Toyota to field hydrogen fuel‑cell Hilux at 2027 Dakar Rally

Toyota’s GAZOO Racing division is developing a hydrogen fuel‑cell powered DKR GR FC Hilux for the 2027 Dakar Rally. The vehicle will compete in the Future Mission 1000 class, a category reserved for experimental, low‑emission technologies, and will run 13 measured stages across Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Economic City.

The project aims to validate the performance, safety and durability of the fuel‑cell system under the rally’s extreme conditions—high temperatures, long distances and rough terrain. Development of the prototype began in Belgium, and Toyota plans to use the insights gained to expand hydrogen technology into its production cars, trucks, buses and other transport sectors.