Toyota has put the toughness of the All-New Hilux to the ultimate test – by recreating one of the most memorable vehicle durability challenges in television history.
More than 20 years after Top Gear famously attempted to destroy a Toyota Hilux, Toyota has returned to the idea with the latest generation of its legendary pick-up. This time, however, there’s an important difference: the Hilux taking the punishment is all-electric.
And the challenge? Dropping a 760kg caravan directly onto it.
Putting the All-New Hilux to the Test
The original Top Gear challenge became part of Hilux folklore. The programme subjected a Hilux to a series of extraordinary tests, including being hit with a wrecking ball, submerged in the sea and placed on top of a 23-storey building before it was demolished.
Among those challenges was having a caravan dropped onto the pick-up.
For the arrival of the latest generation Hilux, Toyota decided it was time to revisit that particular test – but rather than choosing the challenge itself, it handed the decision to the public.
Toyota invited Reddit communities across the UK to decide how the All-New Hilux should be tested: face repeated impacts from a one-tonne wrecking ball or have a caravan dropped onto it.
The internet chose the caravan.
A 760kg Caravan. A 30-Foot Drop. One Hilux.
The stunt took place at Bentwaters airfield in Suffolk.
A caravan weighing more than three quarters of a tonne was lifted 30 feet into the air before being released directly above the cab of the battery-electric Hilux.
After the impact – and once the resulting cloud of debris had settled – engineers inspected the vehicle.
Despite the severity of the test, the Hilux suffered only relatively modest bodywork damage. More importantly, it powered up immediately and was able to drive away under its own electric power.
It was a dramatic demonstration that moving to battery-electric power hasn’t changed the fundamental qualities that have helped build the Hilux reputation over generations.
Built on Decades of Hilux Toughness
More than 27 million Hilux models have been sold worldwide, with the pick-up building a reputation for quality, durability and reliability in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
Those qualities remain central to the ninth-generation Hilux.
During development, the battery-electric model was subjected to extensive testing, including deep-water driving, challenging rough-terrain trials and battery immersion testing. Toyota has also engineered specific protection for the battery when the vehicle is being used in demanding conditions.
The result is a Hilux designed to combine the toughness expected of the name with a new generation of electrified powertrains.
Hilux Enters a New Era
The All-New Toyota Hilux is available in the UK with a choice of battery-electric and Diesel 48V powertrains, allowing customers to choose the version that best suits their requirements.
Alongside its new powertrain options, the latest Hilux introduces bold new styling, a Double Cab body, digital instrumentation, modern multimedia technology and enhanced safety and driver assistance systems.
Capability varies according to powertrain. The Diesel 48V Hilux can carry payloads of up to 1,065kg and tow braked trailers of up to 3,500kg, while the battery-electric Hilux offers a payload of up to 715kg and braked towing capacity of up to 1,700kg.
Toyota (GB) Director, Products and Services Division Chris Hayes said the stunt was designed to honour the Hilux legacy while demonstrating that its fundamental toughness remains even as the model moves into electric power.
And apparently, dropping a caravan onto it is only the beginning.
Toyota has now handed the keys to the battery-electric Hilux to the Top Gear YouTube channel for its next challenge.
We suspect it may be worth keeping an eye on what happens next.
Discover the All-New Toyota Hilux at SCC Toyota
You don’t need to drop a caravan on one to discover what makes the latest Hilux different.
At SCC Toyota, we’ve put together a complete Meet the Model guide to the All-New Toyota Hilux, taking a closer look at the new design, technology, capability, grades and powertrain choices available across the UK range.
Whether you’re considering the new battery-electric Hilux or the Diesel 48V, our guide is a great place to start.
Explore the All-New Toyota Hilux – Meet the Model
You can also speak to the SCC Toyota team to discuss the All-New Hilux, compare the available powertrains and grades, and find the right specification for your business or individual requirements.
Discover the All-New Toyota Hilux with SCC Toyota.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT. The stunt was performed by trained professionals under controlled conditions on a closed course. Attempting to recreate or replicate the actions shown could cause serious injury, death or property damage.
Leave a Reply