Electric Hilux survives 760kg caravan drop
Toyota recreated a 23-year-old Top Gear durability test by dropping a 760 kg caravan from 9 meters onto its new electric Hilux.
Toyota has recreated a famous Top Gear durability stunt from 2003 by dropping a 760 kg caravan onto its new electric Hilux. The caravan was hoisted 30 feet above the vehicle at Bentwaters airfield in Suffolk and released directly onto its cab. The ninth-generation Hilux EV emerged with only modest bodywork scars and a broken front windshield. It was powered up immediately afterwards and drove away.
The pillars maintained their original shape and structural integrity despite slight roof deformation. Toyota stated the stunt was to demonstrate the Hilux's core toughness remains intact despite being powered by electricity. This recreation honours a legacy forged over seven decades. More than 27 million Hilux models have been sold worldwide.
Audience-Driven Test Honors Hilux Legacy
Reddit users selected the caravan drop test through a global voting campaign. Toyota invited subreddits across the UK to vote on how the Hilux should be tested. Hundreds responded with an overwhelming call for the caravan test over a wrecking ball challenge. Susan Billingsley, senior director of global business marketing at Reddit, said Toyota turned audience participation into a memorable, shared experience. The original Top Gear stunts, which aired on BBC 2 and were performed by Jeremy Clarkson, also involved audience participation. Those tests included hitting a Hilux with a wrecking ball, submerging it in the sea, and placing it on a 23-storey building before demolition.
Engineering Resilience in Electric Powertrain
The electric Hilux's development programme included extreme validation. This involved deep-water driving, challenging trials across rough terrain, and total immersion of the battery. Unique design solutions ensure the battery is protected from damage in extreme conditions. Chris Hayes, Director of Products & Services Division at Toyota, stated the stunt demonstrated the electric Hilux's core toughness remains intact even when powered by electricity. The caravan drop was just the warm-up. Toyota has now handed over the keys to the Top Gear YouTube channel for further tests.
Specifications and Capabilities
The all-new Hilux is available with both battery electric and Diesel 48V power. It maintains the workhorse capabilities expected of the nameplate.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Payload capacity | Up to 1,065 kg |
| Towing capacity (braked trailer) | Up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) |
| Power options | Battery electric, Diesel 48V |
Strict safety conditions were observed throughout the test. The Top Gear team is now preparing new tests for the Hilux.
