“New” ninth generation Toyota Hilux is expected to be the biggest drawcard of the year. Image: Toyota Australia Despite being the third largest segment after passenger vehicles and exports, South Africa’s liking for light commercial vehicles failed to subside throughout 2025. Reinforced by the Toyota Hilux having been the country’s best-seller for years, the segment never fails to feature within the overall 10 best-selling nameplates – the Hilux heading the Ford Ranger and the Isuzu D-Max.
Mirroring North America, South America and Australia, where bakkies toptheirbest-sellers’ lists, 2026 will see a significant influx of new products from legacy brands, as well as from China, where the global importance of bakkies has seen many brands entering the lucrative space for the first time. Both confirmed and known to be under investigation,The Citizenlooks ahead to a number of models destined to arrive this year. Although still to be formally approved, the internally designated ninth generation Hilux is expected to receive confirmation soon, as arguably, the biggest and most important launch of the year.
In effect a heavily updated version of the previous generation that debuted in 2015, the “new” Hilux receives not only a brand-new exterior, but also interior lifted directly from the Land Cruiser Prado. Expect it to, once again, offer single, Xtra and double cab bodystyles, plus the sole availability of the 2.8 GD-6 engine with or without the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The Hilux’s arch rival, the Ranger will undergo a line-up restructuring involving the removal of the 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel Panther engine, and introduction of the 2.3 EcoBoost petrol as its replacement Although staying, the single turbo Panther will swap the timing belt for a chain and the six-speed automatic gearbox for the 10-speed that had been standard on the bi-turbo. While the Raptor remains unchanged, the 3.0-litre Lion turbodiesel V6 engine will be availed to more derivatives as the four-wheel drive alternative to the rear-wheel drive only EcoBoost, including the new Sport trim grade.
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