Worried about a hybrid HiLux? Here's why the 48-volt Toyota should be its best ute yet

Toyota will launch its first electrified diesel ute in Australia next year, when the 48-volt HiLux touches down to continue its Battle Royale with the Ford Ranger.

But while the details on just how the system will work have been thin on the ground, CarsGuide has dug up some details that help shine some light on the big promises being made.

But first, a recap: Last week the, Toyota confirmed it would be adding a fuel-saving 48-volt electric system to its venerable workhorse. The brand says the technology won't just help reduce fuel use – with the claim of a 10 per cent saving – but will also deliver "enhanced on and off-road performance", which suggested the system could also deliver power to the driven wheels.

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What we now know is that the system won't actually drive the wheels, but the generator will be used to improve the way it drives, just in a slightly different way.

CarsGuide now understands the system will actively improve engine response, presumably by plugging any holes in the ICE power delivery, though whether that means an increase in power (similar systems increase total output by around 12kW) remains to be seen.

The system will also improve engine braking when driving off-road, which is when the engine, rather than the brakes, is used to slow the vehicle, and which would likely result in smoother, more predictable engine braking. Some 48-volt systems provide power to compensate for vehicle drag overly slowing the car, which would presumably be the case here.

Finally, the system will be used to smooth out a new stop-start function, making the fuel-saving device as unobtrusive as possible.

The technology will be applied to the 4x4 SR5 and Rogue Double Cab models –at least initially – and are set to begin arriving in the first half of 2024. Both will retain the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine – paired with a six-speed automatic transmission – which currently produces 150kW and 500Nm. If Toyota's claims are accurate, you can expect the claimed combined fuel use figure to drop from 8.4L/100km to around 7.5L/100km.

What's more, the brand has promised no reduction in capability, whether off-roading or/tags/towing towing.

While not a hybrid in the traditional sense of the term, Toyota's 48-volt HiLux seems ready to do the same, or more, while using less fuel.