What it costs to make a Toyota Hilux bulletproof in South Africa

Motorists in South Africa can purchase a Toyota Hilux capable of stopping bullets from a handgun or an assault rifle.

This option comes courtesy of SVI Engineering, a company based in Gauteng that specialises in developing armoured solutions for South Africa’s most popular vehicles.

SVI has announced a new B6 Stopgun V3.0 package for the Hilux, which is available for Single Cab, Xtra Cab, and Double Cab models.

Primarily developed for security companies, the armouring solution was designed for both the current 8th-generation Hilux, as well as the new 9th-generation units that are set to launch globally later this year.

“Though seen here fitted to the outgoing 8th-generation model, the new Stopgun V3.0 package has been specifically earmarked for the new Hilux and will officially launch only once this model hits the market in South Africa,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.

“Ahead of the new Toyota Hilux reaching local dealerships in the third quarter of 2026, we have completed the development of our upgraded Stopgun V3.0 package.”

“This revised kit offers enhanced sleekness, refinement and overall usability compared to the outgoing version – and we have no doubt it will remain the preferred choice in South Africa’s broader security industry.”

A bulletproof Hilux

The new Hilux armour package has a B6 rating, which is an industry term referring to the level of weapons and ammunition it can protect against.

While B4 armour is only certified to hold up against handgun fire, B6 is a more comprehensive package that can withstand shots from assault rifles like an AK47, R1, or R5.

“This latest Stopgun V3.0 package is differentiated from the V2.0 kit – which has proven tremendously effective for combating general crime, escorting valuables in transit and for use on mining patrols – chiefly by the fact the flat armoured glass (complete with gunports) has been shifted inwards to allow the standard side windows to remain in place.”

This new package is more visually discreet from the outside, with improved wind noise reduction and moisture protection.

The armouring process replaces the standard glass windows with new 40mm-thick ballistic glass.

Similarly, the vehicle has been reinforced with 5-6mm armoured steel plates integrated into the occupant cell.

This coverage extends to the pillars, doors, roof, rear section, partial firewall, battery and the ABS unit.

The door hinges have been reinforced and the front suspension has been upgraded to support the additional weight of these fittings.

The installation process takes three weeks, and customers can choose additional options, such as a bullbar-and-ballistic grille combo and a set of “Flats Over” heavy-duty run-flat rings for the tyres.

The cost of the upgrade for each Hilux body type is as follows:

• Toyota Hilux Single Cab: B6 Stopgun V3.0 armour – R321,953
• Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab: B6 Stopgun V3.0 armour – R372,427
• Toyota Hilux Double Cab: B6 Stopgun V3.0 armour – R460,382

Note that these prices exclude VAT and the cost of the vehicle itself.

The cheapest Hilux single cab costs R365,300 while the most expensive double cab asks for R1,009,000, so buying the bulletproof Toyota can cost anywhere from R687,253 to R1,469,382.

SVI Toyota Hilux