For decades, South Africans have relied on the Toyota Hilux to tackle any terrain, haul heavy loads, and keep moving. Now, Toyota has introduced a twist with the Hilux Raider 48V, integrating electrification into this trusted bakkie. Siyavuya Mbaduli gets behind the wheel.
The question is, can a hybrid system truly enhance the traditional strengths of a Hilux? The Toyota Hilux has been a cornerstone of South African roads for over fifty years, spanning eight generations from 1968 to the present. The latest iteration, the Hilux Raider 48V, arriving in 2024, represents a significant shift by incorporating a 48V mild hybrid system into its established design. This marks a bold move for Toyota, stepping into the realm of electrification within a segment traditionally dominated by raw power and capability.
The Hilux Raider 48V isn’t just about being a greener option; it promises improved fuel efficiency and a performance boost. This raises intriguing questions: Can a hybrid system complement the traditional strengths of a bakkie like the Hilux? Will it maintain the ruggedness and reliability the Hilux is known for? By the end of this review, these questions will be answered. What’s clear is that the Hilux Raider 48V heralds a new era for this iconic vehicle, blending toughness with modern efficiency.
The Hilux Raider 48V introduces a 48-volt mild hybrid system to the traditional bakkie formula. Unlike full hybrids, which have larger batteries capable of powering the vehicle for extended periods on electric power alone, the Hilux’s system focuses on enhancing efficiency. At its core is a compact and lightweight lithium-ion battery, consisting of 13 cells and offering a capacity of 4.3 Ampere-hours. This translates to a total of 207 Watts of stored energy, prioritizing efficiency gains over enabling long stretches of electric-only driving.
The system captures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and deceleration, recharging the battery and improving fuel economy. The electric motor provides short bursts of power to assist the engine during acceleration, enhancing performance and making the driving experience more responsive. The battery’s lightweight design, at just 7.6 kilograms, minimizes the vehicle’s overall weight gain.
The new Hilux Raider also receives a cosmetic update, with a redesigned front bumper and a new honeycomb mesh grille for a bolder look. Fog lamp bezels also feature a honeycomb design, adding uniformity. The 2.8 Raider model includes black exterior accents on the door handles and side mirrors, while the 2.4 Raider retains colour-coded handles. Inside, the 2.8 Raider offers leather seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver. The 48V option on the 2.8 adds features like one-touch power windows, push-button start with smart entry, and a multi-terrain select system for off-road conditions.
Driving the new Hilux Raider 48V offers a subtly enhanced experience. The 48-volt system’s mild hybrid capabilities are evident during acceleration, with the electric motor’s assistance reducing turbo lag commonly associated with diesel engines. This translates to a bit more pep off the line. The regenerative braking system feels slightly different, requiring a small adjustment in braking habits. Overall, the 48V system doesn’t drastically change the Hilux’s driving character but adds a welcome layer of refinement and responsiveness.
The mild-hybrid system shines under the bonnet, recouping braking energy for later use. Its smooth acceleration and boosts responsiveness, providing a 12 kW power boost and a 65 N.m increase in torque, enhancing the 150 kW and 500 N.m found in non-MHEV models. The main benefit of this hybrid system is an estimated 7-11% improvement in fuel efficiency. However, as a mild hybrid, it doesn’t offer massive electric power surges or silent running but retains the powerful diesel engine built for work.
Extra cab models of the Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 start at R563 200 for the manual transmission and R587 200 for the automatic. Double cab models start at R612 100 for the manual and R633 200 for the automatic, with the 2.4 GD-6 4×4 versions priced at R684 800 for the manual and R716 300 for the automatic. The 2.8 GD-6 DC AT is priced at R769 900, and the 2.8 GD-6 DC AT 48V at R785 400. The 2.8 GD-6 4×4 DC AT starts at R858 600, with the 48V version at R876 600.
In the competitive bakkie market, the Hilux Raider 48V faces rivals like the Ford Ranger with its fuel-efficient bi-turbo diesel (154kW/500N.m) starting at R514 800, the Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab V-Cross (from R867 600) with its 140kW/450 N.m diesel, and the Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Double Cab Pro-4X at R832 400, offering comfort and user-friendly tech with a potent V6 (140 kW/450 N.m). The Volkswagen Amarok 2.0BiTDI Double Cab Life 4Motion (R848 400) combines luxury and style with power figures of 154 kW and 500 N.m. The Hilux 48V (from R785 400) brings a hybrid advantage, balancing traditional bakkie capabilities with modern efficiency.
The Hilux 48V stays true to its workhorse roots with a powerful diesel engine, enhanced by a mild hybrid system. It offers a touch of refinement, a potential boost in responsiveness, and improved fuel efficiency by an estimated 7-11%. While not a full electric marvel, the 48V system positions the Hilux for a greener future without sacrificing its core strengths. It’s a familiar workhorse leaning towards modern efficiency.
Toyota Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 48V at a glance
- Price: R876 600
- Engine: 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Power: 162 kW
- Torque: 565 N.m
- Fuel consumption: 9.8 L/100 km
- Emissions: n/a