Toyota prices HiLux BEV ahead of Q2 on sale

TOYOTA has priced its first battery electric light commercial vehicle, the HiLux BEV, $15,500 higher than a comparably specified diesel, opening proceedings at $74,990 plus on-road costs ahead of the model’s Q2 sales debut.

Available in two grades – SR and SR5 – and with cab-chassis and pick-up body styles, the dual-cab-only HiLux BEV is offered exclusively in four-wheel drive configuration with dual electric motors, and is designed “specifically with government fleets, mining and construction sectors in mind”.

Ford’s least-expensive Ranger plug-in hybrid, which starts at $71,990 + ORC, carried a premium of more than $10K in some trim levels over the equivalent diesel at launch but the gap has since narrowed considerably.

Toyota Australia says the HiLux BEV was trialled extensively in real-world, high-demand environments, running up to 21,000km with BHP in high-temperature remote operations to provide insights into the model’s performance, durability, and capability.

With a front motor producing 82kW/206Nm and rear motor developing 129kW/269Nm, the HiLux BEV offers a total system output figure of 144kW/468Nm – or 6kW/32Nm less than the equivalent mild-hybrid diesel variant.

Toyota says the HiLux BEV’s four-wheel drive system allows continual torque distribution between the front and rear axles during on-road driving to provide “high-traction full-time all-wheel drive”, while off-road, a “sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes to suit the conditions underfoot”.

Power is stored in a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack allowing a driving range that is “anticipated” to be 315km on the lenient NEDC cycle.

Charging is rated at up to 150kW via a DC appliance – with a 10-80 per cent charge time of 30 minutes – and up to 10kW via a three-phase AC charger, taking up to 6.5 hours (from 10-100 per cent).

To accommodate the battery electric powertrain, the HiLux BEV features a uniquely developed suspension system with frame reinforcements, beefed-up MacPherson strut front suspension and a de Dion rear leaf spring setup which accommodates the rear electric motor and familiar live axle layout.

Stopping power comes from ventilated discs all round with regenerative braking actioned by the electric motors.

Toyota quotes a braked towing capacity of 2000kg – 1500kg less than the diesel-powered automatic.

Away from the chassis and driveline differences, the HiLux BEV is otherwise similar in terms of its equipment inclusions, differentiated only by a closed-off upper grille and aerodynamically enhanced 17-inch alloy wheels.

SR grades feature LED headlights with manual levelling, a coloured front bumper, painted exterior mirrors and door handles, shark fin-style antenna, and side steps.

Inside, the variant offers fabric upholstery, all-weather floor mats, a urethane steering wheel, shift-by-wire gear shifter, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, and a 1500W inverter (located in the centre console box) capable of powering small appliances.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system is paired with a 12.3-inch instrumentation display and four-speaker audio system. The former offers embedded satellite navigation, voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, DAB+ digital radio, and a pair of USB-C ports in the front and rear.

The SR5 (from $82,990 + ORC) adds high-grade LED headlights with auto-leveling, auto-retracting and heated exterior mirrors, LED fog- and taillights, rear privacy glass, and painted hood moulding and radiator lower grille.

Inside the SR5 gains leather-accented upholstery, heated front seats with powered driver’s adjustment and two-way lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, carpeted floor, self-dimming rear-view mirror, padded instrument panel, silver door handles, eight-speaker audio system, and a wireless phone charger.

Further, Toyota Connected Services functionality provides a range of convenience and security features accessed remotely though the myToyota Connect smartphone app.

As per the remainder of the ninth-generation HiLux range, the HiLux BEV offers a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense active safety features including a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, autonomous emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors (pick-up only), lane trace assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking support brake (pick-up only), traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, and eight airbags.

Private customers choosing to either purchase or finance their HiLux BEV through a novated lease also gain a complimentary 7kW AC wall box charger (not including installation).

Paint colours are restricted to three – Ash Slate, Frosted White, and Glacier White. Premium paint attracts a $675 surcharge.

“Offering Australian customers the choice of a HiLux with zero tailpipe emissions is a crucial step forward in providing consumers the right powertrain for the right application, at the right time,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations John Pappas.

“This is an exciting time for Toyota; bringing in an electric version of the much-loved HiLux pick-up finally gives businesses and fleets the option of low-emission motoring mixed with Toyota’s extensive parts and servicing network.”

2026 Toyota HiLux BEV pricing:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.