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Toyota Australia received’t rule out a plug-in hybrid HiLux as a part of its new-generation lineup, having already confirmed diesel, battery electrical and fuel-cell electrical variations.
Whereas it’s going to provide the widest vary of powertrains but, the brand new HiLux received’t provide a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain from launch – a key providing from arch-rival Ford Ranger and well-liked newcomer, the BYD Shark 6.
“You’d by no means rule it out,” mentioned Toyota Australia vp of gross sales and advertising, Sean Hanley, when requested if the corporate plans so as to add a HiLux PHEV to the lineup.
Toyota has confirmed a PHEV for the brand new technology of RAV4 SUV launching in Australia in 2026, along with HEV (non plug-in) variations.
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Requested if the dearth of PHEV for HiLux was a missed alternative, Mr Hanley was direct. “No, I don’t … the reason being ute [buyers] are pragmatic; individuals purchase them largely for functionality.”
“Whereas I feel plug-in hybrids are a know-how of the longer term – there’s little doubt within the fullness of time we’ll most likely convey that suite to HiLux – proper now, we’re taking place the total BEV [battery-electric vehicle] vary and we’re taking place the sensible, fit-for-purpose route, which is what our prospects want.”
Toyota Australia has confirmed a BEV HiLux and a hydrogen fuel-cell electrical automobile (FCEV) model will be part of the new-generation lineup HiLux in 2028, which will probably be on sale with diesel engines from December 2025.
The Ford Ranger PHEV was launched in June 2025 throughout three mannequin grades, whereas the BYD Shark 6, accessible solely with a PHEV powertrain, has proved well-liked with greater than 15,000 gross sales since its February 2025 launch.
“I sort of discover it intriguing that we’re having a dialogue a few automobile doing 1400 that’s model new [the Shark 6], in opposition to a automobile that’s getting 10 years outdated doing over 4000 [outgoing HiLux, introduced in 2015],” mentioned Mr Hanley.
The feedback got here as Volkswagen dominated out BEV and PHEV variations of its present Amarok dual-cab ute, which is twinned with the Ranger in a partnership between the 2 automobile firms.
The outgoing HiLux was the top-selling automobile in Australia in October, with 4444 gross sales, forward of the Ranger on 4402 – with the RAV4 a single unit behind on 4401.
The BYD Shark 6 PHEV bought 1070 to be the sixth-best promoting ute this 12 months, additionally behind the Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and Mazda BT-50.
MORE: Discover the Toyota HiLux showroom
