Toyota has officially introduced the latest iteration of its eighth-generation Hilux in Australia, marking the third consecutive facelift for the beloved midsize pickup. Aimed at staying competitive in the market, particularly against its rival, the Ford Ranger, the 2024 Hilux receives a host of styling enhancements, advanced technology upgrades, and the incorporation of 48-Volt technology into the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine.
Distinct from its Japanese and European counterparts, the Australian variant of the 2024 Toyota Hilux reveals a redesigned front end. The bumper boasts a more sculpted appearance, featuring a fresh octagonal grille flanked by revised intakes and an aluminum-style skid plate. While the rest of the bodywork remains consistent with the outgoing model, the tailgate now includes dampers for smoother operation.
Notably, the grille and bumper finishes vary based on the trim. The WorkMate, an entry-level model, boasts a black honeycomb mesh grille, while the SR adds a silver-colored lower bumper finish. The SR5 features a black upper grille, dark-tinted LEDs, and gloss-black accents. Unfortunately, images of the high-spec Rogue and performance-focused GR Sport grades were not released, suggesting they might retain their existing bodykits.
The highlight of the 2024 model year is the introduction of 48-Volt technology to the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which comes standard in the Rogue and SR5 trims and is optional for the 4×4 SR. Toyota differentiates its mild-hybrids from other automakers by avoiding the use of the "hybrid" term, reserving it for self-charging and plug-in hybrid setups. The 48V system includes a belt-driven electric motor/generator, a small lithium battery, and a DC/DC converter, enhancing fuel economy by 6-10% while reducing noise and vibration.
Despite maintaining the same power output of 203 hp and 500 Nm of torque, the 48V tech in the EU-spec model contributes an additional 16 hp and 65 Nm. All mild-hybrid Hilux models include the Multi-Terrain Select system, offering six driving modes for diverse terrains.
The updated Hilux range continues to offer various powertrain options, including the existing non-electrified 2.8-liter and 2.4-liter diesels, as well as the 2.7-liter gasoline motor. These engines are available with manual or automatic transmissions in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
In terms of equipment upgrades, all SR grades now feature two front and four rear parking sensors. The 48-Volt system enhances the SR models with dual-zone automatic climate control, smart entry/start, auto power windows, and carpet floor mats. The higher-spec SR5, Rogue, and GR Sport trims also come equipped with a wireless charging pad and two rear USB-C ports.
Scheduled to hit Australian showrooms in March 2024, the updated Toyota Hilux comes with a starting price of AU$26,475 for the entry-level Hilux Workmate 4×2 single-cab model, with the flagship Hilux GR Sport 4×4 dual-cab version priced at AU$74,310. Notably, the trims benefiting from the 48-Volt mild-hybrid system come with a slight premium, costing between AU$590-1,605 more compared to their non-electrified predecessors from the previous year.
While the updates are specific to the Australian market, the fate of their integration into other regions remains uncertain, given the advanced age of the current generation. Introduced in 2015, the eighth-gen Hilux underwent facelifts in 2017 and 2020 before this latest 2024 update, expected to be the final one before an entirely new generation arrives in the coming years.