FiestaST
Honorary Master
Come the Hour: New Toyota Hilux
It may be an evolution rather than outright revolution, but the new Toyota Hilux nonetheless looks set to cause a sizeable stir in the local bakkie segment.
Introduced in 1968, over 58 years, the ‘Hilux’ nameplate has carved a place for itself in automotive history, both globally and in South Africa, where it’s been produced for over five decades and remains the best-selling vehicle. Following eight generations, the hour has now come for the Japanese automaker’s popular bakkie to write a new chapter in its long-standing legacy.
While its profile remains familiar to its forebear’s, the ninth-generation Hilux sports decidedly sharper exterior styling, front and rear. A neat addition, the redesigned rear bumper incorporates side steps for easier access to the load bay.
The new Hilux retains its forebear’s IMV (Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicle) architecture, which has underpinned every generation of Hilux since the seventh iteration was introduced in 2004. However, a few revisions, including the fitment of new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts, have been made to the ladder-frame platform to improve overall comfort, rigidity and crash performance.
Measuring 5 320 mm long and 1 855 mm wide, the ninth-generation Hilux double-cab is similar in size to the outgoing model. The wheelbase remains unchanged, at 3 085 mm. However, comparing the spec sheets of the two reveals the new car’s roofline is taller, while the front track is slightly narrower, 1 530 vs 1 540 mm. The new Hilux has a braked towing capacity of up to 3 500 kg, a payload capacity of up to one tonne and a water-fording depth of 700 mm.
The independent coil-spring front/rigid-axle leaf-spring rear suspension arrangement has also been updated. While the setup has been geared for heavy-duty applications in work-oriented derivatives, the leisure-focused models gain bespoke spring rates for improved ride comfort and everyday drivability. The latest model also adopts electric power steering – a first for a Hilux – to deliver improved steering feel and response in all driving conditions.
www.carmag.co.za
It may be an evolution rather than outright revolution, but the new Toyota Hilux nonetheless looks set to cause a sizeable stir in the local bakkie segment.
Introduced in 1968, over 58 years, the ‘Hilux’ nameplate has carved a place for itself in automotive history, both globally and in South Africa, where it’s been produced for over five decades and remains the best-selling vehicle. Following eight generations, the hour has now come for the Japanese automaker’s popular bakkie to write a new chapter in its long-standing legacy.
While its profile remains familiar to its forebear’s, the ninth-generation Hilux sports decidedly sharper exterior styling, front and rear. A neat addition, the redesigned rear bumper incorporates side steps for easier access to the load bay.
The new Hilux retains its forebear’s IMV (Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicle) architecture, which has underpinned every generation of Hilux since the seventh iteration was introduced in 2004. However, a few revisions, including the fitment of new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts, have been made to the ladder-frame platform to improve overall comfort, rigidity and crash performance.
Measuring 5 320 mm long and 1 855 mm wide, the ninth-generation Hilux double-cab is similar in size to the outgoing model. The wheelbase remains unchanged, at 3 085 mm. However, comparing the spec sheets of the two reveals the new car’s roofline is taller, while the front track is slightly narrower, 1 530 vs 1 540 mm. The new Hilux has a braked towing capacity of up to 3 500 kg, a payload capacity of up to one tonne and a water-fording depth of 700 mm.
The independent coil-spring front/rigid-axle leaf-spring rear suspension arrangement has also been updated. While the setup has been geared for heavy-duty applications in work-oriented derivatives, the leisure-focused models gain bespoke spring rates for improved ride comfort and everyday drivability. The latest model also adopts electric power steering – a first for a Hilux – to deliver improved steering feel and response in all driving conditions.
New Toyota Hilux detailed
The new Toyota Hilux will officially launch in SA in June 2026. We detail the upcoming, ninth-generation model...
www.carmag.co.za