Expecting excellence

Power train options are expanding

The year is revving up. Summer safaris are behind us, the 4x4 Trials series is winding up and winter motorsport is under way.

In the new vehicle market, non-EVs are ascendent again with the removal of the ‘ute tax’ and EV subsidies on 1 April. Without being too political, I think the current EV technology is far below what it needs to be and nobody has yet explained why two electric motors and a battery are so much more expensive that an internal combustion drivetrain. Add in range limitations, compound those limitations when towing or in cold weather, and the EVs are obviously not currently the solution to environmental and economic issues.

Hybrids, on the other hand, look like the best bet right now. After SUV hybrid options proliferated during the post-Covid years, we’re in for a cracker of a year with ‘mild’ hybrid 4WD utes arriving on the market with tiny price increments over their diesel equivalents. Toyota takes line honours with the hybrid Hilux on the market right now, while Ford’s teasing a mild hybrid Ranger for the end of the year. When the market leaders make a move like this, we should pay attention.

The Hilux is offered in just one specification from launch, the SR5 Cruiser Hybrid 4WD, which is available from $65,490. Compared to the non-hybrid variant, that’s a $2100 increase.

Both are range-expanders giving buyers an option beyond just diesel power and one mad petrol truck.

Add all the other brands talking up hybrid utes and things are looking very interesting. Most are all-new designs so will have to prove their capability up against the status quo.

An outlier that might just bring a full EV 4WD double cab ute to New Zealand, meanwhile, is Isuzu, which is showing an EV D-Max at the Bangkok auto show. The company has a strong commitment to right-hand drive markets and needs to offset its all-diesel line-up.

These clever changes come to us as the auto industry shows its agility and innovations. We’re very keen to try a hybrid 4WD ute in some proper work and play environments.