TOYOTA ENGINEERS HAVE HARSH WORDS FOR PLUG-IN HYBRID WORK TRUCKS
Eyeing the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid that is sold in most of the world, but not the US? Toyota says that maybe you shouldn't be. A company VP from Australia, a market that gets the best midsize pickup offerings from around the world, says that PHEV just isn't ready. At least not when it comes to an icon of rugged reliability like the HiLux.
PHEV Not Ready For Indestructible Hilux Just Yet
The Toyota Hilux, the pickup that the rest of the world gets instead of the US-spec Tacoma, has a name it needs to uphold. It needs to be all but indestructible, no matter what it faces.
Toyota has built the truck with gas and diesel power, and is ready to launch fully-electric and hydrogen-powered models, but PHEV remains off the menu. "We're always looking at these types of powertrain solutions, we're not just sitting back, but they need to be able to meet the needs of the customer," Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, John Pappas, told CarExpert.
"The expectation of the Toyota and Hilux brand is very high, probably higher than it is on other products. We really respect that, and that adds a challenge."
-Ray Munday, Toyota Australia Sr. Manager Product Planning
The company's senior manager for product planning echoed those thoughts. "We definitely recognize that there's some strong competition in that area, and we are looking into it, but until the technology is ready, we're not going to release something that's rushed," Ray Munday told the site.
Batteries, Motors Cut Into Capability
Munday explained that capability is an issue with a PHEV. "At the moment, typically the challenge with PHEV or any electrification is added mass, which reduces payload and then also the ability to tow," he said. "The systems aren't necessarily developed at the moment to be able to meet our standards of what heavy towing means for a HiLux customer."
Toyota's Hilux can tow up to 7,700 pounds, with max payloads of around 2,200. Adding a hefty PHEV battery cuts into that, though Ford's Ranger PHEV is able to tow the same weight and handle a similar payload.
Electric and hydrogen versions of the truck will also have compromises to towing and payload, but they're aimed at a different customer. Fleets and commercial buyers, where the trucks will work but not need long ranges or use maximum capacity on all-day drives.
The Australian market is currently seeing an influx of electrified and PHEV pickups from Chinese automakers. Trucks like the GWM Cannon Alpha, BYD Shark 6, and JAC Hunter are coming or on sale. All offer plugs and towing to match the Hilux, but can't approach the payload. Especially the payload of the chassis cab versions of the truck. Buyers don't seem to mind, though, and CarExpert reports that nearly 9,000 PHEV light commercial models have been sold through the end of May.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
It's strange to see Toyota conceding a market to its rivals, especially in hybrids, a segment Toyota largely created and continues to dominate. It shows that either Toyota really is serious about the reputation of its tough truck or that its technology has fallen behind even Ford. Both, though, are a little bit embarrassing for Toyota.
2026-07-09T04:09:39ZSource: CarExpert
