Toyota Motors South Africa (TMSA) hosted their annual State of the Motoring Industry (SOMI) for 2026 recently. TMSA revealed that during the last year, Toyota achieved their second highest sales volume in history while maintaining their market leadership on South African roads for the 46th year.
Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, presented the results at the annual event. “During 2025, TSAM sold 148 124 new vehicles in South Africa. This reflects a growth of over 19 000 vehicles from the previous year.
“Similar to 2024, this accounts for 24,8% of total new vehicle sales in the country. The categories responsible for these sales include small cars, light commercial vehicles and SUVs, respectively. Despite new entrants and intensified competition, market share was maintained and volumes grew.”
Other notable achievements for Toyota included a 13% market share in commercial vehicles under the Hino brand. Meanwhile Lexus achieved its highest ever market share in the premium segment securing 3.5% of the market. This is attributed to growth in new energy vehicles (NEV).
While Toyota reaffirmed their commitment to NEV technology relying largely on HEVs, this year the commitment was reaffirmed along with the unveiling of their first full EV. “Toyota is following a multi-pathway strategy that no single technology can address all customer or market needs.
“Instead, Toyota advances a balanced mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen solutions. TSAM is therefore introducing a range of energy diversification and mobility projects aligned to three core pillars of clean energy including electric vehicle eco-system, carbon neutral fuels and circular economy,” says Theron.
New vehicles coming to South Africa in 2026
Toyota bZ4X BEV
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- Scheduled release: 2026
- What to expect:
- Toyota’s first full BEV
- Sleek exterior design
- Panoramic sunroof
- New Touring grade with wider wheelbase and more power
- X-MODE for advanced off-road capability
- 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1seconds
- 450 to 480km EV range
RAV4 HEV and PHEV
- Scheduled release: first quarters 2026
- What’s new:
- Three trim options
- Three engine options: GX, VX, PHEV
- 5th generation HEV system in the GX HEV and GR-S HEV grade (with a smaller control unit for efficiency)
- 6th generation PHEV system
- This improves the EV range by up to 100km
- Debut of GR Sport on RAV4
- Latest (and first) ’24 multi-media
- New digital island with integrated functions
- Shift-by-wire
- Toyota Safety Sense 4 (except GX) – another first
- Best selling car in the world in 2025
Corolla Cross GR-S HEV
- Scheduled release: early 2026
- What’s new:
- New GR-S exterior design
- 18’’ GRS-S alloy wheels
- Interior branding
- Aluminium pedals
- Red seatbelts
- HEV and ICE variants
- Paddler shifters in petrol derivative
Land Cruiser 300 1M-HEV
- Scheduled release: 2026
- What’s new:
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- Introduction of 1 litre motor to LC (already seen in LX)
- Applicable to ZX and GR-S grades
- Results in improved fuel efficiency
- Ultra-wideband (UWB)
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Land Cruiser FJ
- Scheduled release: second quarter of 2026
- What’s different:
- Expansion of the Land Cruiser brand to appeal to an aspirational buyer
- Blends urban design and off-road capability
- Part-time 2WD-4WD system
- Low range and rear differential lock
Lexus RZ BEV
- Scheduled release: early 2026
- What to expect:
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- 3-grade strategy including an F-SPORT
- EX and SE derivatives: 280 kW
- F-SPORT derivative: 300 kW
- 80.5 kWh battery capacity update
- 22 kW onboard charger output
- EV range of 450 to 500km*
- Steer-by-Wire on F-SPORT
- EV battery warranty – 8years/160 000km
- Panoramic sunroof with dimming*
- All-wheel drive
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Lexus RZ 600e BEV
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- Scheduled release: 2 March 2026
- What to expect:
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- F-SPORT performance special edition
- 315 kW maximum output
- Steer-by-Wire steering wheel
- Ultra suede seat trim
- Carbon fibre roof
- Blue brake callipers
- 21-inch aluminium matte black wheels
- Hood vents
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