Toyota has plenty of exciting models on the way to South African showrooms in 2025.
The upcoming launches include the updated Corolla Cross, new Fortuner GR-Sport, facelifted GR Yaris, as well as the widebody Hilux Legend 55.
From its luxurious Lexus stable, the Japanese automaker is bringing over the LX700h and the Prado-based GX.
Toyota has also confirmed that the bZ4x, its first electric vehicle, has been delayed until 2026 after previously being earmarked for a 2025 rollout.
Likewise, the all-electric Lexus RZ450e is now scheduled to make landfall in late 2025/early 2026 after initially being in the pipeline for 2024, reported BusinessDay from Toyota’s annual State of the Motoring Industry address.
Corolla cross
The new Corolla Cross lands in South Africa today with a more impactful exterior design and lightly updated cabin.
Up front, it gets a refreshed bumper, a honeycomb-pattern grille, and new LED headlight signatures, while at the rear, it sees a reimagined light design featuring an inner lens for greater precision and uniformity.
Moving inside, the new crossover is now shipped with an electric parking brake, USB Type-C ports, rear occupant detection, reclining rear seats, and new seat trims with dark brown accents.
The engine line-up remains unchanged, comprising a 1.8-litre petrol or petrol-hybrid setup combined with a continuously variable transmission.
The Corolla Cross is still available in seven trims with pricing ranging from R414,800 to R561,700.
Fortuner GR-Sport
Next up on the list is the new Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport, which is penned in for a March debut.
The seven-seater was on the receiving end of a series of aesthetic enhancements encompassing GR-specific bumpers and 18-inch alloy wheels on the exterior, and Alcantara sports seats and aluminium sports pedals in the interior.
An updated suspension system with monotube shock absorbers is included, too, as is the uprated 2.8-litre, turbo-diesel drivetrain from the Hilux GR-Sport that is tuned to deliver 165kW and 550Nm – a 15kW and 50Nm improvement over the standard models.
Pricing for the Fortuner GR-Sport has yet to be announced, though expect it to sit within the upper echelons of the Fortuner family which would give it a ballpark price range of R900,000 to R1 million.
GR Yaris
Also in March, Toyota plans to launch the thoroughly updated GR Yaris in South Africa.
The Yaris has undergone several improvements, perhaps the highlight of which is a 12kW and 40Nm power bump for its 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol motor for a total output of 210kW and 400Nm.
Gone is the six-speed manual transmission that has served the hot hatch since the very beginning, too, replaced by a modern eight-speed automatic box.
Traction has furthermore been optimised through the addition of a new vehicle stability control programme complemented by a limited-slip differential.
Styling-wise, the Yaris receives a new front bumper with a separable structure for easier and cheaper replacement in the event of any damages, as well as larger lower side grilles for improved cooling.
At the rear, a new opening at the edge of the lower garnish allows for improved airflow.
The head and taillights have also been to the designer’s desk and now feature new patterns and designs.
Other revisions include a subtle redesign of the cabin with a new centre console, infotainment screen, climate controls, and air vents.
Hilux Legend 55
Toyota is sending the current-generation Hilux out with a bang with the debut of the Legend 55 in July.
Key enhancements include a widebody kit, wide-tread suspension, and distinctive Legend 55 styling.
It will also receive an underbody bash plate, rubberised load area, a rear roller shutter, and tow bar as standard.
The Legend 55 should be the very last hurrah of the current Hilux, which has spent some 10 years on the market, before the expected arrival of the next-gen model in 2026.
Lexus LX700h
From the Lexus marque, the first arrival for the year will be the new LX700h.
Up to now, the LX has only been sold in petrol and diesel guise, with the hybrid to be the first semi-electric offering in the range.
It marries the existing 3.5-litre, V6, twin-turbo powerplant with an electric motor for an impressive 341kW output, a solid improvement over the standard variant’s 305kW.
Height-adjustable suspension is another key selling point of the more eco-friendly LX, as is permanent all-wheel drive.
While Lexus didn’t mention fuel consumption, it should be lighter on juice than its non-electrified sibling’s 11.3l/100km average.
Lexus GX
The last confirmed launch for Lexus this year, thus far, is the GX, which is coming our way in March.
It boasts the same basic dimensions as the Toyota Prado upon which it is based but noticeably Lexus-esque styling, underscored by a large and aggressive grille and sleek LED lights.
The only powerplant at launch will be a 3.5-litre, V6 petrol mill good for 260kW and 650Nm. It’s unclear whether the 2.8-litre diesel of the Prado will be added at a later date.
At launch, the GX will be sold in seven-seat SE spec or the Overtrail five-seater.
Apart from more rugged styling, the Overtrail will offer goodies such as crawl control (off-road cruise control), a multi-terrain monitor, underbody bash plates, and gravel tyres.
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