The race is over: Toyota is the first auto maker to bring a right-hand drive hybrid 4WD ute to market.

The Hilux Hybrid, arrives simultaneously in New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand the Hilux Hybrid will be sold in single spec at launch: the double-cab SR5 Cruiser 4WD.

The Hilux Hybrid’s powertrain is based around the same familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder, producing an identical 150kW/500Nm. But whilst the pure diesel model features a claimed fuel economy of 9.1L/100km and CO2 emissions of 238g/km, this drops in the hybrid to 8.7L/100km and 231g/km.

Its towing capacity and payload are unchanged, rated at 3500kg (braked) and 750kg, respectively.

Being based on the standard SR5 Cruiser (Toyota’s flagship Hilux variant outside of the performance-orientated GR Sport), the hybrid comes with a familiar array of features as standard.

These include an eight-inch touchscreen, satnav, heated front seats, leather appointed upholstery, a ‘cool box’ in the dashboard, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and more.

The first face-lifted Hilux models have been spotted in New Zealand, featuring new headlights and a new front fascia.
Supplied / (no source).

Pricing starts at $65,490, including on-road costs. The non-hybrid SR5 Cruiser 4WD is $63,390.

The Hilux Hybrid is the first of a slew of electrified pickups in the pipeline for New Zealand launch in 2024-2025.