Toyota’s Hilux and Fortuner Go Hybrid : A Lighter Shade of Green for the Rough and Rugged

Toyota has officially rolled out the green carpet for its legendary duo, the Hilux and Fortuner, introducing a 48V hybrid system that promises to whisper rather than roar through urban jungles and actual jungles alike. This electrifying upgrade is like strapping a jetpack to a tortoise; it’s still sturdy and reliable, but now it zips around with a bit more zest!

A Pickup and SUV Walk Into a Bar…The tale of the Hilux is one of Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR) – essentially the automotive equivalent of the most interesting man in the world, but with a bed in the back. Since its debut in Japan in 1968, the Hilux has been Toyota’s poster child for indestructibility. It’s the only pickup that’s as at home on a lava flow as it is picking up groceries.

On the flip side, the Fortuner is commanding the medium SUV segment in South Africa like a boss, with sales figures that suggest it might actually be cloning itself in secret. With the addition of a hybrid 48V system, Toyota is not just dipping its toes into electrification; it’s doing a cannonball into the pool of sustainability.

Under the Hood: More Juice, Less RumbleThe 48V system bolts a compact motor generator to a robust 2.8-liter diesel engine, creating a hybrid powerhouse that’s both more efficient and eerily quiet. It’s like your vehicle is sneaking up on you – in a good way. The new tech means the Hilux and Fortuner can now tiptoe through tough terrain and glide through city streets with the grace of a ballet dancer wearing steel-toed boots.

Toyota promises that this eco-friendly tech will enhance acceleration, power, and efficiency, turning every ride into a guilt-free pleasure cruise. The motor generator is tough enough to handle a mud bath and still ask for more, while the engine has been tweaked to play nice with its new electric buddy.

Driving: Like Butter on a Hot PanThe Hilux and Fortuner 48V models promise a ride smoother than a politician’s apology. Whether you’re navigating potholes in the city or conquering mountains in the wild, these hybrids ensure your journey is as smooth as a jazz solo. The regenerative braking system not only gives you more control and a more natural deceleration feel but also charges the battery, because who doesn’t love multitasking?

Off-road, these vehicles are like goats in hiking boots, with improved control and a new Multi-terrain Select system that’s basically a cheat code for nature. And if you fancy driving through a river, these hybrids come ready for a swim, with waterproofing that would make a duck envious.

The Price Tag: A Premium for GreenWith model prices that might make you do a double-take, Toyota assures that the investment is worth it for the blend of performance, sustainability, and the chance to be the envy of every neighbor with a driveway. Plus, with a warranty that’s longer than most diets last, Toyota is clearly confident in their electrified creations.

Conclusion: The Future Is Electrifyingly RuggedIn a world where rugged meets eco-friendly, the Hilux and Fortuner stand out as the hybrids you didn’t know you needed. Toyota is serving up an interesting concoction of durability, efficiency, and silent power. It’s like having your cake, eating it too, and then driving over it in a hybrid SUV for good measure. Whether you’re a city slicker or an off-road adventurer, Toyota’s latest offerings prove that you can go green without sacrificing the grit.

Model Line-up & pricing

HILUX

• 8 GD-6 RB RAIDER 6AT MHEV: R774 800

• 8 GD-6 4X4 RAIDER 6AT MHEV: R866 000

• 8 GD-6 RB LEGEND 6AT MHEV: R869 100

• 8 GD-6 RB LEGEND RS 6AT MHEV: R967 500

• 8 GD-6 4X4 LEGEND RS 6AT MHEV: R1 023 400

• 8 GD-6 4X4 LEGEND 6AT MHEV: R921 800

FORTUNER

• 8 GD-6 RB 6AT MHEV: R834 800

• 8 GD-6 RB 6AT MHEV BT: R845 300

• 8 GD-6 4X4 6AT MHEV: R918 600

• 8 GD-6 4X4 6AT MHEV BT: R929 100

• 8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT MHEV: R879 300

• 8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT MHEV BT:R 889 800

• 8 GD-6 4×4 VX 6AT MHEV: R961 800

• 8 GD-6 4×4 VX 6AT MHEV BT: R972 300

Peace of Mind

All Hilux and Fortuner models are covered by the three-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-services/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at 10 000 km and customers can purchase a variety of service plan and warranty extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer (220 countrywide).

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