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OVERVIEW
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles
More efficiency, more control and nothing new to learn.
Toyota has been at the forefront of electrification for decades. Now, Mild Hybrid technology brings those benefits to the vehicles New Zealand relies on every day, like the legendary Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado.
It produces gains in efficiency, performance and comfort without changing how you drive. No plugging in, no range anxiety. Just a smarter way to get more out of every journey be it on the road, on site, or off the beaten track.
An intelligent system that supports the engine when it’s needed most
A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) uses a lighter, more compact 48V motor generator to support the diesel engine when it’s needed most — like pulling away from a stop or navigating uneven terrain. It recovers energy as you slow down and reuses it to assist acceleration and reduce engine load. The system works seamlessly in the background, so you can drive and refuel exactly as you always have.
PERFORMANCE
Adds performance improvements, removes absolutely nothing.
Mild Hybrid technology enhances how your vehicle performs in real-world conditions; from stop-start traffic to demanding off-road environments. It improves efficiency, responsiveness and control, while maintaining the durability, towing capability and water-wading performance Toyota is known for. No cords, no cables, no compromise. Just business as usual, but better.
Stronger response from the moment you move
The electric motor supports the engine when accelerating from a standstill, delivering quicker throttle response and a smoother, more controlled take-off — especially useful in traffic or when carrying a load.
Greater control in conditions that demand it most
Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling rough terrain, Mild Hybrid enhances control where it counts. It supports smoother acceleration over uneven ground, improves downhill control, and lowers engine idle speed for more precise handling in challenging conditions.
Make better use of every drop of fuel
By recovering energy as you slow down and supporting the engine when needed, Mild Hybrid improves fuel efficiency by up to 5%. The enhanced stop-start system also keeps the engine off for longer, reducing unnecessary fuel use in everyday driving.
EXPLORE THE RANGE
Mild Hybrid benefits built into the vehicles you already trust
Mild Hybrid technology is now available in some of Toyota’s most trusted vehicles — delivering the capability you expect, with added efficiency, comfort and control. Improved efficiency also means fewer stops and more time tackling the job at hand.
Toyota Hilux with Mild Hybrid
Built for hard work and tougher conditions, Hilux now delivers smoother acceleration, improved efficiency and enhanced driveability — without compromising the towing capacity, durability and capability it’s known for.
Land Cruiser Prado with Mild Hybrid
Designed for comfort, control and confidence, Prado’s Mild Hybrid system enhances performance and towing capability both on and off the road — delivering a smoother, more refined driving experience across every journey.
Explore Toyota Electrification
Discover Toyota’s full range of electrified vehicles and find the option that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle uses a compact 48V motor generator to support the engine during driving. It improves efficiency, acceleration and overall performance, while operating seamlessly in the background without changing how you use the vehicle.
A Mild Hybrid supports the engine but doesn’t drive the vehicle on electric power alone. It enhances performance and efficiency while keeping the driving experience simple, familiar and consistent with a conventional vehicle.
No, Mild Hybrid vehicles do not require external charging. The system charges itself automatically by recovering energy during braking and deceleration, reusing it to assist smooth, quiet starting performance.
The system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost when slowing down and restores energy to the battery to assist the engine. This reduces fuel consumption, particularly in stop-start driving, and helps the engine operate more efficiently overall while producing a smoother, quieter engine restart with minimal vibration.
Not at all. Mild Hybrid vehicles maintain the same towing capacity, durability and off-road capability Toyota is known for, with no compromise in demanding conditions. And thanks to key hybrid components being mounted high on the engine or securely within the cabin, you can continue to wade through water in depths up to 700mm confidently and safely.
Yes. The system is designed for real-world use across New Zealand — including construction sites, farms and off-road terrain — with key components built to handle water crossings and harsh environments. In fact, its smooth response and minimal vibrations contribute to reducing driver fatigue, bringing you additional comfort on longer journeys.
The Mild Hybrid system uses a motor generator to restart the engine quickly and smoothly. This reduces vibration and noise compared to conventional systems, making stop-start driving more comfortable and efficient.
Drivers can expect smoother acceleration, improved fuel efficiency, quieter operation and better overall control — all without needing to change how they drive or sacrificing any capability.
- Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
- Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
