Electric Toyota Hilux Takes an Insane Durability Test

Toyota has put the all new electric Hilux through one of the most dramatic durability tests imaginable, recreating a famous television stunt from more than 20 years ago. Instead of simply talking about toughness, Toyota dropped a 760 kilogram caravan directly onto the cab of its new battery electric pickup truck and then checked whether the Hilux could still move under its own power.

The test was a clear tribute to the legendary Toyota Hilux durability challenge performed by Top Gear in 2003. During that original series of tests, an older Hilux was subjected to punishment that would have ended the life of most vehicles. It was hit with a wrecking ball, submerged in the sea and even placed on top of a 23 storey building before the structure was demolished. A caravan was also dropped onto the truck, which became one of the memorable moments from the challenge.

For the latest electric Hilux, Toyota decided to bring that caravan test back.

This time, Toyota did not choose the challenge entirely on its own. The company asked Reddit communities in the United Kingdom to decide what should happen to the truck. Participants were given a choice between repeatedly striking the Hilux with a 1 tonne wrecking ball or dropping a caravan onto it. Hundreds of people responded, with the caravan drop becoming the preferred option.

The test was carried out at Bentwaters airfield in Suffolk. A caravan weighing more than 760 kilograms was lifted approximately 30 feet into the air and positioned directly above the electric Hilux. It was then released onto the cab.

The impact was massive. The caravan broke apart as it hit the truck, leaving debris scattered around the Hilux. Once everything had settled, engineers approached the vehicle to inspect the damage.

Despite taking the full impact, Toyota says the Hilux suffered only relatively modest damage to its bodywork. More importantly, the electric pickup powered up immediately. It then drove away from the test area under its own power.

That result was particularly important because this is not a traditional Diesel powered Hilux. The latest generation brings battery electric power into a vehicle line that has built its reputation around durability, work capability and operation in difficult environments.

Toyota says the electric Hilux was subjected to extensive testing during development. That included deep water driving, difficult off road terrain and complete immersion testing of the battery. Engineers also developed specific protection measures designed to reduce the risk of battery damage when the truck is being driven in demanding conditions.

The stunt therefore served as more than an attention grabbing demonstration. Toyota wanted to show that moving to an electric powertrain has not changed the basic philosophy behind the Hilux.

That reputation has been built over roughly 7 decades and more than 27 million Hilux sales around the world. For many owners, the Hilux is not simply transportation. It is a working vehicle expected to operate in places where reliability and durability can matter more than luxury or performance.

The latest Hilux attempts to combine that traditional character with a much more modern cabin and powertrain lineup. Toyota says the new generation will be offered with battery electric power as well as a Diesel 48 volt system.

Inside, the double cab model features digital instrumentation and a modern multimedia system while still being designed around the practical requirements expected from a pickup truck.

Its working capability also remains a major part of the package. Depending on the powertrain, Toyota says the new Hilux can carry payloads of up to 1,065 kilograms and tow trailers weighing as much as 3.5 tonnes.

Toyota also made it clear that the caravan drop was performed under strict safety conditions by trained professionals on a closed course. This was a controlled durability demonstration and not something owners should attempt to recreate.

Even after the caravan drop, the story of this electric Hilux apparently is not finished. Toyota says the truck has now been handed over to the Top Gear YouTube channel, suggesting there could be more punishment ahead.

For a pickup truck with one of the strongest durability reputations in the automotive world, electrification creates an interesting challenge. Buyers may accept new technology, digital features and a completely different powertrain, but they will still expect a Hilux to behave like a Hilux.

Dropping a 760 kilogram caravan from 30 feet onto its roof is certainly an extreme way of making that point. The fact that the electric Hilux powered up and drove away afterward gives Toyota a memorable demonstration that its famous pickup is entering the electric era without leaving its tough image behind.