When you can buy the new Toyota Hilux Legend in South Africa

Bakkie enthusiasts will be able to get their hands on the newest Toyota Hilux in less than three weeks.

The Japanese carmaker recently confirmed that the new Hilux Legend 55 will launch in South Africa on 18 August 2025, meaning that the long wait is nearly over.

The Legend 55 is a special-edition version of the fan-favourite bakkie that made its local debut at Toyota’s annual State of the Motoring Industry event back in January.

The company initially claimed that we would receive the pickup by the end of July, though this launch date was evidently pushed back a few weeks to mid August.

The “55” in the new model’s name is a reference to the fact that the Toyota Hilux has been in South Africa for 55 years, harkening back to a half-century’s worth of impressive accolades.

The public was recently given a sneak peek at the bakkie at the Toyota Cup, held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where the Kaizer Chiefs played off against the Ghanaian team Asante Kotoko.

“This introduction of the Legend 55 gives us a moment to reflect on the Hilux journey in South Africa, remembering that Hilux is more than just a ‘bakkie,” said Tasneem Lorgat, General Communications Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors.

“It has become a trusted companion for generations, adapting to the changing needs of our market.”

A swan song for the Hilux

The Legend 55 is likely to be one of, if not the last, special edition units for the current generation Hilux, which is reaching the end of its lifespan.

Toyota has been keeping the next-gen bakkie under lock and key for a while now, but it’s believed that the new one will finally break cover before the end of the year, with a launch date tentatively penciled in for 2026.

In the meantime, the automaker has opted to create the Legend 55 to celebrate the vehicle’s decades-long presence in South Africa.

What’s most interesting about the new model is that it features a widebody design, which is something we’ve only seen on the third iteration of the GR-Sport.

Toyota has yet to confirm which engine the 55 will receive, but given its status and its similarity to the GR-Sport, it’s fair to assume it will gain access to an uprated version of the tried-and-trusted 2.8-litre turbo-diesel plant.

As a reminder, the 2.8GD-6 powertrain develops 165kW and 550Nm in the GR-Sport, which is 15kW and 50Nm more than the standard units.

It also has a six-speed automatic gearbox, which connects to a four-wheel-drive system.

Fuel consumption works out to 8.7l/100km, giving a range of 920km on its 80-litre tank.

As for its practical attributes, the Legend can tow up to 3,500kg, and haul 790kg in the rear bed.

The special-edition pickup will also receive a number of exclusive add-ons, such as a bespoke body styling kit with a new sports bar, an underbody bash plate, a rubberised load bay, a roller shutter, and a tow bar.

The rest of the package should include all of the trimmings we’ve come to expect from the top-end Hilux, such as leather upholstery, keyless entry, a multifunction leather steering wheel, automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system.

The company has not revealed the Legend 55’s price tag, but expect it to sell for close to R1-million, as this is what the GR-Sport currently goes for.