Toyota’s First-Ever All-Electric Pickup Has Arrived
Toyota has finally unveiled an all-electric pickup. The only problem: North America won’t get it.
Why? Because we’re talking about the Toyota Hilux, an extremely popular truck overseas that isn’t sold in Canada or the U.S., where the Tacoma prevails. With its completely redesigned ninth generation, a battery-powered variant will be available for the first time.
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- Also: Future Toyota Electric Pickup to Launch in Europe in 2026
The design of the new Hilux, which the automaker weirdly refers to as “Cyber Sumo,” stands out from other recent Toyota products such as the upcoming 2026 RAV4 with their hammerhead design. The electric model sports a unique front fascia including a closed grille and modified air intakes.
The rear end features a redesigned bumper that incorporates cargo bed access steps in each corner (how come our Tacoma still doesn't offer these?). And of course, there are no tailpipes underneath this electric Hilux.
A quick word about the chassis, which fails to adopt Toyota's new TNGA-F architecture: the suspension uses coil springs at the front and a solid axle with leaf springs at the rear. As for the cabin, it's decidedly modern but retains the utilitarian look of a pickup, with dual screens up to 12.3 inches in size dominating the dashboard and a steering wheel borrowed from the Land Cruiser.
Multiple Powertrain Options
The ninth-generation Toyota Hilux perfectly reflects the Japanese manufacturer’s “Multipathway” approach to propulsion. A 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine (with or without mild hybrid technology) and a 2.7-litre gasoline engine are available in most markets.
The new electric variant has two motors and generates a total of 193 horsepower. Its small 59.2kWh battery provides an estimated range of 240 km according to the WLTP standard used in Europe, so just under 200 km if this Hilux were sold here.
In terms of capacity, the payload is rated at 715 kg (1,576 lbs) and the maximum towing capacity is 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs). All these figures, obviously, fall well short of meeting the needs of North American drivers.
Still produced in Thailand, the new Hilux will be on sale in Europe and Australia from December, then in much of Asia in 2026. Toyota even plans to launch a fuel cell variant by 2028 in countries where the hydrogen infrastructure is well developed.
As for us, we'll have to make do with the Tacoma Hybrid and Tundra Hybrid for now. There are no plans for an electric Toyota pickup for the U.S. and Canada, especially in the current EV climate. That said, you can always turn to Upcycle Green Technology, a company based in Stratford, PEI that converts Corollas into electric pickups. For real.