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Mid-size pickup enters electrification phase with South American production confirmed, maintaining diesel versions while expanding offerings with electric powertrains and hybrid systems aimed at urban and off-road use, in a strategy that repositions the Hilux for different consumer profiles.
As it advances to a new generation, the Toyota Hilux will incorporate electrification on a global scale, including a fully electric version with production planned in Argentina and an estimated arrival in the Brazilian market by 2027, as part of a broader regional strategy.
Even with the introduction of the electric variant, the pickup will continue to offer diesel versions, which remain relevant in the market, while the Hilux BEV emerges as an alternative with **196 hp of power**, a **59.2 kWh** battery, and an urban range of up to **380 km**.
Although the title suggests a rupture, the timeline indicates a gradual transition, as the combustion version will be the first to be produced in the region, maintaining the 2.8 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine widely known in the Brazilian market.
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Production in Argentina and arrival in Brazil
Recent sightings of the electric Hilux in mining operations in Argentina indicate that the regional project is already at an advanced stage, with camouflaged units displaying all-terrain tires and typical off-road elements.
In this context, the Zárate factory plays a strategic role by concentrating South American production, reducing logistical costs within Mercosur and facilitating the distribution of the pickup to markets such as Brazil.
During an event with dealerships in the neighboring country, Toyota presented different versions of the new generation, including the electric one, reinforcing the expectation of local production for both traditional and electrified models starting in 2027.
Diesel engine remains the initial base
For the start of operations, the manufacturer is expected to prioritize the diesel version, maintaining the 2.8 turbodiesel engine with **204 hp**, paired with manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the chosen configuration.
The presence of **4×4** traction remains a central characteristic of the Hilux, especially considering its use profile in rural activities, transport, and applications that require greater off-road capability.
Meanwhile, the global strategy shows differences between markets, as in Europe, Toyota prioritizes double-cab versions, signaling possible adjustments in the offering according to regional demand.
What the Hilux electric BEV is like
In the case of the electric version, the system adopts two motors, positioned on the front and rear axles, forming a permanent all-wheel-drive system aimed at both urban use and more demanding terrains.
According to data released by the manufacturer itself, the system delivers torque distributed between the axles, while the **59.2 kWh** battery allows for up to **257 km of combined range** and up to **380 km in urban use**.
Regarding cargo capacity, the Hilux BEV supports up to **715 kg**, in addition to allowing towing of up to **1.6 tons**, numbers that position it as an alternative for specific operations prioritizing emission reduction.
Despite the adoption of an electric powertrain, the chassis structure has been maintained, as well as the ground clearance of **212 mm** and the wading depth of **700 mm**, preserving essential characteristics of the pickup.
Renewed design and updated interior
Visually, the new Hilux presents relevant changes, with emphasis on the redesigned front end, which incorporates narrower headlights and a new-format grille, while the electric version adopts a closed solution to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
At the rear, the update includes a new tailgate and vertical taillights with LED illumination in the higher versions, maintaining the model’s characteristic robust identity.
Internally, the project was reformulated with inspiration from the brand’s own utility vehicles, featuring a more horizontal dashboard, a multimedia center of up to 12.3 inches, and a digital instrument cluster in the more complete versions.
In addition, driving assistance features have been expanded, with updated systems from the Toyota Safety Sense package, including blind-spot monitoring and technologies aimed at active safety.
Hybrid versions arrive later
In parallel with the electric version, Toyota is also developing a 48-volt mild-hybrid configuration, which combines the diesel engine with an auxiliary electric system to reduce consumption and emissions under certain usage conditions.
Although already available in European markets, this variant is expected to arrive in Latin America at a later stage, possibly positioned in the pickup’s more equipped versions.
The brand’s multi-energy strategy also includes the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Hilux, planned for a future phase within the global portfolio.
Current Hilux remains leader in Brazil
Currently, the Hilux remains among the most relevant mid-size pickups in the Brazilian market, with a 2.8 diesel engine and a wide variety of versions aimed at both professional use and the end consumer.
According to public manufacturer data, the 2026 line presents price variations according to configuration, paint, and equipment, maintaining a consolidated position within the segment.
With the arrival of the new generation expected in 2027, the expectation is for the continuation of this prominence, supported by the combination of traditional versions and the gradual introduction of electrified technologies.
At the same time, the regional production of the electric version signals a structural change in the brand’s planning for South America, expanding the reach of electrification in a segment historically dominated by diesel engines.
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