The most expensive Toyota Hilux in South Africa – What you get for R1 million

The Toyota Hilux range has just gotten a lot bigger with the introduction of six new mild-hybrid (MHEV) units, which promise to deliver greater fuel savings and smoother performance.

The cheapest MHEV starts at R774,800, but this sum can go all the way up to R1,023,400 for the range-topping Legend RS version, making it the most expensive Hilux model in South Africa.

Considering that the Toyota is both the country’s best-selling bakkie and its most popular vehicle overall, it’s interesting to see exactly what the cream of the crop of this legendary nameplate has to offer.

What you get

The main selling point of the new flagship is its hybrid engine, which uses the brand’s tried-and-trusted 2.8-litre, turbocharged diesel plant as its base.

This is assisted by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, an electric motor generator, and regenerative brakes, and Toyota claims these systems help to lower fuel consumption by 5% from 8.0l/100km to 7.6l/100km.

The bakkie has access to a total of 150kW and 500Nm, but the e-motor is able to provide an additional 12kW and 65Nm during acceleration, thereby improving the throttle response.

It also has a stop-start function, and the regenerative brakes help to create a much smoother and more natural feeling during deceleration.

The MHEV configuration has benefits off-road, too, as the 48V system is waterproofed so the bakkie’s 700mm wading depth is unaffected, and the e-motor allows the engine to run at a lower 600rpm instead of 720rpm, making it easier to operate at low speeds over rugged terrain.

The top-spec Hilux features a selectable four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case, and it uses a six-speed automatic transmission to negotiate power to the wheels.

It can also tow up to 3,500kg, and carry as much as 790kg in the back.

As for equipment, you can expect the Legend RS to come with keyless entry and start, leather seats, a multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, an electric driver’s seat, a nine-speaker JBL stereo, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice commands.

There are also assistance and safety items in the form of adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, hill-assist control, hill-descent control, lane-departure alert, ABS, and seven airbags.

The exterior is then fitted with automatic LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps, an automatic roller shutter, a rubberized load bed, a rear styling bar, and a dust defence kit that closes the gaps of the tailgate edge to stop dust from getting into the box.

Every Toyota Hilux is sold with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 9-services/90,000km service plan.