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Toyota Hilux Legend 55: Placeholder or a worthy Legend?
When a nameplate like the Toyota Hilux has been a consistent best-seller for decades, any new iteration, especially one bearing the 'Legend' moniker, carries a heavy burden of expectation. That burden rests on the Hilux Legend 55, which is launching in South Africa in the coming weeks to celebrate the Hilux bakkie’s 55 years of presence locally.
While it appears to be a genuine step forward for the venerable bakkie, the big question is whether it's merely a limited-edition model designed to bridge the gap until the next-generation Hilux arrives or a worthy iteration deserving of the 'Legend' nameplate? But before we get to the nitty-gritty, it’s necessary to understand that the Hilux is one of the most famous names in the bakkie segment and one that earned fame for being a tough and reliable workhorse. Even the monthly sales can back that up.
For July alone, over 3,120 units of the Hilux were sold. In our opinion, the Hilux is starting to show its wrinkles considering that the 8th generation model was already introduced in 2015, which was exactly 10 years ago, but the continuous improvements since then have ensured that it retains its fresh appearance.
Now, speaking about the Hilux Legend 55, it’s a familiar naming convention, and you may recall the Legend 35, which celebrated 35 years of the Hilux bakkie in SA, followed by the Legend 40, Legend 45, and the Legend 50. The 55 then exists to celebrate the Hilux bakkie’s 55 years of dominance on local roads and work sites. Although our time behind the wheel was brief, it’s clear that this is still the tough, capable bakkie we all know and love.
As expected, it still feels like the rugged Hilux we’ve come to know, composed and confident on the road, with solid ride comfort even over uneven patches. Toyota has adopted the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ philosophy, and honestly, who can blame them? However, Toyota has added some new energy with custom styling, distinctive badging, and updated specifications that position it as a special edition model.
While official details are still under wraps until its launch, our short drive suggests it’s still powered by the familiar 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine pushing out 150kW and 500Nm. It may get a slight power bump, though don’t expect it to match the beefier GR-Sport’s 165kW and 550Nm. It still runs the tried-and-tested 6-speed auto and four-wheel-drive system, proving once again why the Hilux remains such a trusted nameplate.
A placeholder or a worthy legend? Well, the Hilux Legend 55 is a bit of both, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a fitting tribute to a bakkie that continues to top the sales charts and serve its purpose with unmatched reliability. On the other hand, it doesn’t push the envelope in a way that rewrites the Hilux story. Instead, it serves as a respectful and well-executed closing chapter for the 8th generation, a well-deserved victory lap, if you will.
At the time of writing, a leaked image of the upcoming 9th-generation Toyota Hilux had surfaced online, and from what we’ve seen, Toyota is clearly hard at work shaping the future of its iconic bakkie. The new design brings a bold, fresh stance that should help it slot right in alongside the Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, and Isuzu D-Max, to name a few, not just in presence, but in tech too.
If the rumours are true, it’s expected to make its global debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in October, with local arrival likely sometime in 2026. Until then, the Legend 55 keeps things ticking over with style, memories, and just enough freshness to keep the legacy alive until the next chapter begins.
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