Bakkie fans have a lot to be excited about, as South Africa’s top-selling model is getting a new variant within the next few months.
Back in January, Toyota held its annual State of the Motoring Industry event, where it showcased all of its upcoming cars for 2025.
The list of entries included several intriguing options, from the facelifted GR Yaris to a new Fortuner and multiple Lexus models, but arguably the most significant reveal was a new Hilux, which is expected to appear in showrooms by the end of July.
A fitting swan song
The new bakkie heading our way is the Hilux Legend 55, which is likely to be one of, if not the last special-edition unit for the current generation before the next-gen model breaks cover later this year.
It’s hard to believe that the Hilux we know has been around for 10 years at this point, which is why the carmaker has elected to produce the new 55 as a last hurrah for the country’s best-selling pickup.
The 55 is the latest model to feature a widebody design, similar to the GR-Sport III, and is set to receive a number of exclusive features and details that fans are sure to appreciate.
Interestingly, Toyota has not yet confirmed what engine the 55 will receive, but given its status, we imagine it’ll benefit from the same 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel block used by the GR-Sport.
As a reminder, the Sport features an uprated version of the brand’s tried-and-trusted powertrain with 165kW and 550Nm – 15kW and 50Nm more than the standard version.
This is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which sends power down to all four wheels.
This is enough to let the bakkie tow up to 3,500kg, and carry a load weighing 790kg.
Even if the Legend doesn’t benefit from the Gazoo Racing improvement, it will still have plenty of power to make use of the other model-exclusive features Toyota has confirmed.
This includes a bespoke body styling kit with a new sports bar, an underbody bash plate, a rubberized load area, a roller shutter, and a tow bar.
Given its special-edition status, the 55 is sure to also feature a lot of the equipment found on the range-topping Hilux, which means buyers can likely expect keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, 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.
Toyota will only reveal the Legend 55’s price tag closer to launch, but given what we know, it’ll probably fall in the same ballpark as the GR-Sport, so expect a sum hovering around the R1-million mark when it goes on sale.
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