Taking a legendary road trip to bid farewell to a Legend
When it came to a vacation vehicle for our planned trip around this spectacular country, there was only one candidate. The Toyota Hilux Legend 55. Why, you may ask, would we want an old dog like that? Well simple, actually. In a few weeks we will probably see the new one in the flesh for the first time, and while some critics may scoff at yet another Hilux facelift, we beg to differ.
And that also has much to do with our choice of vacation ride. See, the Ninth generation Hilux is without doubt the most significant new car launch in South Africa in a decade. That’s how long this version of the Hilux has been with us. Correction, this one is a facelift of the IMV Hilux , which means its that’s actually been with us for twenty years already. So, time for a change, then?
There was speculation a while back, including a fair amount on these pages, that the next Hilux would be all-new. Based on the completely reworked US market Tacoma that broke cover a year or so ago. It seems we were wide of the mark. The new one will, after all, continue into the foreseeable with its IMV genes wrapped in another, significant facelift.
What the hell! Another facelift!
How the hell can they do that? We hear you ask. Well very easily, it seems. And that’s precisely what’s happening. It may not be all-new, but the new Ninth Generation Toyota Hilux unveiled late last year and expected to reach South Africa in the first half in 2026, is still a significant upgrade to the existing platform, rather than an all-new design.
Why so? Well let’s counter that and ask you, why fix what’s not broken? Yes, of course it’s a 20 year old design. But then Hilux still commanded a quarter of all light commercial vehicle sales in South Africa in 2025 and remains, by some considerable distance, the best-selling vehicle on the local market. So we ask you again, why fix what ain’t broke? If you were Toyota, with those stats, would you?
So with all that in mind, we took this top-end current model Toyota Hilux Legend 55 2.8 D4-D 4×4 double cab on, well, a legendary trip across South Africa. To figure out what needs attention. And what doesn’t. We picked it up at the airport and started in Jozi, with lunch at the Troyeville Hotel, personal guard and all. Before visiting family for a day or two and then set off for the Berg.
If looks could kill…
The updates on the forthcoming Ninth-Gen Hilux focus on a more modern, rugged look. Some say it’s not quite up to Ranger macho. But don’t forget, that Ranger will also become a (mild) facelift of a facelift of a… later this year. Let’s face it, looks have never been a major Hilux selling point and old faithful has become, well, a little frumpy over time. So until we’ve seen the new one in the flesh, let’s take a watching brief. And we’re really looking forward to that…
The new one gets what they call a redesigned, more angular ‘cyber sumo’ front end. We aced our scoop on the wide honeycomb-style grille and slimmer LED headlights you may have seen debut on the Dakar Hiluxes over the past two weeks. Some models will get bold ‘Toyota’ lettering instead of the badge. Add a more rugged rear end with C-LED taillights and a fresh tailgate. Some variants also appear to gain a new side step for easier access.
All aboard, the first phase of our trip took us down the N3 to the beautiful Berg, which gave us a gap to become a touch reacquainted with the old girl. Look, there’s not much wrong with the old interior besides its ‘noughties looks. And that’s probably the biggest change in the new one. All of what you see in here will be ripped out and replaced with pretty much a replica of the Land Cruiser Prado’s edgy cockpit as you will see in the album at the bottom.
It’s not on top, it’s inside!
After a few days in the Berg, we made for the South Coast on pothole infested KZN B-roads and a bit of dirt. The old girl still sings along, the 2.8 burbling gently in the background, a little wind noise, but all very comfy and proper it typical Hilux style. They promise that will all be even better in the new one. Starting with new and improved, more comfortable seats, not that they’re really needed.
But that’s not all, the new one also gets several enhancements to the venerable IMV chassis. They include hydraulic engine mounts and shear-type cabin mounts to reduce vibration and enhance comfort. So expect the new one to really ride proper, because the old one already does. Also expect to find a Mud, Sand, Rock, etc. Mode Multi-Terrain Select system on the New Hilux that promises ‘SUV levels of ride quality from a bakkie.”
After a couple of days on the beach on the glorious South Coast, our trek took us through the Transkei starting before dawn. Spectacular scenery dotted with some road works and distractions from herds of goats and flocks of geese to drunk pedestrians over and all kinds of roads, Legend 55 of course took it all very well in its stride. And it’s only going to get better…
A complete suspension makeover
Expect Generation Nine to step up to retuned shock absorbers and updated spring rates, with enhanced bushing for improved compliance, tougher front stub axles and a thicker anti-roll bar. Add electric power steering for an even lighter, more precise steering feel with enhanced Safety Sense lane-keeping assistance.
Talking Toyota Safety Sense, the new one will also include low-speed acceleration suppression, proactive driving assist, rear cross-traffic alert and emergency driving stop. All of which you’ll still hopefully be simple to override if you don’t want it. There’s also a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring and a new cabin detection sensor system that keeps tab on rear seat occupants.
After an evening at splendid Chintsa we tootled down through East London, down the coast to PE and on to Plett. On the way we were pleasantly surprised that despite trying in vain to morph our mobile phones to the bakkie for close to 2000 kilometres, Carplay all of a sudden came alive! One failing on the current Hilux is that it has been significantly left behind on connectivity, and that showed why.
Systems that belong in 2025
Seems there’s no more such concern on the new Hilux. That all-new Prado-like Digitized Cockpit interior features far more than just an overhauled dashboard. Top models like this get a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen to go with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with latest generation and apparently now seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower-spec models will get a 7-inch screen.
The new one also gains a wireless mobile phone charger and multiple USB ports, including in the rear, which we so missed in the old girl. There’s just one USB in old faithful here. As far as we’re concerned, these upgrades and the rest of the interior changes should keep everything going just right for Hilux once Gen 9 arrives.
Much of the other detail remains to be seen. Like power trains. There’s a dual motor Electric Hilux Travo-e variant running a 59.2 kWh battery to deliver a 300 km range available in some markets. And South Africa already has the 48V Mild-Hybrid 2.8-litre turbodiesel. But somehow we expect the good old straight 2.8-litre turbodiesel to continue as the preferred option in this market for now. Also expect a 450 kilo increase to Gross Combination Mass on 4×4 models.
Welcome back to the future!
Our journey then took us over a few gravel roads and passed the back way to Oudtshoorn for a couple of nights, along to Bonnievale for an evening and then home to the Cape. Where it served us superbly for another month. It was a most pleasant trip driving an epic bakkie. Even better was to consider how much better the next one will be.
No, it won’t be all-new. But our time with the outgoing Hilux proves beyond doubt why it doesn’t need to be a brand new bakkie. You can take it with poison that what will be changed, will be for a hell of a lot better. Which is why we simply can’t wait for the new Hilux. It’s the biggest motor news in a decade or two, after all…. – Michele Lupini
Road testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Toyota Hilux Legend 55 2.8 4×4 DC
Engine: 150 kW 500 Nm 2.8-litre turbodiesel I4
Drive: 6-speed automatic 4x4
Payload: 750kg
Max Towing: 3500kg
ROAD TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 4.23 sec
0-100 km/h: 9.97. sec
0-120 km/h: 13.87 sec
0-160 km/h: 24.34 sec
400m: 16.9 sec @ 132 km/h
80-120 km/h: 7.17 sec
120-160 km/h 12.31 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 175 km/h
Fuel: 7.9 l/100km
CO2: 298 g/km
Range: 1000 km
Warranty/Service 3y100K/9 service 90Kkm
LIST PRICE: R935K
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