By Malusi Msomi

We travelled to Namibia with Toyota South Africa for our first drive of the updated Toyota Hilux, the latest evolution of South Africa’s best-selling bakkie. Although it carries a familiar nameplate, this is more than just a light refresh. Toyota has introduced a significantly redesigned exterior, an all-new interior inspired by the Land Cruiser Prado, improved technology, and meaningful chassis updates that make the Hilux feel more modern than ever. The range also welcomes the new Raider X, which replaces the outgoing Legend grade, while a new 2.4 GD-6 derivative is set to join the line-up.

A fresh new look

Our chariot path the launch was the 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend MHEV 6AT, finished in white. In our view, it’s the colour that best highlights the Hilux’s redesigned front end, new lighting signature, revised grille, and tougher overall stance. It still looks unmistakably like a Hilux, but the updates give it a much stronger road presence than before.

A cabin transformed

The biggest surprise is inside. Toyota has completely reworked the cabin, taking clear inspiration from the latest Land Cruiser Prado. The result is a far more modern and premium interior, with higher-quality materials, a cleaner dashboard layout, and a significantly improved infotainment system that now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It feels like the upgrade Hilux owners have been waiting for.

Behind the wheel

Power still comes from Toyota’s proven 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine, paired with a mild-hybrid system in the Legend. It remains as strong and refined as ever, delivering effortless performance with plenty of torque on tap.

The biggest difference, however, comes from the updated suspension and chassis tuning. The Hilux feels noticeably more composed over uneven surfaces, with better body control and improved ride comfort, yet it loses none of the confidence or capability that has made it a benchmark off-road. Whether on Namibia’s gravel roads or smooth stretches of tar, it feels more settled and refined than the outgoing model.

First impressions

After spending time behind the wheel, it’s clear Toyota hasn’t simply refreshed the Hilux, it has improved it in all the right areas. The redesigned exterior gives it a more commanding presence, the all-new cabin feels like a generation ahead of its predecessor, and the suspension revisions noticeably enhance the driving experience. With prices ranging from R658,500 to R999,900, the updated Hilux arrives as a more polished and modern package while staying true to the qualities that have made it South Africa’s favourite bakkie.