From new models to updated lineups, we highlight every bakkie that’s been confirmed to launch in South Africa in 2026.
New Toyota Hilux
Although Toyota SA has yet to announce the exact date for when the new Hilux will launch on our shores, we know that the ninth generation will be introduced to our market in 2026. Based on an updated version of the Japanese automaker’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform, which also underpins the SA-bound new Land Cruiser FJ, the box-fresh Hilux retains the outgoing model’s trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, available in “standard” and 48 V mild-hybrid formats. 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains will be available. A first for a Hilux, the new iteration adopts electric power steering.
Chery Himla
The Chery Himla, which we sampled for a first drive in China in October 2025, is scheduled to make local landfall in 2026. Unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the Chinese automaker’s first bakkie will be built in Wuhu, before production kicks off at the firm’s Anàpolis plant in Brazil. We expect the Himla will be available with a 2.3-litre turbocharged oil-burner, which churns out 120 kW and 420 N.m of torque, in our market.
Kia Tasman
Initially earmarked for a 2025 launch in SA, the Kia Tasman will finally arrive in our market in 2026. The Tasman was unveiled with the choice of two engine options: a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol and 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel with the same number of cylinders. The latter, which we expect will be the sole powertrain option in our market, produces 154 kW and 441 N.m, while the former is endowed with 207 kW and 421 N.m.
JMC Grand Avenue
JMC, who relaunched its SA operations in 2025 with the introduction of the Vigus bakkie, is set to expand its local bakkie portfolio by introducing the Grand Avenue flagship. The Grand Avenue employs a Ford-sourced 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, paired with a BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system. The ‘Puma’ powertrain churns out 130 kW and 450 N.m of torque.
LDV Terron 9
Showcased at the 2025 SA Festival of Motoring, LDV’s flagship bakkie, the Terron 9, is powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 164 kW and 520 N.m of torque, the latter available from a low 1 500 r/min. Power is channelled to the road via a four-wheel drivetrain, coupled with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. The Terron 9 measures a considerable 5 500 mm long, front to rear, and 2 045 mm wide.
Updated Ford Ranger
In November 2025, Ford SA announced major changes for the 2026 Ranger lineup. For 2026, the Blue Oval brand’s local arm will discontinue the 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel unit (2.0 BiT), with more models, including the Tremor, gaining the firm’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor. The automaker has also confirmed the introduction of a 222 kW 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol to the lineup.
Updated Volkswagen Amarok
Based on the Ford Ranger, from what we understand, the local Volkswagen Amarok range, which already features a 222 kW model, will undergo similar changes as the Ranger lineup.
More powerful engine option for Mitsubishi Triton
Introduced to our market with a 2.4-litre single-turbo diesel powertrain, in 2026, the local Mitsubishi Triton lineup will also feature a new twin-turbo 2.4-litre turbodiesel, which churns out 150 kW and 470 N.m of torque.
GWM P500 to gain new diesel engine option
GWM’s local arm has confirmed it will introduce a newly developed 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine to its P500 bakkie lineup. As a reminder, the Chinese automaker’s flagship bakkie is currently available in SA with the choice of two powertrains: a 135 kW/480 N.m 2.4-litre turbodiesel and a 255 kW/648 N.m 2.0-litre turbopetrol-hybrid.
PHEV powertrain for JAC T9
Within the first half of 2026, JAC will introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain to its local T9 model range. JAC’s flagship bakkie is currently available with a 125 kW/444 N.m 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel and 144 kW/487 N.m turbodiesel of similar capacity. The latter is exclusive to the T9 Hunter variant.
New trim grade for JAC T8
In addition to the T9 lineup receiving a PHEV powertrain option, JAC’s local arm will introduce entry-level Comfort spec to its T8 lineup.
Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
