Toyota reveals electric HiLux and LandCruiser concepts

The world’s biggest car maker has revealed two concept cars ahead of the Tokyo motor show that hint at the future of two popular off-roaders.

2023 Toyota LandCruiser Se concept car

Toyota has thrown a few curve balls ahead of the 2023 Tokyo motor show, revealing electric concept versions of the LandCruiser four-wheel drive and dual-cab HiLux ute.

2023 Toyota EPU electric dual-cab HiLux concept.

Converting two of the brand’s most rugged – and thirsty – vehicles to run on pure electric power poses some big engineering hurdles but the concepts suggest that Toyota is drawing closer to a solution.

Carmakers around the world have struggled to come up with electric off-roaders that can match the ability of diesel-powered alternatives.

A lack of range and towing ability, as well as the absence of recharging infrastructure, has severely limited the appeal of electric vehicles in the bush.

Toyota has been criticised for failing to introduce low-emission versions of its off-roaders, but the maker says it is difficult to make an electric vehicle that can handle the rigours of heavy duty off-road work.

Toyota says EVs are harder to engineer for off-road work. Picture: Supplied.

Rivals are more upbeat. Ford has enjoyed success with the electric version of its F-150 pick-up truck, while Tesla plans to begin deliveries of its electric Cybertruck next month.

The electric ute concept is a similar size to the HiLux but ditches the current workhorse’s ladder frame underpinnings for a more car-like structure.

Ford and Hyundai are enjoying spectacular success with car-based utility vehicles in the United States. The vehicles don’t have the rugged towing, load lugging and off-roading ability of traditional workhorse utes, but they appeal to buyers who live an active lifestyle but enjoy the creature comforts.

Hyundai’s Santa Cruz and Ford’s Maverick, which are classed as “compact pick-ups” in the US, are similar to the car-based Ford and Holden utes that proved popular with Australian buyers decades ago.

The electric dual-cab HiLux concept ditches the current version’s rugged ladder frame construction.

Toyota is light on details but the company says the vehicle will be well suited to a range of activities including off-road use.

Don’t expect an electric HiLux any time soon as the vehicle isn’t confirmed for production and wouldn’t become a reality until much later this decade.

This latest concept follows in the footsteps of the HiLux Revo BEV concept, which is a single cab version of Australia’s best selling vehicle.

Toyota has built prototypes of the HiLux Revo BEV and the vehicle is currently undergoing evaluation in Australia.

Toyota recently showed the concept to media and dealers.

Toyota has shown off an electric LandCruiser concept car at the Tokyo motor show.

Toyota also debuted the LandCruiser Se concept, a battery-powered version of the tough four-wheel drive.

Again this vehicle ditches the ladder frame that gives the LandCruiser its rugged off-road ability in favour of a more road-focused monocoque body construction.

Toyota says it will benefit from torque-heavy electric motors, which is especially important when traversing tough terrain.

It’ll also have seven seats and a long wheelbase – the distance between the front and rear wheels – that will lead to a cavernous interior with seating for seven.

Toyota is preparing to launch its first electric vehicle – the bZ4X mid-size SUV – early next year.