Next generation Toyota Hilux could well become a reality in 2023 if it Stateside sibling, the Tacoma, anything to go by.
With testing of the Toyota Hilux’s Stateside cousin, the Tacoma, still very much in earnest, an alleged insider source has disclosed powertrain details for the all-new generation supposedly due for unveiling next year.
Spied on a series of occasions this year still covered in heavy layers of disguise while being trialed against a Chevrolet Suburban and Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the TFLnow YouTube channel reports that two engines have allegedly been confirmed for the Tacoma.
Shared with the Lexus NX, RX and the Toyota Highlander, known as the Kluger in Australia, both units will displace 2.4-litres with the help of a turbocharger, with one set to feature a hybrid setup under the i-Force Max banner similar to the Tundra and Sequoia.
If indeed true, chances are that outputs won’t differ much from the models already furnished with the mentioned engines, meaning 205kW/430Nm from the conventional 2.4-litre turbo and a combined 273 kW from the hybrid that propels the Lexus RX 500h from 0-100 km/h in less than six seconds.
The switch to four cylinders will therefore result in the Tacoma losing its 4.0-litre V6 engine, also used in the Hilux, which will leave the unibody Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator and cousin of the Nissan Navara, the Frontier, as the only so-called “compact pick-ups” to offer a six-cylinder engine in the States.
Besides the US-market Ford Ranger, in T6 guise, that utilised a 2.3 EcoBoost four-cylinder from the onset, General Motors earlier this year phased-out its 3.6-litre V6 and 2.8 Duramax turbodiesel mills for a single 2.7-litre turbo four-cylinder as part of a mid-life overhaul for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
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Aside from the downsized engines, the significance of the Tacoma stretches further as Toyota announced last year that it will be aligned closer with the Hilux for the first time since 1995 when it was decided to develop both individually for their respective markets.
As such, both will move to the TNGA-F platform used by the Land Cruiser 300, Lexus LX, Tundra and Sequoia, as well as the next generation 4Runner, Land Cruiser Prado and Fortuner, and most likely share other mechanical components and interior trim.
What is certain, though, is that while the Tacoma will derive styling for the Tundra, the Hilux’s final look is set to be different despite nothing about it being known at present.
Unlike the Tacoma, the Hilux will continue to offer the 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine, which, if rumours are to be believed, will feature hybridisation in the form of a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup that will debut next year in the new Fortuner.
More obscure, though, are the chances of the mentioned 2.4-litre turbo being included, along with the long standing uncertainty of the GR Hilux, though it has been alleged that the Fortuner will swap out the long-standing but dated 2.7-litre petrol for a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid.
For now, nothing else about the Hilux continues to be known, but as Tacoma testing continues, expect more to become apparent throughout next year.
Additional information from motor1.com.
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