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Although we now have a wide range of battery electric cars and vans, so far there hasn’t been a mainstream fully-electric four-wheel drive pick-up targeted at commercial fleets – however we now have two options, the Isuzu D-MAX EV and the Toyota Hilux BEV – so how do they compare?
Fuel: Electric
Electric driving range (WLTP): 163 miles
Maximum rapid charging rate: 50 kW
Fuel: Electric
Electric driving range (WLTP): 158 miles
Maximum rapid charging rate: 125 kW
1,060 kg payload
3.5-tonne towing capacity
Full-time 4WD
Extended and Double Cab options
715 kg payload
1,600 kg towing capacity
Full-time 4WD
Double Cab only
Electric pick-ups aimed at commercial fleets are like buses – there are none around, then two turn up at once. The Isuzu D-MAX EV and the Toyota Hilux BEV are both similar in many ways, but there are also some key differences.
The Isuzu D-MAX EV has a payload of 1,060kg and a towing capacity of 3,500kg, so meeting the needs of many commercial fleets. The Toyota Hilux BEV can’t quite match these figures, with a maximum payload of 715kg and a 1,600kg towing capacity.
The D-MAX EV has a 66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery compared to the 59.2kWh of the Hilux. Both have full-time four-wheel drive, and in terms of power and torque, the D-MAX produces 203 PS and 347 Nm; figures for the Hilux are 196 PS and 268 Nm, so the Isuzu has a slight advantage here also.
The Isuzu D-MAX EV ladder-frame platform was launched in 2021. The EV has eye-catching front styling and a conventional pick-up design from the side and rear.
The Hilux BEV also has a ladder-frame chassis platform that has been in use for a number of years, however the exterior styling of the Hilux BEV is new, and it has a more modern design approach than the D-MAX. Inside, both vehicles have lots of physical buttons rather than having all controls on a touchscreen, which is a much more user-friendly solution, especially for the environments where these vehicles are likely to be operating. The Toyota interior has a more modern feel, whereas the Isuzu looks like it’s from an older diesel pick-up that’s been converted to electric (because that’s exactly what it is).
The Isuzu D-MAX is available with Extended and Double Cab options whereas the Hilux has just one body type, a Double Cab, which is available in a five-seat configuration, with a two-seat option available on all grades on sale later in 2026.
Both the Isuzu D-MAX EV and Toyota Hilux BEV are much more refined (and quieter) to drive than the diesel models. Both have comfortable ride quality, with the D-MAX having a slight edge in this area.
Both electric pick-ups have leisurely performance: the Isuzu has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 10.1 seconds, with the Toyota posting a time of 12.8 seconds.
In the area of off-road performance, there’s not much to separate them. Both are very capable in terms of grip thanks to their off-road tyres and permanent four-wheel drive systems (both have more power and torque at the rear than the front). Ultimately, the off-road ability of both vehicles will be limited by their ground clearance: 210mm for the D-MAX, and 212mm for the Hilux. The Isuzu has a wading depth of 600mm; the figure for the Toyota is 700mm. The Isuzu has a 30.5° approach angle and 24.2° departure angle; the Toyota has similar figures: 29° approach angle and 24° departure angle.
The Isuzu has a Rough Terrain Mode, and the Toyota has a more sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select system, giving a wide choice of terrain options, or you can just choose Auto.
Both cabins feature lots of physical controls, including for all climate functions, which is a much better solution than having all controls on a touchscreen for this type of vehicle (or any type of vehicle for that matter). The D-MAX EV has features such as a big old-fashioned automatic gear selector and handbrake, both of which work brilliantly; the Hilux has a smaller gear selector and an electronic handbrake.
The Isuzu has steering wheel-mounted paddles to change the level of brake regeneration, whereas extra regen is selected by a ‘B’ setting on the gear lever in the Toyota.
