Toyota South Africa Motors has hinted a widebody version of its strong-selling Hilux is on the horizon, though it’s keeping its cards very close to its chest for now…
Disappointed the widebody version of the Toyota Hilux sold in Australia is not currently available in South Africa? Well, the Japanese firm’s local division has dropped a sizeable hint this could change.
When asked about the possibility of the more aggressively styled (Thailand-built) Hilux GR-Sport recently revealed Down Under also being offered in South Africa (and perhaps going into production at the automaker’s Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal), a Toyota SA Motors spokesperson suggested to Cars.co.za such a model could indeed be on the horizon.
“The widebody variant, shown in the Australian market, is being reserved for a future product action, which will be communicated [at a suitable time],” the spokesperson said, after pointing out Australia employs “a unique model and specification matrix”.
Of course, when exactly such a “product action” will take place remains to be seen, but with Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa having now launched its new Ranger Raptor, Toyota SA Motors will surely be keen to upgrade its flagship derivative sooner rather than later. In addition, it’s worth noting the Toyota SA Motors official confirmed Hilux Xtra Cab Legend models will “receive a specification adjustment” at some point in 2023, with the rest of the Hilux range continuing “largely unchanged”.
So, what do we know about the widebody Hilux? Well, our first glimpse of this upgraded version of the popular bakkie came in the form of the latest Rogue derivative, which was unwrapped in Australia in September 2022. It features what Toyota describes as “significant mechanical upgrades that improve both on- and off-road performance”.
Indeed, the Hilux Rogue for that market boasts an increase in its front and rear tracks, while the ride height has been hiked by around 20 mm (improving ground clearance to about 265 mm). The front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar have both been lengthened, while the front damper angle has also been adjusted. The rear axle has likewise been extended, with the rear dampers moved out towards the wheels. The Hilux Rogue furthermore gains a rear stabiliser bar, while the brakes have been upgraded to ventilated discs at the rear (replacing the drums that previously did duty on that axle).
In January 2023, the covers came off the Aussie-spec Hilux GR-Sport (with a version for Argentina following soon thereafter), with a front track extended by 140 mm to 1 675 mm and a rear track by 155 mm to 1 705 mm. Featuring chunky over-fenders, the flagship Hilux’s overall width is pushed to a whopping 2 020 mm.
This model also scores redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle to “cater for the most demanding driving conditions”. Other suspension tweaks include dedicated monotube shock absorbers (with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity), stiffer coil springs and an “optimal” front-rear balance.
The widebody version of the Hilux GR-Sport features the same engine tune – taking the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit’s peak outputs from the standard 150 kW and 500 Nm to 165 kW and 550 Nm – as the standard-body GR-Sport derivative offered in South Africa since September 2022, but in addition to the considerably wider tracks it gains a far more aggressively styled front end (and better approach angle), complete with a skid plate.
The grille differs from that of the SA-spec version, as does the design and hue of the 17-inch alloy wheels, which are wrapped in all-terrain tyres. The black wheels furthermore frame red brake callipers (while the rear drums are replaced with discs, as on the Rogue) and the load bay features an embossed “GR” logo. Round back, you’ll likely also notice this model’s red recovery points.
For now, that’s all we know about the widebody Hilux. Still, we’ll keep our ears to the ground and will keep you informed about any impending updates to the Hilux, which was again South Africa’s best-selling vehicle in 2022.
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