Is Toyota trying to save diesel? Next year, the 2023 Toyota HiLux and Fortuner will introduce diesel hybrid engines. According to sources from Thailand, Toyota will allegedly introduce the new HiLux and Fortuner in 2023 with diesel-hybrid powertrains, perhaps giving new life to an engine technology that was previously believed to be on the edge of extinction in the era of EVs.
However, Despite the Toyota Hilux have not been in the conversations, it is evident that both the Fortuner and the Hilux follow each other. Not only that, but this news also matches the confirmation from Toyota in New Zealand confirming that a hybrid version of the popular pick-up truck will be coming soon.
According to the reports, Under the hood, the new Toyota Fortuner will feature the familiar 2.8-litre diesel engine that delivers 150 kW of power and 500nm of torque. However, for 2023 the diesel engine will be paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This combination is set to deliver additional power on takeoff for quicker acceleration and also bring an improvement in fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
According to the sources, the 2023 Toyota Fortuner will make its premiere in Thailand the following year and will include the Toyota TNGA-F platform in addition to an electrified powertrain.
With Japanese media claiming that a 2023 launch has been on the table since last year, it indicates that the parts of Toyota’s diesel-electric puzzle are now fitting together.
Actually, Toyota Australia has been “seriously considering” diesel-electric technology for its normally diesel-powered line, stating to CarsGuide last year that the technology would be a solution for those who are “especially committed to diesel.”
Toyota openly expects that its HiLux customers would opt for a hybrid powertrain, but the company is also aware that an electrified dual-cab would still need to deliver on the main pillars of towing, load carrying, and off-roading.
