New Toyota Hilux confirmed for South Africa in 2026: Here's what we know so far

The current-generation Toyota Hilux has certainly stood the test of time. After nine years on the market, it is showing its age, yet it continues to dominate the local sales charts by a healthy margin.

But when will South Africans see a new Hilux?

Toyota South Africa representatives recently confirmed to local media that the next-generation Hilux will be launched locally during 2026, although its introduction could take place later, rather than earlier, in the year.

As with the current model, the new version will be built locally at the firm’s Prospecton plant near Durban, although export plans have yet to be announced. It is widely anticipated that the new Toyota Hilux will make its world debut at the Japan Mobility Show in late October.

However, current evidence suggests that the 2026 Hilux might not be a completely new model. While earlier speculation pointed to it being based around the new TNGA-F architecture, which also underpins the American Tacoma bakkie and new Prado, spy pictures and brochure leaks suggest it uses a heavily updated version of the current architecture.

The door shells, seen in these leaked images, strongly resemble those on the current Hilux, although the front and rear ends have been completely redesigned, to the point where it will appear all-new from most angles.

Importantly, the interior has also been completely redesigned, leaked patent sketches show. The dated fascia of the current version has been replaced by an all-new cockpit, featuring a modern layered design. The central air vents have been moved to a lower position, and a larger ‘floating’ touchscreen sits above them.

Also evident is an all-new centre console, housing a slimmer gear lever and given that we can’t see a manual handbrake, it’s likely that this has become electronic too.

As mentioned, the new Hilux is set to retain the current IMV platform, which dates back to 2004. However, it is widely speculated that Toyota will make refinements to the chassis and suspension in a bid to close the gap to more modern rivals.

The Hilux will likely also soldier on with updated versions of the current 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engines, and Japan’s Best Car magazine claims that a plug-in hybrid version of the Hilux is also in the works.

The current 2.4 GD-6 produces 110kW, and the 2.8 GD-6 delivers 150kW, or 165kW in the GR-S version. It is not known whether power upgrades are in the works.

All will be revealed at the Toyota Motor Show next month, which IOL plans to attend. Watch this space!

IOL Motoring