Toyota has launched three new highly anticipated cars in South Africa.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) held its inaugural “Matsuri” festival at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng this weekend, showcasing its new models before they hit the showrooms.
It officially confirmed that the long-awaited Toyota RAV4, Land Cruiser FJ, and bZ4X went on sale on 18 May 2026.
“Together, these family and lifestyle-focused SUVs are expected to play an important role in bolstering TSAM’s presence and market share within the highly competitive D-SUV segment,” said TSAM Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron.
“This experience was designed to give our stakeholders a real taste of what’s coming from Toyota.”
“From electrification to off-road capability and lifestyle-focused mobility, the vehicles showcased at Matsuri reflect how the brand continues to evolve alongside our customers.”’
Toyota also revealed that the new, ninth-generation Hilux bakkie will go on sale in June 2026, less than a month from now.
This article serves as a brief overview of all three of Toyota’s newly released models. TopAuto will publish separate, detailed articles on the RAV4, Land Cruiser FJ, and bZ4X shortly thereafter.
A lot of new options
Starting with the RAV4, this is Toyota’s midsize SUV, which competes with models like the VW Tiguan, Ford Territory, and Haval H6.
It is available in four specifications with one of two powertrains – an internal combustion engine (ICE) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) setup.
A plug-in hybrid model will be added in the near future, though Toyota said that pricing will be confirmed upon release to the dealers.
The 2.0-litre ICE puts out 127kW and 203Nm, while the 2.5-litre HEV produces 176kW and 221+e Nm.
There are three trim levels to choose from – the GX, VX, and the flagship GR-Sport.
Next up is the new Land Cruiser, a compact Adventure SUV that many have nicknamed the “baby Prado.”
There are two specifications available at launch, both of which feature a four-wheel-drive configuration.
Power is supplied by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that develops 122kW and 245Nm.
Like the RAV4, it is sold in either a GX or VX trim level, though there is no GR-Sport option for the FJ.
Last but not least is the new bZ4X, which is Toyota’s first electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa (excluding Lexus products).
This model has been in the pipeline for several years now, long enough that we are actually receiving the facelifted version of the EV.
It uses a pair of electric motors – one for each axle – which generate a combined output of 255kW and 439Nm.
The twin motors are powered by a 73.1kWh battery, which provides a driving range of over 450km, according to TSAM.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the new Toyota RAV4 is as follows:
- Toyota RAV4 2.5 HEV GX E-Four – R770,500
- Toyota RAV4 2.0 VX – R799,900
- Toyota RAV4 2.5 HEV VX E-Four – R927,800
- Toyota RAV4 2.5 HEV GR-Sport E-Four – R941,800
This is the pricing for the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ:
This is the price of Toyota’s first electric car in South Africa:
- Toyota bZ4X BEV AWD – R1,182,800
All Toyota models are sold with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 6-year/90,000km service plan.
The hybrid and electric models also benefit from an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
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