Toyota's Electric Hilux Pickup Now Under $60K

One of the world's most popular pickup trucks just went electric, and it's ready to prove that clean energy can handle serious work.

Toyota's new Hilux BEV marks a milestone for the automotive giant. It's their first fully electric pickup and first body-on-frame EV, arriving after seven decades and 27 million gas-powered Hilux models sold worldwide.

The electric version doesn't compromise on capability. Dual motors deliver 278 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque through a permanent all-wheel-drive system. It can tow over 3,700 pounds and wade through water nearly 28 inches deep, matching its gas-powered siblings.

Toyota built this truck for real-world conditions. The Multi-Terrain Select system automatically switches between five drive modes based on terrain, making it the company's first EV designed for serious off-roading. Reinforced eAxles and protective undercovers handle rough conditions that would sideline typical electric vehicles.

Range sits at 160 miles under standard testing, stretching to 236 miles in city driving. The 59.2 kWh battery recharges from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using 125-kilowatt DC fast charging.

Inside, drivers get dual 12.3-inch displays and Toyota's latest safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring and lane assist. Four display layouts let drivers customize their experience from casual to sporty.

The Ripple Effect

This launch signals something bigger than one electric truck. Toyota is showing that even legendary workhorses can transition to clean energy without losing their soul. The Hilux has built its reputation over 70 years in construction sites, farms, and remote regions worldwide.

Orders opened in the UK starting at £42,170 (about $56,500 before taxes), with Australian sales launching last month at roughly $51,500. American buyers won't see the Hilux stateside, but Toyota is bringing four electric SUVs to US dealerships this year, including the three-row Highlander BEV.

Every major automaker watching will see that electric powertrains can handle demanding jobs once reserved for diesel engines.