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Model review

Toyota Hilux

2024–2026

Reviewed by Paul Kerr — 30 years in NZ car retail · Updated 3 October 2026 · How we rate

Toyota Hilux (Revo Facelift 3 Mild Hybrid)

Mild hybrid makes the Hilux smoother, not much thriftier

CarTrader Rating

7/10

Based on 3 expert reviews and 4 official safety sources.

See all sources

The 2024–2026 Hilux mild hybrid adds a 48-volt battery and belt-driven motor-generator to the familiar 2.8-litre turbo diesel. Testers found it smoother, with quieter, quicker stop-start and better low-speed delivery, and it keeps the 3,500 kg braked towing rating and 700 mm wading depth. Fuel savings are small: the official NZ figure for the SR5 is 8.5 L/100km against 8.6 for the non-hybrid. The cabin is showing its age and the rear ride is still a little firm.

What's good

  • Quieter, quicker-restarting engine stop-start thanks to the 48-volt system (Driven Car Guide, AutoTrader NZ)
  • A quick 65 Nm boost from the motor-generator smooths out low-speed power delivery (Driven Car Guide)
  • Keeps the 3,500 kg braked towing rating and 700 mm wading depth of the non-hybrid (AutoTrader NZ)
  • Part-time 4WD with low range (Driven Car Guide)
  • New Multi Terrain Select system with Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock modes in 4H (AutoTrader NZ)
  • Slightly better fuel use than the non-hybrid: 8.7 L/100km listed, down from 9.1 (AutoTrader NZ)
  • No loss of cabin space, because the small battery sits under the rear seat (Driven Car Guide)

What's not so good

  • Only small fuel savings: the official NZ figure for the SR5 is 8.5 L/100km versus 8.6 for the non-hybrid (Driven Car Guide)
  • Ageing cabin, with analogue dials, a handbrake lever and a screen that's only just big enough for the camera views (AutoTrader NZ)
  • The rear ride is still a little firm (AutoTrader NZ)
  • The motor-generator often isn't contributing at all, and there's no noticeable extra low-down shove (AutoTrader NZ)
  • Toyota charged extra for a towbar when new, so check one is fitted (AutoTrader NZ)

Who it's for

Ute buyers who tow and go off-road and want a slightly smoother, more refined Hilux without giving up towing, wading or load ratings.

Who should avoid it

Anyone expecting big fuel savings from the hybrid system, or wanting a modern cabin: the dash still has analogue dials and a handbrake lever.

Reliability and known issues

No reliability problems specific to the mild-hybrid system could be confirmed from the sources we opened. Toyota says the motor-generator was designed to withstand the harsher working environments of commercial vehicles, and the belt system at the front of the engine was modified to suit (AutoTrader NZ).

Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000 km, with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty when new (AutoTrader NZ).

Safety

Official NZ safety ratings for this generation, from Rightcar and ANCAP:

  • NZ-new Hilux (all variants except GR Sport), built July 2019 – November 2025: 5 stars (ANCAP, 2019) · ANCAP

NZ running costs

Fuel / energy economy
Road User Charges
$76.00 per 1,000 km (diesel, up to 3.5 t), effective 3 October 2026 · NZTA · rate kept up to date by CarTrader

Towing and payload

VariantBrakedUnbrakedPayloadSource
SR5 Cruiser Hybrid (double cab 4x4 auto)3,500 kg750 kg—AutoTrader NZ

What the experts say

Our summary of what each outlet concluded, in our own words — follow the links for their full reviews. Updated 3 October 2026.

From the sources

  • “Your favourite ute can still haul 3.5 tonnes and wade through 700mm of water, just like the previous model could.”

    AutoTrader NZ

What NZ buyers actually paid

Coming soon — once CarTrader has enough completed wholesale transactions, we'll show real NZ sale prices here. No other review site can replicate that.

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