Toyota HiLux SR 48V Mild Hybrid 4WD dual Cab Ute

Toyota HiLux SR 48V – Its Ute week here at Motoring Minute and today we chat about the Toyota HiLux. I road tested the HiLux SR Dual Cab 4WD Ute last week.

This particular vehicle was the 48V mild hybrid version. This V-Active technology provides electric assistance to the powerful 150kW/500Nm HiLux 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.

Toyota claims fuel consumption gains of up to 9.5 per cent.

This is achieved by

• combining outputs from the engine and six-speed automatic transmission
• with a 48V electric motor-generator,
• 48V lithium-ion battery and
• Idle-stop system.

The 48-Volt technology delivers smoother, quieter yet more responsive performance and reduces engine load under acceleration, particularly from standstill.

I took the SR out to the farm for a few days, and I would have to say the Mild Hybrid seemed to have  slightly better economy as well as smoother and more responsive to drive. Its nit a full hybrid unfortunately, but its more than a gimmick.

The SR dual cab isn’t quite the entry level, but one up and while it misses out on a few safety and comfort features, is relatively well equipped. The fabric seats are comfortable although my ageing back always appreciates extra lumbar support and seat heaters.

Two things to note. The tailgate has dampers for assistance in opening and closing, that’s good. However, there are no factory fitted tie down points in the tub. That’s not so good.

The Toyota HiLux SR Mild Hybrid Ute is priced from a bit over $56,000 plus the usual costs

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the HiLux SR 48V HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE HiLux SR 48V RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

Comfortable for a work Ute Outstanding 4WD capability Better performance and economy

What is not so good?

Missing some safety features Interior showing its age Mild not full hybrid

Instead of the Toyota HiLux SR 48V buyers could also look at:

Entry level work style Dual Cab 4WD Utes are popular.

Buyers could look at Isuzu D-Max LS-U, Nissan Navara SL, Mazda BT-50, SsangYong Musso, GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid, LDV T60, Mitsubishi Triton

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