Beef + Lamb NZ & Toyota Launch the Lamb Cruiser
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc and Pacific Toyota have pulled the covers off the season's most unique performance vehicle - The Lamb Cruiser.
As Toyota New Zealand marks 50 years of Hilux in 2026, NZTA records show more than 135,000 Hilux are on NZ roads today, many of them still in service after 15 years or more.
From the original petrol twoseater 2WD in 1976 to the current 9th generation model, to the recently launched Hilux BEV, Toyota has been clever at reading the market, steering away from putting all its eggs in one basket, by delivering a wide choice of powertrain options; currently including diesel, mild hybrid and battery electric, with a hydrogen fuel cell derivative scheduled for release in a couple of years’ time.
An overview of the range sees a choice of models in SR, SR5, SR5 Limited and Adventure grades. These can be drilled down to a single 2WD option, 11 four-wheel drives and 3 AWD options, mated to 3 manual, 9 automatic and 3 e-Axle transmissions. Powerplants centre around the 4-cylinder, 2.8 litre,1GD-FTD turbo diesel, offering 150kW and 500Nm (6 models), six with 48v mild hybrid systems and three new BEVs with dual electric motors.
The SR grades are the entry point and workhorses of the Hilux offering, available in the widest range of configurations, with a choice of 2WD or 4WD, across single, extra and double cabs with wellside and cab-chassis options, equipped with manual or automatic transmissions.
Standard features include a locking rear differential, electric power steering, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch display and sat-nav. Extra cab and higher grades get tyre pressure monitoring, while 4WD versions are equipped with multi-terrain select and a down-hill assist function.
Moving up a grade to the SR5, the format is focused on more comfort, with a revised rear suspension layout, with highlights being a larger front and rear ventilated brake package, with electronic park brake and brake hold, alongside auto-levelling LED headlights. Operators are looked after with heated front seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control and heated, auto-fold exterior mirrors.
SR5 Limited builds on SR5 with enhanced interior and audio. Available in 4WD Double Cab, automatic transmissions feature with the 48V hybrid powertrain. In the cabin, black leather seats are power adjustable, with driver-side lumbar support and a premium JRL 9-speaker audio system.
The single-model Adventure option is available in Double Cab, automatic transmission with the mild hybrid engine. Exclusive features include a unique front bumper design, 18-inch matte black alloys, leather accentuated interior and black tailgate detailing.
At a recent lower North Island launch, Toyota unveiled the latest Hilux option in the shape of the new BEV. Featuring the body on frame like the rest of the product range, the BEV is being signalled not as a replacement for diesel, but as an alternative, where it makes sense. Offering a 2000kg towing capacity, compared to the 3500kg of the rest of the range, the BEV might be suited to operators travelling less than 250km each day, with frequent stop/ starts, long idle trips or repeated routes.
Offering zero tailpipe emissions, quiet operation and lower running costs, the Hilux BEV looks to be a great fit for orchards, vineyards and vegetable enterprises, but might also suit wider agriculture such as dairying or undulating livestock enterprises, with a reduced towing capacity.
Currently available in AWD Double Cab chassis or Double Cab Ute layouts, with pricing from $79,990 to $85,990, total system output is 144kW, delivered from a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack, that with a DC fast charger, can “refuel” from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes. With drive and terrain modes like its contemporaries, the battery is mounted low in between the chassis rails but still maintains a 700mm wading depth.
First impressions on the road is a vehicle that is more planted than its ICE cousins, no doubt created by a lower centre of gravity. Likewise, hard cornering sees body roll kept to a minimum, while off-road the smooth power delivery between each powered axle means tackling difficult terrain, including climbing over ridges, is undertaken without fuss.
Visit www.toyota.co.nz
