Name: Toyota’s New Electric Hilux Is Basically Cheating
Uploaded: 2026-07-01T04:53:37.678513+00:00
Channel: Toyota

RedlineArchive

Toyota’s New Electric Hilux Is Basically Cheating — RedlineArchive

Toyota has finally electrified the Hilux… and after driving it off-road, I finally understand why some traditional four-wheel-drivers might be nervous. At the official launch, I grabbed the keys and put a BEV Hilux through steep climbs, loose terrain and technical sections designed to show that the Hilux is still a kiwi farm favourite, being able to boldly go anywhere in comfort with a level of control that - as you can see in the video - almost borders on ridiculous. No gearbox juggling. No turbo lag. No hunting for the right ratio or battling with diff locks. Just instant torque and point-and-go simplicity. There's no other way to say it: it really does feel like cheating. I planned to talk mainly about price, range and specs but after just a few minutes on the off-road course, I soon found myself showing off how easy off-roading has now become, thanks to dual electric motors and intelligent software replacing cogs, clutches and levers. My only regret is that I didn't have more time to play! The part that seemed to surprise both the petrol-heads and EV enthusiasts alike at the event was how surreal it felt to climb silently up embankments with no noise but total control, letting the computers deliver controlled power to each wheel more precisely than a human driver could manage, all while minimising damage to paddocks and farm tracks by limiting wheelspin through intelligent software. All this happens without the driver having to think. The only complaints after experiencing a range of terrains are that the ride in the BEV version is noticeably firmer than the mild hybrid diesel Hiluxes when unsprung, as utes tend to be, and that the estimated range per charge of around 260 km may not be enough to win over the hardest of combustion fans, and that the initial purchase price for the BEV version may be higher than what some Hilux buyers are willing to pay. Regardless, whether you love EVs or came here to defend diesel in the comments, in terms of off-road ability, no one can deny that this battery powered version is definitely a 100%, true-blue Hilux. 📽️IN THIS VIDEO: 0:00 - Introduction & Price 2:02 - Climbing wet grass 3:15 - Uneven ground 4:20 - Wheels off the ground 4:55 - Range estimations 6:00 - Drive modes to the rescue 7:08 - Hill descent control 7:58 - Utes in the city? 9:35 - Approach & departure angles 10:45 - Road driving & cornering 12:20 - Walk-around 14:02 - Interior 💚MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: Riddara RD6 review and off-road challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZdLyDb0f0I BYD Shark 6 review and off-road challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIJa4B-J3uE Subaru Solterra review and off-road challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ2IGw_HqHw ⚡JOIN US: Keen on cutting your carbon footprint while getting great prices on electricity? Join us at Ecotricity! Switch today and join the good fight: https://www.ecotricity.co.nz 🌏MORE ECOTRICITY CONTENT: Facebook: / ecotricitynz TikTok: / ecotricitynz Instagram: / ecotricity_nz DISCLAIMER: This video is produced by Ecotricity NZ and is not sponsored by any brands mentioned.

Toyota’s New Electric Hilux Is Basically Cheating

Keep Exploring

About Toyota