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The wait is over: new Toyotas revealed

February 24, 2025

Drive

Take a closer look at the new vehicles coming to our roads in 2025

Images: Shaun Mallett and Mighty Fine Agency

Every year Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) hosts the State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event, where some of the hardware to be launched is revealed. This year, at the eighth rendition in Johannesburg, TSAM CEO Andrew Kirby provided an overview of the motor industry’s prospects for 2025. Leon Theron, TSAM’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, introduced some of the new models that we will soon be able to test drive (and buy!) at our local dealers.

Some of the key trends noted by Kirby include affordability (consumers are looking for affordable options), the ‘SUV phenomenon’ (SUVs now account for more than 50% of passenger car sales), in-car tech (customers are demanding a more immersive experience from their car), and the transition to new energy vehicles (NEVs) (the Corolla Cross was the turning point for NEVs in 2022, taking hybrid sales to 4,000 units).

The new releases speak to these trends. Read more below and watch the video for a closer look.

Catch a glimpse of some of the new vehicle highlights:

Corolla Cross

The latest Corolla Cross has a load of improvements, including a refined design (we love the bold new geometric bumper, grille design and cool headlamps), a new digital cluster with advanced tech (read seamless connectivity), plush interior and enhanced safety features. A sleek carbon-neutral badge highlights Toyota’s dedication to sustainability.

The new Toyota Corolla Cross in gold launched at SOMI 2025

Fortuner GR-S

The Fortuner is one of SA’s top-selling SUVs, and the latest addition will most likely see it retain that position. For fans of a sportier SUV, the new Fortuner GR-S ticks all the boxes. Improved power (up to 165kW/550Nm), increased torque (from 500 to 550Nm), GR-tuned suspension and dramatic GR styling – including Alcantara GR sports seats, GR alloy wheels, lower bumper and aluminium sports pedals – give a whole lot more for the GR and Fortuner fan.

The new Toyota Fortuner GRS launched at SOMI 2025

GR Yaris

We love the GR Yaris for the engaging driving experience it offers, with superb handling, punchy engine and rally-inspired design. It really is a ‘hot hatch’ that is also practical and accessible for daily use. The updated GR Yaris has aesthetic refinements inside and out, a power hike to 210kW/400Nm, an all-new 8-speed auto option, sports display audio updates, reverse camera and parking support brake (PKSB).

Hilux Legend 55

There is no fan like a Hilux fan, and we know there’s great anticipation surrounding the arrival of the Legend 55, set to hit our shores in July. Toyota generally launches a special Legend edition every five years, and while the Legend 55 is technically a year late (the Legend 50 launched in 2019), it is worth the wait. It comes with a wide-body configuration, wide-tread suspension and Legend 55 styling kit, which includes a black grille, alloy wheels, silver bash plate, towbar and roller shutter, plus a distinctive interior finish.

The Toyota Hilux Legend 55