric for the first time
Toyota Hilux adopts a battery-electric powertrain for the first time, designed specifically for superior off-road performance together with a Multi-Terrain Select system.
The all-new, ninth generation Toyota Hilux made its European debut at the just-concluded 2026 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium. The legendary Japanese pickup has moved away from the more “rounded” and utilitarian design to what the company calls “Tough and Agile” with a technical and aggressive styling. But the most interesting aspect of the new Hilux is its BEV version, a pivotal moment in the vehicle 50 year history!
The battery-electric Hilux a new proposition of a robust, off-roading pick-up with zero-emission credentials! The manufacturer claims to have retained the toughness and reliability that the pickup is traditionally known for in its BEV version as well. It shares the practical body-on-frame construction as the diesel or Hybrid versions, promising superior off-roading and payload capabilities. The EV boasts a ground clearance of 212 mm and a maximum wading depth of 700 mm, just as other variants.
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More specifically, Toyota has ensured optimal weight balance and suspension tuning for a stable and punchy performance. Electric power steering is now standard across all Hilux variants, while the shift by wire technology unique to the BEV allows for smooth gear changing. In addition, a Multi-Terrain Select system has been developed specifically for BEV offers adaptive braking and torque for enhanced control in challenging conditions.
A 59.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and e-axles over the front and rear powers the Toyota Hilux with a permanent all-wheel drive system. The pickup generates 205 Nm of torque at the front axle and 268 at the rear. The BEV offers 715 kg payload and 1.6-tonne towing capacity. In terms of driving range, the vehicle is said to offer 257 km in the combined cycle (WLTP) and up to 380 km in the city cycle.
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The Hilux BEV will go on sale in Europe from April 2026 onwards. Toyota believes that volume seller in the European markets will be the Hilux Hybrid, which combines a 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 48V hybrid system. In other selected markets, diesel and petrol combustion engines will also be available in the Hilux range.
