Toyota drops heavy caravan on new electric pickup in old durability test

Toyota has dropped a 760 kg caravan on its new electric pickup truck to test its strength.

Stunt Details

The test took place at Brentwaters Airfield in Suffolk. A caravan weighing about 760 kg was suspended roughly 9 meters or 30 feet above the 9th generation Toyota Hilux EV and then dropped directly onto it. After taking the hit, the electric truck drove away without any major issues. The vehicle suffered a slightly deformed roof, a broken front windshield, and some deformation in the load bed, but the pillars mostly kept their original shape and structural integrity.

Origin and Background

This stunt recreates a famous test from 23 years ago on the BBC 2 show TopGear. In those original episodes, presenter Jeremy Clarkson tried to destroy an old 1980s diesel Hilux through severe abuse. Those older tests included driving down steep stairs, crashing into trees, getting hit by 40-foot tides, being submerged in water for five hours, and even surviving the controlled demolition of a 23-storey building. That history earned the Hilux nameplate its famous unkillable reputation in the automotive world. Toyota chose this specific caravan drop after Reddit users suggested it when the company asked how to test the new vehicle.

Context

Automakers often use creative testing methods to showcase the toughness and build quality of their vehicles to the public. Recreating famous pop culture moments from television helps brands connect with buyers who remember the original broadcasts.