Toyota HiLux Runs on 100% Vegetable Oil

What Is the Toyota HiLux HVO100 Vegetable Oil Compatibility?

Toyota Australia has confirmed that the Toyota HiLux, produced since 2015, can operate on 100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100) without requiring any engine modifications. This renewable diesel alternative is manufactured from sustainable sources, including recycled vegetable oil and used cooking oil, and is designed to replace fossil-based diesel entirely in compatible vehicles.

The HVO100 fuel is supplied by Ampol, an Australian energy company, and has been validated through official testing by Toyota Australia. For Malaysian users, this development signals a potential future pathway for reducing carbon emissions from diesel-powered pick-up trucks, particularly relevant for the Malaysian market where the Toyota HiLux is a popular choice for both commercial and personal use. The fuel's compatibility with existing diesel engines means no costly retrofits are necessary, addressing a common barrier to adopting alternative fuels in Malaysia.

Key Facts

How Does the HiLux Run on 100% Vegetable Oil Without Modifications?

The Toyota HiLux can run on 100 percent HVO100 because the fuel's chemical properties are compatible with the existing 1GD and 2GD diesel engines, requiring no hardware changes. HVO100 is a drop-in replacement fuel, meaning it can be used in place of conventional diesel without altering the vehicle's fuel system, injectors, or engine control unit.

The fuel's higher cetane number compared to conventional diesel contributes to better ignition and more stable combustion. Additionally, HVO100 contains lower levels of sulfur and aromatic compounds, which can lead to cleaner combustion and potentially reduced engine deposits. This compatibility is a significant advantage for owners, as it eliminates the cost and complexity associated with converting a vehicle to run on alternative fuels, a process that can be prohibitive for many Malaysian commercial fleet operators.

"The confirmation that HiLux models from 2015 onwards can use 100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil shows that the vehicle technology to use this fuel is actually available today."

— Matthew Callachor, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Australia

This approval applies to over 500,000 HiLux units from the N80 and N90 generations currently on Australian roads, demonstrating the scale of potential impact for existing vehicle owners.

Which Toyota Models Are Included in the HVO100 Testing Program?

The HVO100 testing program currently includes the Toyota HiLux, with plans to expand to the LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado models. Toyota Australia initiated the program with the HiLux as the first model, testing both current-generation vehicles and earlier models equipped with the 1GD and 2GD diesel engines since 2015.

All diesel Toyota models currently sold in Australia are already approved for blends of up to 20 percent low-carbon fuel. The latest testing extends this capability to 100 percent HVO100 for the HiLux, meaning these vehicles can operate entirely without fossil-based diesel. The planned expansion to the LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado is significant for the Australian market, where these vehicles are widely used for towing, off-road driving, and long-distance travel. For Malaysian consumers, this indicates a broader commitment from Toyota to validate renewable fuel compatibility across its diesel lineup, which could eventually include models sold in Malaysia.

The expansion of HVO100 testing to the LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado follows the successful HiLux validation and is part of Toyota Australia's broader strategy to reduce emissions from both new and existing vehicles.

Why Is Toyota Australia Testing HVO100 Fuel?

Toyota Australia is testing HVO100 fuel to address fuel supply security and reduce vehicle emissions, particularly in response to rising diesel prices and geopolitical instability. The testing program is a collaboration between the automotive and energy sectors, aimed at providing more sustainable fuel options for both new and existing vehicles.

The development comes as Australia faced diesel prices reaching AUD3.50 (RM10.13) per litre in early 2026, following conflict in the Middle East. This price surge highlighted the vulnerability of fuel supply chains and renewed focus on alternative fuel sources. Matthew Callachor noted that cooperation between the automotive and energy sectors provides an opportunity to improve fuel supply assurance and reduce emissions from both new and existing vehicles. This approach allows for immediate emissions reductions from the large existing fleet of diesel vehicles, rather than waiting for fleet turnover to electric or hydrogen models.

In early 2026, Australian diesel prices reached AUD3.50 (RM10.13) per litre, prompting renewed attention on fuel supply security and alternative fuel sources.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This HVO100 development is primarily relevant for Malaysian Toyota HiLux owners, commercial fleet operators, and businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint without investing in new vehicles. The ability to use a renewable fuel without engine modifications offers a practical pathway for emissions reduction in the Malaysian context, where the HiLux is widely used in agriculture, construction, and logistics sectors.

Malaysian users who could benefit include:

• Commercial fleet operators running diesel HiLux vehicles for logistics or construction, who face pressure to meet sustainability targets.
• Plantation and agricultural businesses in rural areas, where fuel supply security is a concern and where renewable fuel could offer a more sustainable option.
• Individual HiLux owners in Malaysia who want to reduce their environmental impact but are not ready to transition to electric or hydrogen vehicles.

However, the availability of HVO100 in Malaysia is currently unconfirmed. The fuel's adoption would depend on local fuel suppliers, government policy, and the establishment of a distribution network. Malaysian users should note that while the vehicle technology is proven, the fuel infrastructure is a separate consideration. The tropical climate and local driving conditions in Malaysia, including frequent stop-and-go traffic in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and long-distance travel on highways, would be relevant factors in assessing the fuel's performance.

For Malaysian users, the key takeaway is that Toyota HiLux models from 2015 onwards are technically capable of running on HVO100, but local fuel availability and government policy will determine practical adoption.

Common Questions

Can a Toyota HiLux in Malaysia run on HVO100 without any modifications?

Yes, Toyota Australia has confirmed that HiLux models from 2015 onwards with 1GD and 2GD engines can run on 100 percent HVO100 without engine modifications. However, this approval is specific to the Australian market, and Malaysian owners should verify local fuel availability and any regional regulatory approvals.

What is the price difference between HVO100 and conventional diesel in Malaysia?

The source material does not specify HVO100 pricing in Malaysia. In Australia, the fuel was tested against a diesel price of AUD3.50 (RM10.13) per litre in early 2026. Malaysian pricing would depend on local production, import costs, and government fuel subsidies, which are not detailed in the source.

Which other Toyota models are expected to be compatible with HVO100?

Toyota Australia plans to expand HVO100 testing to the LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado after the HiLux. All diesel Toyota models sold in Australia are already approved for blends up to 20 percent low-carbon fuel. The timeline for Malaysian model compatibility is not specified in the source.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Careta article titled "Toyota Australia: HiLux Boleh Guna 100 Peratus Minyak Sayuran Tanpa Ubah Suai Enjin" by Qalif Latif, published on 01-09-2026, which cites Car Expert as its original source. The original source URL is https://careta.my/article/toyota-australia-hilux-boleh-guna-100-peratus-minyak-sayuran-tanpa-ubah-suai-enjin.

Currency conversion was applied to the Australian diesel price: AUD3.50 was converted to RM10.13, as stated in the source material. All technical specifications, quotes, and statistics are drawn directly from the source. Information specific to Malaysian fuel availability, pricing, and regulatory approval is not provided in the source and is therefore not included in this article.

This article was last updated on 01-09-2026. Information specific to Malaysia was not verified against an additional local source, as the original article focuses on the Australian market.