DOUBLE DUTY

Toyota Motor Philippines has started retail sales of the ninth-generation Hilux, introducing a redesigned diesel lineup alongside the nameplate’s first battery-electric 4×4 variant.

The all-new pickup adopts Toyota’s “Cyber Sumo” design, combining the Hilux’s familiar muscular proportions with sharper details. C-shaped LED headlamps frame a wider honeycomb grille, while the rear receives updated lighting and a deck-side step for easier access to the cargo bed.

Each grade carries its own styling. The Conquest gets a rugged front bumper aimed at buyers who use their pickups for outdoor trips and overlanding, while the Hilux BEV uses an enclosed grille to improve aerodynamics and distinguish it from the diesel models.

All internal combustion engine variants retain Toyota’s 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine. It produces 204 PS, with torque rated at 420 Nm for manual versions and up to 500 Nm for automatic models.

Toyota continues to use independent double wishbones at the front and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs. Higher variants gain ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, while the entry-level versions pair front discs with rear drums.

The V and Conquest grades now use electric power steering to reduce effort during parking and other low-speed maneuvers. The G and E variants retain hydraulic steering, which suits their more work-focused character.

At the top of the diesel range, the Conquest adds Multi-Terrain Select with settings for Dirt, Rock, Sand, Mogul and Mud. It also comes with an electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, a Panoramic View Monitor, seven airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

The cabin receives a more modern dashboard and updated technology. Conquest and V models feature a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while G and E variants use an 8-inch unit with wired smartphone connectivity.

Synthetic leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat give the Conquest a more SUV-like cabin. Similar equipment appears in the BEV, which also gets wireless charging and a Panoramic View Monitor.

The electric Hilux uses a dedicated ladder-frame chassis with added protection for its high-voltage battery and electric axle. A dual-motor system delivers a combined 196 PS, with 200 Nm from the front motor and 269 Nm from the rear.

Permanent electric all-wheel drive distributes power between the axles, while a 59.2-kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 315 kilometers of range under the NEDC standard.

Owners receive a complimentary wall charger with home installation. The pickup supports AC Type 2 and DC CCS2 charging and can also use Toyota dealerships equipped with EV charging facilities in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Laguna, La Union, Batangas and Cebu.

Ground clearance reaches as much as 312 mm for the diesel variants and 287 mm for the BEV. Both powertrain choices are designed to preserve the Hilux’s ability to handle work, recreational driving and rough terrain.

Prices start at ₱1.772 million for the Hilux 2.8 4×2 E automatic and rise to ₱2.631 million for the 4×4 Conquest automatic with premium color. The sole Hilux BEV variant costs ₱2.990 million.

The expanded range gives buyers a choice between the long-distance flexibility and towing capability of diesel power and the quieter operation and immediate response of a fully electric drivetrain.