Earlier this month, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) held its ninth annual State of the Motor Industry event (SOMI) in Johannesburg, where it shared some insights into the country’s motoring industry, how Toyota fits in, and its plans for the years ahead. It also took the opportunity to reveal new vehicles coming to SA in the coming months, while hinting that more would follow later.
The state of the SA motor industry
Before the excitement, Toyota Motors Africa President and CEO Andrew Kirby took to the stage to address media and stakeholders on how well TSAM had performed in 2025.
Generally, South Africa’s new vehicle sales grew by 15.7% (597,000 units) compared to 2024. It’s also worth noting that the volume of vehicles has shifted segments in the local market. Now, 61% of passenger cars fall into the R150k to R400k range.
While SA vehicle production reached 609,000 units in 2025, it still fell short of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, around 68% of the total units produced locally were exported, with 81% of those going to the EU and UK markets.
As far as new energy vehicles are concerned (NEV is an umbrella term referring to all vehicles that don’t use an internal combustion engine), they only represented 2.8% of the total local market in 2025, with Toyota and Lexus holding a dominant 58% market share of all NEVs sold. Hybrid versions of the Corolla Cross, RAV4, and Corolla led the segment.
New Toyota and Lexus vehicles inbound
That’s all very interesting, but you’re probably only reading this to see what new vehicles you can expect. Well, there were a few on display, and we’re told more will be coming later in the year. These are the vehicles we know about.
Toyota bZ4x
First announced at the 2024 SOMI, the bZ4x was originally meant to grace SA roads last year. That obviously didn’t happen, and now TSAM is gearing up for a 2026 launch. This will be Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) and is set to compete in the already-crowded SUV EV market.
Highlights include a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds, what Toyota calls ‘X-MODE’ for “advanced off-road capability”, and a claimed EV range of 450-480km on a single charge.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Toyota gleefully took the wraps off the new Land Cruiser FJ, a successor to the FJ Cruiser with more than a little Land Cruiser DNA, built on the same ladder-frame chassis found in the Hilux and Fortuner. It is positioned as an expansion of the Land Cruiser brand to bridge the gap between modern crossovers and proper off-roading SUVs. It also shares a few capabilities from other Toyota vehicles, such as its 70 Series-like wheel articulation.
Its powertrain includes a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated 2TR-FE petrol engine and 6-speed “Super ECT” automatic gearbox, with peak power and torque outputs of 120kW and 246Nm, respectively. Other highlights include a part-time 2WD-4WD system with low-range and a lockable rear differential, and a modern cabin layout and infotainment system.
Toyota RAV4 hybrid
The RAV4 is Toyota’s best-selling vehicle globally, so it makes sense that it’s getting a hybrid refresh. Local specifications are still being finalised, but the range is expected to feature an internal combustion model with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a mild-hybrid (HEV) that combines the 2.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors and batteries, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with more power and range than the latter.
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S hybrid
The locally-built Corolla Cross also received an update that marries the slightly more aggressive styling of the Gazoo Racing brand with hybrid vehicle efficiency. That means a new design for the front and back ends, 18in GR-S alloy wheels, and further racing adjacent styling inside, including aluminium pedals and red seatbelts.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 hybrid
The legendary Land Cruiser 300 is also set to receive a ‘performance hybrid’ model. The new system combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with an electric motor stuffed in between it and the 10-speed ‘box. This should offer some fuel-efficiency gains, while also adding silent, low-speed EV-powered crawling.
Lexus RZ 550e F Sport
The Lexus RZ 550e F Sport is set to take the performance crown from its diminutive sibling, the RZ 450e, with an increased 300kW of max power over the latter’s 280kW. Other highlights include DC fast charging that claims 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, a suitably modern cabin with a 14in touchscreen infotainment system, and an electrochromic panoramic sunroof.
