Featured AU: Toyota stunned as consumers flock to hybrid version of new RAV4 SUV

Wouldn't the Highlander Hybrid HSD work in a Hilux capacity wise?

 

The main problem that I see is motor scaling. To cope with constant load it would have to be dimensioned acordingly, and that comes at a price...

HSD can be made to cope with anything, it's just the question of the price.

 

I recall 200F being the point at which conventional auto transmission fluid starts breaking down. Synthetics should handle higher, but I don't know how much higher.

The gen4 Prius got tranny cooler that all automatic transmissions have, which is why Toyota was willing to give a (low) tow rating. Plumbing in a supplemental cooler is easy once that standard one is in place.

The Prius got traction control, which couldn't be turned off originally, before other cars in order to protect the system, not just for traction reasons. So more than just the fluid may need to be addressed.

While many may not tow with their Hilux/Tacoma, it something expected of a truck. The previous HiHy, with V6, had a tow rating of 3500 pounds, and only with AWD to help take the load off the transaxle. IIRC, the FWD, V6 Highlander of the time was rated for 5000. GM's dual mode hybrid trucks had lower tow ratings than the ICE models. Same with the Escape hybrid. The current Rav4 hybrid has a higher rating than most of the rest of the line up, because the hybrid drive train is more powerful. Even then, the Adventure trim, with fancy AWD, has a rating twice that of the hybrid.

The current Tacoma, depending on equipment, has a tow rating of 3500 to 6800 pounds.

The new Explorer hybrid, which is likely the system the F150 will get, is rated for 5000 pounds, but it is a RWD, parallel hybrid with traditional automatic transmission.

The Lexus system that will likely end up in the Tundra is essentially HSD with a 4 speed automatic on the back end. The 'hybrid premium' here is around $4500 on a car that starts at over $75k. That might be acceptable to full size truck buyers of the more loaded trims. I think the real hurdle will be in getting over those buyers' scepticism of the system's durability.

 

just got the RAV4H

 

Yes, maybe they can never be sure someone won't ACCIDENTALLY overload the towing rating, being a truck:

 

A Tesla SUV can do it.



Tesla Tests Power Of Model X By Towing A Qantas Dreamliner

 

I wonder what that does to your warranty - whether it be a TESLA or an F150?

 

That Tesla has an 8 year unlimited mileage warranty. Somebody just bought one of those with 400K mikes on it. The battery had been replaced once under warranty. The only other large expense was tires. It is still under warranty.

 

Ford’s upcoming EV pickup could do that.


Watch an electric Ford F-150 tow over a million pounds | Engadget

 

ICE pick ups can tow train cars.
Short distance publicity stunts over level ground tell you nothing on how the truck will handle towing over thousands of miles uphill, downhill, through twist and turns, nor if the truck can stop the trailer when it needs too.