The total hilux is Britain’s most trusted pickup truck, built for real working demands. Whether you’re a farmer crossing muddy fields or a builder hauling heavy loads, this ninth-generation truck delivers legendary reliability, a modern cabin, and three powertrains to suit every need.
The All-New Toyota Hilux
The total hilux range drops as a much sleeker update to a highly trusted model, rather than a complete overhaul.
It keeps the legendary reliability intact while answering Britain’s ZEV mandates through three powertrains: a 48V Mild-Hybrid Diesel and an all-new Battery Electric BEV.
With over 27 million units sold since 1968, this ninth-generation truck carries serious heritage into a market now crowded with rivals like the Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, and Isuzu D-Max.
What’s Changed?
The total hilux gets a Land Cruiser-inspired exterior refresh with slimmer headlights and a bolder mesh grille. Inside, the front seats receive thicker padding and quality upholstery, while the steering wheel gains thinner spokes and proper reach adjustment.
A 12.3-inch Smart Connect infotainment screen now sits at the centre of a cleaner dashboard, alongside a cooled storage cubby and sensible cupholders that finally feel worthy of a modern vehicle.
Frame and Suspension
Toyota thickened the frame’s side rails and front crossmembers to reduce steering kickback and sharpen road manners.
The front axle uses independent double wishbones with MacPherson struts, while the rear keeps a rigid axle on leaf springs. Revised engine mounts, cabin mounts, and reworked spot-welds cut vibration noticeably compared to the previous generation.
Powertrain
The familiar 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel now runs with 48V mild-hybrid support, producing 201bhp at 3,400rpm and 369lb ft of torque from 1,600rpm through 2,800rpm.
Fuel economy sits between 28.8mpg and 29.1mpg with CO2 output ranging from 254g/km to 258g/km. A six-speed automatic handles gearchanges, and the 0-62mph sprint takes 11.9 seconds, which suits a truck built for towing rather than sprinting.
UK Pricing
The total hilux Invincible X Double Cab 4×4 with the 2.8D 204PS 48V Auto setup leases from around £299 plus VAT per month on a two-year contract, with a £4,250 initial rental and 6,000 annual miles.
New diesel pricing starts at roughly £42,845 after the PIVG discount off the £57,845 list price, rising to £48,545 for Icon and £54,095 for Invincible X.
The Battery Electric BEV is priced from approximately £42,170 and targets fleet operators within defined urban routes. On the used market, a 2019 model still commands between £22,000 and £28,000, reflecting strong residual values that rivals struggle to match.
Tax Considerations
Company car drivers face a notable tax difference depending on classification. A double-cab diesel emitting 254g/km to 258g/km pushes higher earners into the 37% or 40% bracket, adding roughly £8,000 including VAT.
Qualifying under Commercial vehicle BIK rules reduces that bill to around £1,668. Private buyers pay a flat £360 VED tax plus the expensive car supplement.
Mild-Hybrid vs BEV: Key Differences
The 2.8-litre GD-6 48V diesel pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with a small motor-generator, producing 204hp with a 6-speed automatic and 3,500kg braked towing capacity. Payload sits at 1,060kg.
The Battery Electric variant uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 134hp and 500Nm of instant torque through a single-speed automatic.
Towing capacity drops to 1,600kg and payload to 715kg, just shy of the one-tonne threshold needed for commercial vehicle tax benefits. Real-world BEV range lands between 125 and 140 miles rather than the 159-mile WLTP figure.
The Electric Hilux
The total hilux BEV uses a 59.2kWh battery with 54kWh usable capacity, mounted in a water-cooled housing on a reinforced subframe.
Dual front and rear motors combine for 193bhp total, sent through permanent all-wheel drive with switchable two-wheel and four-wheel drive including low-range.
Ground clearance holds at 309mm with a 700mm wading depth, matching the diesel. Toyota designed this powertrain as a bridge toward hydrogen options expected around 2028, targeting fleet operators in urban low-emission zones rather than long-haul use.
On the Road
The diesel feels noticeably quieter and smoother than before, with fewer rattles and less clatter under load. Body control stays balanced despite a 2.2-tonne kerb weight, and the electric power steering makes town manoeuvres far less stressful.
Off-road, the Multi-Terrain Select system cycles through Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock modes automatically across 2H, 4H, and 4L. It handles river crossings up to 700mm, steep wet grass, and deep mud ruts without fuss, which remains the core reason buyers choose this truck over alternatives.
Interior and Practicalities
The cab features properly padded seats, a steering wheel with real reach adjustment, and physical controls for heating and cooling that work fine with gloves on.Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are reliable, and dedicated steering wheel buttons handle audio and cruise control without menu-diving.
The load bed measures 1,555mm in length with payload between 1,025kg and 1,065kg, and tow ratings reach the full 3.5 tonnes. Single-cab and extended-cab body styles are available for buyers needing a longer load tray.
Known Issues
Forum owners flag the 4WD electronic dial-switch and its actuator as a weak point after four to five years of heavy use in muddy conditions. Real fuel economy drops to around 20mpg when towing a horsebox, well below the official figure.
Chassis rust is a recurring concern in the UK’s damp, salted winters, making underbody protection products like Waxoyl or Dinitrol essential rather than optional.
BEV owners report consistent real-world range of 125 to 140 miles under load rather than the headline WLTP claim. A steering angle sensor fault code C1446 affecting traction control has also been traced across earlier model years.
Final Verdict
The total hilux remains one of the safest bets in the pickup market for anyone who genuinely needs it. The 2.8L Mild-Hybrid Diesel suits farmers, builders, and anyone covering long distances with a heavy load, while the BEV fits fleet operators running urban routes with overnight charging available.
The total hilux earns its reputation through meaningful refinement rather than dramatic reinvention, with a modern cabin, strong residuals, and a 10-year warranty through annual servicing that most rivals simply cannot match.