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2026 Bakkie Brawl: Hilux, D-Max and Ranger all getting upgrades - here's what to expect
2026 will be a big year for South Africa’s bakkie market, with the country’s three best-selling stalwarts all due to receive updates.
The most comprehensive of these is the top-selling Toyota Hilux, which receives significant exterior and interior enhancements as well as under-the-skin upgrades.
The Isuzu D-Max is also set to receive a facelift, while Ford’s Ranger will see a range realignment take place alongside a few subtle cosmetic tweaks.
All three vehicles are locally manufactured for local consumption and export, and that status will continue for all three following the 2026 upgrades.
Isuzu D-Max facelift
Isuzu South Africa has confirmed that its facelifted D-Max bakkie will be introduced to South Africa during 2026.
It is somewhat overdue, with overseas versions having gained the upgrades in 2023 already, but better late than never for South Africa’s third-best-selling bakkie.
In overseas markets, the updated D-Max received a wider front grille, a new bonnet with ‘power dome’ and fresh headlights, while the taillights gained new inner elements.
The cabin was revised with a new digital instrument cluster, and the central infotainment system was revised to include new graphics, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a physical volume button.
Although not confirmed, the update could also see the local introduction of a new 2.2-litre ‘MaxForce’ turbodiesel engine, which has been launched on overseas markets. It produces 120kW and 400Nm, up from the current 1.9-litre base engine’s 110kW and 350Nm.
Isuzu Motors SA CEO Billy Tom recently told Cars.co.za that the local division was looking at the new engine, but didn’t want to move too fast.
“We want to ensure that they’ve been tested, because we need to play to our strengths,” he said during a podcast with the website.
Other local details will, of course, also be divulged closer to launch.
2026 will be a big year for South Africa’s bakkie market, with the country’s three best-selling stalwarts all due to receive updates.
The most comprehensive of these is the top-selling Toyota Hilux, which receives significant exterior and interior enhancements as well as under-the-skin upgrades.
The Isuzu D-Max is also set to receive a facelift, while Ford’s Ranger will see a range realignment take place alongside a few subtle cosmetic tweaks.
All three vehicles are locally manufactured for local consumption and export, and that status will continue for all three following the 2026 upgrades.
Isuzu D-Max facelift
Isuzu South Africa has confirmed that its facelifted D-Max bakkie will be introduced to South Africa during 2026.
It is somewhat overdue, with overseas versions having gained the upgrades in 2023 already, but better late than never for South Africa’s third-best-selling bakkie.
In overseas markets, the updated D-Max received a wider front grille, a new bonnet with ‘power dome’ and fresh headlights, while the taillights gained new inner elements.
The cabin was revised with a new digital instrument cluster, and the central infotainment system was revised to include new graphics, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a physical volume button.
Although not confirmed, the update could also see the local introduction of a new 2.2-litre ‘MaxForce’ turbodiesel engine, which has been launched on overseas markets. It produces 120kW and 400Nm, up from the current 1.9-litre base engine’s 110kW and 350Nm.
Isuzu Motors SA CEO Billy Tom recently told Cars.co.za that the local division was looking at the new engine, but didn’t want to move too fast.
“We want to ensure that they’ve been tested, because we need to play to our strengths,” he said during a podcast with the website.
Other local details will, of course, also be divulged closer to launch.
