SA’s best-selling bakkie gets better
While many South Africans may not be bakkie people, the light commercial vehicle market does play a vital role locally. The best-selling and widely popular Toyota Hilux makes a compelling offer. It's a versatile vehicle that can be used for work or on the farm and doubles up as a family vehicle or meets our people's active lifestyle needs. The Hilux has consistently outsold the competition, and that's thanks to its rock-solid reliability and excellent resale value.
We are well acquainted with the Toyota Hilux, so when the opportunity came to get behind the updated Hilux Legend RS wheel, we grabbed it. After an extensive sampling of the Hilux Legend 50 in 2019 and then getting a brief encounter with the updated Hilux Legend RS late last year, the Legend nameplate has certainly grown on us.
Exterior
Just a glance and there are noticeable updates to the overall design, the slim-line headlamps, the trapezoidal-grille, and refreshed bumper. Our test vehicle comes with the optional RS package. This adds a motorised Roller Shutter, graphite-coloured sports bar, rubberised bedliner, assisted tailgate with central-locking function, LED lighting in the bin, and a dust-defence kit. We certainly like the little RS touches, which makes this bakkie more practical and user-friendly.
Updated Power
In terms of power, the new Hilux has had some changes made to its 2.8 GD-6 engine which now delivers 150kW and 500Nm. The six-speed automatic transmission makes for effortless driving and swift acceleration. The bump in power is quite noticeable, and this also increases the towing capacity to 3,5 Tons. The introduction of a larger turbocharger and a new common-rail injection system has also improved fuel efficiency. The Hilux feels more refined to drive and relatively comfortable thanks to updated spring rates, shock absorbers, and suspension bushes.
Interior
The cabin also gets some attention with interior leather trim, electrically adjustable front seats, a JBL 9-speaker audio system with dash-mounted speakers and some more. The all-new 8-inch infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB are also available. The Legend 4x4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense; this includes a Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Verdict
We love us some Hilux and the Oxide Bronze will be our choice, it's beautiful and gives a nice contrast against the black trimmings. It’s hard to fault the Hilux as a bakkie and has proven to be the Legend that it is. The improvements in power, comfort, and tech combined with incredible reliability and superb resale value make the Hilux Legend very hard to ignore if you are in-market for a bakkie.
Pricing
Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 6AT R 765,600
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Hilux Legend RS cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Hilux Legend RS with the 2.8 GD-6 engine and automatic transmission starts from around R789,900, making it one of the pricier bakkies on the market but justified by its legendary reliability and resale value.
Q: Is the Toyota Hilux Legend RS worth buying?
Absolutely, the Hilux Legend RS is worth buying if you need a versatile bakkie that doubles as a family vehicle, with its updated 150kW/500Nm engine, practical RS package features, and Toyota's bulletproof reliability making it a solid investment.
Q: How much power does the new Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 engine produce?
The updated Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 engine now produces 150kW and 500Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for smooth and effortless driving performance.
Q: What features come with the Toyota Hilux RS package?
The RS package includes a motorised roller shutter, graphite-coloured sports bar, rubberised bedliner, assisted tailgate with central locking, LED lighting in the bin, and a dust-defence kit for added practicality.
Q: Why is the Toyota Hilux the best-selling bakkie in South Africa?
The Toyota Hilux dominates SA sales thanks to its rock-solid reliability, excellent resale value, versatility as both work vehicle and family transport, and ability to handle our tough local conditions without breaking a sweat.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium bakkie under R800,000 in SA is definitely the Toyota Hilux Legend RS. At R789,900, it's not the cheapest option, but you're buying into South Africa's most trusted bakkie brand with legendary reliability and resale value that'll make your accountant smile. The updated 150kW/500Nm 2.8 GD-6 engine gives you proper grunt, while the RS package adds genuine practicality with features like the motorised roller shutter and LED bin lighting. Yes, you should buy it if you need a bakkie that works as hard as you do during the week and hauls the family to the coast on weekends. The Hilux Legend RS is the Swiss Army knife of bakkies, just with more torque and better resale value.
