2026 HiLux EV: Australia's Priciest Ute Revealed

Toyota HiLux Goes Electric: A New Era for Australia’s Favourite Ute

Australia’s beloved Toyota HiLux is set to embark on a significant transformation, with the first factory-built electric version slated for release by mid-year. This electrified ute arrives with a premium price tag, costing $17,000 more than its diesel counterpart, and boasts a claimed driving range that, while modest, signals a new direction for the iconic vehicle.

This highly anticipated electric variant will join the already popular diesel models, offering buyers a choice that reflects the evolving automotive landscape. Toyota Australia is forecasting modest sales figures for the electric HiLux in its first year, with around 500 units expected to find homes, representing a small fraction of the HiLux’s typical annual sales of approximately 50,000 vehicles. This cautious outlook suggests the initial target market is primarily commercial and government fleets, rather than the broader consumer base.

Pricing and Specifications: A Premium Proposition

The 2026 Toyota HiLux BEV will be available in two key dual-cab variants: the SR and the SR5. For the SR model, buyers will have the option of either a cab-chassis or a pick-up body style.

The pricing for the electric HiLux starts at $74,990 before on-road costs for the SR dual-cab chassis, escalating to $76,490 for the SR dual-cab pick-up. The top-tier SR5 dual-cab pick-up will command a price of $82,990, again before on-road costs. This positions the electric HiLux as the most expensive HiLux ever offered in Australia, a considerable premium over the equivalent diesel models.

Performance and Range: A Compromise for Electrification

Under the bonnet – or rather, where the engine would traditionally be – the electric HiLux replaces the robust 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a dual-electric motor setup. This configuration delivers a combined output of 144kW and 468Nm of torque. The system comprises a 129kW/269Nm rear motor and an 82kW/206Nm front motor, providing full-time all-wheel-drive capability. This electric powertrain is managed by a single-speed reduction gear automatic transmission, controlled via a shift-by-wire toggle.

However, the transition to electric power comes with a notable trade-off in driving range. Toyota Australia is quoting a NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) range of between 245km and 315km for the electric HiLux. For the cab-chassis variant, the NEDC range is pegged at the lower end of 245km, while the pick-up offers up to 315km. More realistic WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) testing overseas indicates an even lower range of 240km for the pick-up, a figure that doesn’t account for the added weight of a load or a towed trailer. These figures place the HiLux BEV among the electric vehicles with the shortest ranges currently available in Australia.

Battery and Charging Capabilities

Powering the electric HiLux is a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This battery supports fast charging, with the capability to reach an 80% charge from 10% in approximately 30 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger. For home charging, the HiLux BEV can utilise a 10kW three-phase AC wallbox, with a full 10% to 100% charge taking around 6.5 hours.

Toyota is offering a complimentary 7kW AC home wallbox charger for private buyers who finance their purchase through a novated lease. This initiative aims to mitigate some of the upfront cost and convenience concerns associated with electric vehicle ownership.

Chassis and Suspension Enhancements

To accommodate the electric powertrain and battery, the HiLux BEV has undergone structural enhancements. This includes frame reinforcements, beefed-up front MacPherson struts, and a redesigned De Dion rear leaf-spring suspension. This new rear setup is engineered to integrate the rear electric motor while maintaining a live axle, a crucial element for retaining the ute’s rugged capability.

Towing and Payload: A Significant Reduction

A key consideration for ute buyers is towing and payload capacity. The electric HiLux sees a substantial reduction in its braked towing capacity, now capped at 2000kg. This is a significant drop from the 3500kg capacity of its diesel counterparts. While specific payload figures for the Australian market are yet to be detailed, it is anticipated to be lower than the diesel’s circa-1000kg.

Design and Features: Subtle but Significant Changes

Visually, the electric HiLux features subtle design tweaks to improve aerodynamics and signify its electric nature. These include aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, a closed-off upper front grille, and distinctive BEV badging. Exterior colour options are limited to three: Glacier White, Frosted White, and Ash Slate.

The standard features on the SR variant largely mirror those of the diesel SR, with a few notable exceptions. The electric model boasts a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but features a four-speaker audio system compared to the diesel’s eight. Wireless smartphone charging and fog lamps are absent on the SR, and the steering wheel is finished in urethane rather than a synthetic leather-look.

Other distinctions include body-coloured side mirror caps and door handles (instead of black), dual-zone climate control (replacing manual air-conditioning), and a standard electric handbrake. A 1500-watt inverter with an Australian plug is integrated into the centre console box, providing a convenient power source for small appliances.

SR5 Enhancements: A More Premium Experience

The SR5 variant builds upon the SR specification, adding a range of comfort and convenience features. These include:

Eight-speaker audio system
‘High-grade’ LED headlights with auto-levelling
LED tail-lights and fog lamps
Carpet flooring
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Lidded instrument panel
Painted bonnet moulding and radiator lower grille
Wireless smartphone charger
Rear privacy glass
Auto-folding, heated side mirrors

The SR5 also gains ventilated rear disc brakes as standard, a feature that is reserved for the SR5 and above in the diesel models. Regenerative braking is also included across the BEV range to help recapture energy during deceleration.