Toyota’s Electric Hilux Is Here… and It Costs More Than You’d Think

Toyota is finally putting an electric Hilux on sale, and Australia is one of the first markets to get it. For the first time, the lineup now includes a full EV alongside gasoline, diesel, and mild hybrid versions.

Price is where it gets serious. The Hilux BEV SR double cab chassis starts at AU$74,990, equal to about US$51,400. That is AU$20,000 more than the equivalent diesel with a manual gearbox. Step up to the SR double cab pickup, and it rises to AU$76,490 (US$52,500), which still puts it AU$17,000 (US$11,700) above the mild hybrid diesel automatic.

At the top, the SR5 comes in at AU$82,990 (US$56,900). That makes it the most expensive Hilux you can buy in Australia. It carries an AU$19,000 (US$13,000) premium over the diesel SR5 and also sits AU$11,000 (US$7,500) above the former range-topping Rugged X. It also lands right on top of the starting price of the Ford Ranger Super Duty.

Under the skin, it uses a dual motor setup with 193 hp and 468 Nm (345 lb-ft) of torque. It runs full time all-wheel-drive and includes six drive modes through the Multi-Terrain Select system.

The battery is rated at 59.2 kWh, with a claimed range between 245 and 315 km (152 to 196 miles), on the NEDC cycle depending on spec. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes. There is also a 1,500 W inverter built into the center console, which allows it to power external equipment.

The chassis keeps the ladder frame layout but adds a De Dion rear suspension with leaf springs and extra reinforcement to support the battery. Towing is rated at 2,000 kg, or 4,409 lbs, which is well below the diesel’s 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).

Visually, it sets itself apart with a closed-off grille and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels designed for better aerodynamics. Color options are limited to Glacier White, Frosted White, and Ash Slate.

Equipment is strong from the start. The SR trim includes LED headlights, body-colored bumpers, side steps, fabric seats, all-weather mats, dual-zone climate control, two 12.3-inch displays with navigation, eight airbags, and the full Toyota Safety Sense system. The SR5 adds auto-leveling headlights, extra LED lighting, heated and retractable mirrors, privacy glass, leather seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, an eight-speaker audio system, and wireless charging.

Toyota plans to sell 500 units in Australia during the first year. Most are expected to go to mining and construction fleets, where daily routes are predictable. The model has already been tested in remote outback conditions with those users.

The electric Hilux will also reach Europe, Japan, South Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. In Thailand, where it is built, the Hilux Travo e starts at ฿1,491,000, or about $45,300. That still puts it at ฿165,000 ($5,000), above a comparable diesel automatic Hilux Travo 4TREX.

This is a big shift for the Hilux, but it feels like an early step rather than a final answer.