At least eight new Toyota cars are set to launch in South Africa over the next year, ranging from an ultra exclusive supercar to a brand-new 4×4 SUV.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently held its annual State of the Motoring Industry (SOMI) event, where it announced its upcoming products for 2026 and beyond.
The 2026 SOMI event proved to be one of the most jam-packed lineups in recent memory, as the Japanese carmaker plans to launch at least eight cars across its Toyota and Lexus brands over the coming months.
A key focus of this year’s SOMI showcase was on new-energy vehicles (NEVs), as Toyota explained it is following a “multi-pathway” strategy meant to address the needs of different customers.
Consequently, most of its new vehicles feature some form of NEV powertrain, comprising hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery-electric options.
Petrolheads and outdoor enthusiasts needn’t be disappointed, however, as the automaker also plans to expand its Gazoo Racing (GR) and Land Cruiser stables this year.
Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ
First up on the list are the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ – the first fully-electric models for their respective marques.
These cars have been teased for a local introduction for years, but it appears Toyota has finally decided to bite the bullet on electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa, possibly due to the influx of Chinese brands like BYD.
The two cars are built on the same platform, and the Lexus is set to appear first in “early 2026,” which is unsurprising given that EVs tend to start at the premium level before working their way down to larger audiences.
Our sources at Duoporta have already uncovered that the RZ will start at R1,649,400, making it the company’s most expensive urban-focused model.
It will feature two powertrains, the most powerful of which features two electric motors with a combined output of 300kW and 537Nm.
This is paired with a 77kWh battery, giving it a range of around 450km to 500km.
Toyota has yet to confirm the bZ4X’s pricing and specifications, but overseas, the entry-level models are fitted with a single e-motor with 150kW, and a 73.1kWh battery good for 450km.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid
Another NEV lined up for South Africa this year is a hybrid version of the popular Land Cruiser 300 (LC300) series.
This will be the first time the high-end 4×4 will feature a hybrid powertrain in our market, a decision made in response to customer feedback calling for new options for the vehicle.
While TSAM didn’t confirm the LC300’s specs outright, it did state that the Lexus LX already benefits from this system.
Since the LX and LC300 share a platform, it’s safe to assume the drivetrain in question is the LX 700h’s 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor.
This generates an incredible 341kW and 790Nm, making it much more powerful than the 305kW and 650Nm produced by the petrol LC300 GR-Sport.
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport
The locally-built Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport is set for an imminent facelift.
The flagship of the popular crossover series, the GR-Sport will receive “subtle” changes to both the interior and exterior, according to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron.
He added that the GR-Sport feels more powerful than the other variants, though it’s important to note that the Gazoo Racing-branded models use the same engines as the standard car.
This means buyers will have a choice of either a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine with 103kW and 172Nm, or a 1.8-litre petrol hybrid plant with a small electric motor, which produces 90kW and 143Nm.
Visual upgrades to the GR-Sport include a black grille, bespoke 18-inch alloy rims, aluminium pedals, red GR seatbelts, and paddle shifters for the steering wheel.
Toyota RAV4
The sixth-generation RAV4 is set to debut in South Africa within the next few months, revitalizing the company’s D-segment offerings between the Corolla Cross and the Fortuner.
“We know what has happened in South Africa; this has become our most contested segment, so we have brought models that we believe will certainly help us grow our presence within the D-segment,” said Theron.
TSAM has not yet revealed the car’s local specifications, but looking at the right-hand-drive models in Australia, we should be getting three trim levels – the GX, VX, and GR-Sport.
It will also be sold with a variety of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre petrol engine in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive.
There’s also a mild hybrid version that pairs the 2.5-litre plant with a small electric starter motor, and a plug-in hybrid with two e-motors that help it to produce a staggering 227kW.
The PHEV also comes with a 22.7kWh battery, giving it an electric range of 100km.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Arguably the most exciting of the recent announcements, the new Land Cruiser FJ is coming to South Africa this year.
The FJ is the brand’s latest Adventure SUV, following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Prado.
The interior is virtually identical to the Prado, and the exterior has opted for the boxy retro theme that seems to be all the rage with 4x4s these days.
Its smaller size means many have started referring to the FJ as a “baby Prado,” no doubt in the hopes that it will be a more accessible option for many households.
Pricing is still unknown at this point, as is the engine selection, as TSAM hasn’t revealed the car’s local specifications.
In Japan, it will be sold with a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, but online reports have suggested that other markets will receive the brand’s proven 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo-diesel plant.
Toyota GR GT and GR GT3
Last but certainly not least are the GR GT and GR GT3, the latest creations to emerge from Toyota’s coveted performance division.
Theron said that the goal is two introduce both vehicles next year, but that they will likely be limited to an exclusive run of just 10 to 14 units.
Toyota also plans to bring the road-going GT first before bringing the GT3 track version.
The company did not reveal the GT’s pricing, but hinted that it will be very expensive, undoubtedly serving as the new flagship of the GR stable.
It features an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol block with an electric motor, giving it an absurd power rating of 475kW and 850Nm.
This power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which drivers can operate using a pair of paddle shifters.
It has a lightweight aluminium body, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The GR GT is suitable for road use, while the GR GT3 has been built to FIA specifications, meaning it is eligible for the global category for customer racing.
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