The Isuzu D-MAX EV has a WLTP combined range of 163 miles; this is five miles more than the 158 miles of the Toyota Hilux BEV. These ranges are obviously much less than the average 300+ mile range of a new electric car, but both vehicles are aimed at fleet operators who may be primarily based on one nature reserve or utility site each day, rather than needing to cover lots of miles on motorways.
If you do need to cover lots of motorway miles and therefore need to use public charging, you’ll want to be in the Toyota, which has a maximum DC rapid charging rate of 125 kW, compared to the 50 kW of the Isuzu, which really is far too slow.
The Isuzu D-MAX EV is available in two trim levels: eDL40 (Extended Cab or Double Cab) and eV-Cross (Double Cab only). The Isuzu D-Max eDL40 Extended is priced at £59,995, the D-Max eDL40 Double is £60,995, and the D-Max eV-Cross Double, as tested, costs £62,495, all prices excluding VAT.
The Toyota Hilux BEV is available as a Double Cab only, in trim levels of Icon (£57,845) or Invincible (£60,695), both prices excluding VAT.
Both electric pick-ups are eligible for a number of grants/financial incentives.
Business and private buyers can benefit from the Zero Emission Van and Truck government grant of up to £5,000 off the list price.
Recent legislative changes classify most double-cab pick-ups as cars rather than vans. Because both pick-ups are zero emission, drivers benefit from the lowest possible 4% BIK band for 2026/27 compared to the high tax bands applied to diesel double-cabs, and both attract the flat commercial vehicle road tax rate of £360 per year.
Because the D-MAX EV has a payload over 1 tonne, if it’s used by a VAT-registered business, they can reclaim the full VAT on the purchase price; this isn’t the case for the Hilux due to its lower payload capacity.
Businesses can qualify for 100% first-year capital allowances, allowing them to offset the cost of the vehicle directly against taxable profits.
Because they emit zero tailpipe emissions, both EVs are exempt from charges in Clean Air Zones and the London ULEZ.
And EVs generally have much lower fuel costs than combustion-engine vehicles.
The Toyota Hilux BEV looks and feels like a new design, and this is particularly evident in the interior, whereas the Isuzu D-MAX EV looks and feels like an older diesel pick-up converted to electric. Both are more refined to drive than their diesel equivalents, and both have comfortable ride quality. Our off-road test showed that both are very capable off-road. There’s even not much difference in the prices, and it’s a similar story with electric driving range, but the Hilux wins when it comes to charging speed, with a 125 kW rate, compared to the 50 kW of the D-MAX, which is just too slow. So overall, it’s a very close contest, but for commercial fleets, the heavier 1,060kg payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity of the Isuzu may give it an advantage.
Both the Isuzu D-MAX EV and the Toyota Hilux BEV are awarded a Green Car Guide rating of 8 out of 10.
The full Toyota Hilux BEV review is coming soon
Consumption (WLTP): 2.4 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 0 g/km
Vehicle tax rate (VED): £360 per year
Benefit in Kind (BIK) company car tax liability (2026/27): 4%
Price: From £59,995 excluding VAT, minus £5,000 grant
Insurance group: TBC
Power: 203 PS
Torque: 347 Nm
Max speed: 84 mph
0-62 mph: 10.1 seconds
Weight: 2,345 kg
Towing capacity: 3,500 kg
Model Year: 2026
Consumption (WLTP): 2.7 – 3.0 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 0 g/km
Vehicle tax rate (VED): £360 per year
Benefit in Kind (BIK) company car tax liability (2026/27): 4%
Price: From £57,845 excluding VAT, minus £5,000 grant
Insurance group: TBC
Power: 196 PS
Torque: 347 Nm
Max speed: 106 mph
0-62 mph: 12.8 seconds
Weight: 2,455 kg
Towing capacity: 1,600 kg
Model Year: 2026
Thanks to Martin Griffiths, Fleet Mobility Lead Officer at Denbighshire County Council and Kim Davies at Lindop Toyota Business for the Toyota Hilux BEV
