The Toyota Hilux Thread

Toyota SA sets new Hilux record at NAMPO 2026

Toyota SA has reclaimed the record for largest Hilux gathering ever achieved, with over 1 500 Hilux bakkies coming together at the 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day…

At the 2026 NAMPO Harvest Day, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) reclaimed the record for largest gathering of Hilux bakkies ever achieved, with the 1 545 examples – of all vintages and body shapes – that came together at Bothaville, Free State province, surpassing the previous record, set at Atlantis Dunes in Cape Town, by 105.

In addition to the record-breaking gathering, TSAM also had its sights set on four Guinness World Records attempts, including for ‘most vehicles to switch on their headlights simultaneously’ and ‘most car doors closed simultaneously’ – the former and latter of which are currently held by Suzuki Auto South Africa, and set at the 2023 and 2025 Jimny Gathering events. The third attempt was for ‘most car horns sounded at the same time’. The current record is 1 077, which was achieved by Ford Everest Club Philippines on 27 August 2023. The fourth attempt was for ‘most tailgates shut simultaneously’; a record that has yet to be set. The results for TSAM’s four Guinness World Records attempts are currently under adjudication and will be announced once officially confirmed.

 
Behind the wheel: A preview of Toyota's Hilux, FJ Cruiser, bZ4X and RAV4

Toyota used its first ever Matsuri event at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to showcase and allow the media to sample their new products being launched this year.

Matsuri means to celebrate or pay respect and the company has a lot to celebrate with a host of new vehicles set to be released this year.

We had an opportunity to have an up-close and personal look that included brief driving stints behind their wheels.


 
Toyota Hilux GR Parts Catalogue Announced

The Toyota Hilux GR parts catalogue has been released, showcasing both cosmetic and functional upgrades for the 9th-generation model.

The 9th-generation Toyota Hilux will be hitting South African showrooms around June/July 2026 and while the lineup and derivatives are yet to be confirmed, Toyota Racing Development has released the Toyota Hilux GR parts catalogue.

Gazoo Racing is Toyota’s sporty arm and the goodies offer both cosmetic and functionality enhancements. Visually, you can switch out the standard grille for a gloss-black unit, add GR mud flaps in either black or red, there’s a dual-pipe stainless steel muffler and GR Sport side window deflectors.

From an engineering enhancement point of you, there’s a GR performance damper which Toyota Racing Development says will reduce driving noises and vibrations, thus improving ride comfort and handling stability. These performance dampers were developed by Yamaha.


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New Toyota Hilux handed tasty GR parts

While we wait for the reveal of the next Hilux GR-Sport, Toyota’s Racing Division (TRD) has announced a selection of tasty GR upgrades for the new Hilux.

The new Toyota Hilux is set to launch in South Africa soon, with the local launch date set for towards the end of June 2026. Now, while Toyota has has remained tight-lipped about the next Hilux GR-Sport, the Japanese automaker’s TRD (Toyota Racing Division) arm has introduced a raft of GR upgrades for the “standard” ninth-generation model, with the selection including both exterior and functional enhancements.

Exterior elements include a GR front grille, finished in gloss black; stainless steel GR muffler, measuring 100 mm in diameter; and GR mud flaps, the latter available in red or black. TRD also offers GR visors for the side windows. The parts list further includes a GR door stabiliser. In addition to the aforementioned items, TRD also offers a GR performance damper set, which the company says improves steering stability and driving comfort, and reduces noise and vibration.

 
Toyota Hilux (2026) Price & Specs

The 9th-gen Toyota Hilux is about to hit the market in South Africa, though the range will be somewhat truncated at launch. Here’s what this SA-built bakkie will cost you…

- New Hilux range features 7 variants at launch
- Select 8th-gen derivatives likely to soldier on
- All new variants use 2.8-litre and 6-speed auto
- Extended-cab offered in Raider X specification
- SRX grade returns as entry-point to DC range
- Legend trim level features MHEV technology

The new Toyota Hilux is about to hit the market in South Africa, tasked with continuing a local legacy that dates back all the way back to 1969. Fascinatingly, the 9th-generation bakkie range will be rather truncated at launch, with only 7 derivatives seemingly available.

Revealed in Thailand in November 2025, the new Hilux retains the outgoing generation’s IMV platform, which gains new hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts to “reduce vibrations and enhance ride comfort”. SA-spec units will again be produced at Toyota’s Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal.

New Hilux retains 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine

The new Hilux line-up will be surprisingly narrow at launch, leading us to believe certain derivatives from the outgoing 8th-gen range – particularly the single-cab workhorse variants – will soldier on for now. While the outgoing Hilux range numbers as many as 37 derivatives, the launch line-up for the new model seemingly features just 7 variants.

From what we can tell, only the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine – generating an unchanged 150 kW and 500 Nm – will be available at launch, again offered exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the outgoing portfolio also includes 2.0- and 2.7-litre petrol mills as well as a 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit.

What does the new 2026 Toyota Hilux cost in SA?

EXTENDED-CAB DERIVATIVE PRICE

Hilux Xtra Cab 2.8GD-6 Raider X 6AT 4×2 R751 800
Hilux Xtra Cab 2.8GD-6 Raider X 6AT 4×4 R842 200

DOUBLE-CAB DERIVATIVE PRICE

Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 SRX 6AT 4×2 R658 500
Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 SRX 6AT 4×4 R746 100
Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 Raider 6AT 4×4 R892 900
Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 Legend MHEV 6AT 4×2 R945 500
Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 Legend MHEV 6AT 4×4 R999 900

The prices above include a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.

 
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