Finally! The all-new Toyota Hilux bakkie is almost here
If we’re being real, the current eighth-generation Toyota Hilux is starting to show its age, and that’s totally fair for a bakkie that’s been around for a decade. The interior is dated, the ride isn’t exactly what you’d call ‘comfortable,’ and rivals have definitely stepped up their game in ways the Hilux just hasn’t.
What was once a benchmark 10 years ago doesn’t quite hit the same today; times have changed, and like people, cars get old, too. Yet, despite all that, the Hilux keeps proving why it’s such a force in the market. It’s built a reputation as a no-nonsense, tough-as-nails workhorse that simply gets the job done, and that still matters.
Just look at the numbers: In October, Toyota sold 3,533 Hilux bakkie units, locking in a huge 27.9% market share. That’s nothing short of amazing for a bakkie this old. Sure, Toyota’s done a good job keeping it fresh with updates since 2015, but let’s be honest, at this point, a few cosmetic tweaks might not be enough to keep it at the top forever.
Would you say it’s time for a brand-new Hilux? Absolutely. It’s definitely time for a brand-new Hilux, and luckily, we won’t have to wait much longer. The ninth-generation model is just around the corner, with its global debut set for next week.
Toyota has already dropped a few teasers, and while they don’t give away too much, the next Hilux looks like it’ll stick to that bold, confident stance we’ve come to expect and love. From what we can see, there’s prominent TOYOTA lettering across the grille and sleek daytime running lights on the front end, and that’s about it, for now.
The wait won’t be long, though. The full reveal happens on November 10th, and honestly, if the teasers are anything to go by, the next Hilux could be shaping up to make a serious statement in the bakkie world dominated by the likes of the Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, and BYD Shark 6, to name a few.
And if Toyota’s engineers are listening, here’s what we’d love to see: a more comfortable suspension setup (because let’s face it, the current one can get a bit harsh), a hybrid or even fully electric variant to future-proof the lineup, and a more versatile, modern interior that feels as tough as it is tech-savvy. After all, the Hilux has the name, the legacy, and the loyalty; now it just needs that next big leap forward.
