GR GT Sportscar Heads Up Toyota SA New Model Onslaught

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is a leading player in the local automotive landscape. The Japanese brand dominates the passenger car and commercial sectors, as well as the burgeoning new-energy vehicle (NEV) sub-segment. In 2025, TSAM sold 148 124 units which represents a market share of almost 25 per cent. The brand has, and continues to succeed in Msanzi thanks to constant improvement and new model offerings. Toyota SA new models for 2026 was recently announced at the automaker’s annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) press briefing.

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SUVs

Several new family SUVs have been confirmed for local introduction. Among them is the brand new RAV4, which boasts a new, sharper aesthetic that brings it closer in appearance to siblings from Lexus. TSAM will offer 2025’s best-selling Toyota with three powertrain options. These include traditional internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variations.

Another all-new prospect is the Land Cruiser FJ. The latest version, which was shown to the world in Tokyo last year, expands the appeal of the Land Cruiser range by offering a model for a slightly younger buyer. The ladder-frame SUV will offer go anywhere capability. TSAM will offer the FJ with a 2,7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.

In addition there will be extensions to existing ranges. This includes a Corolla Cross GR-S derivative with an HEV powertrain. The large Land Cruiser 300 also gains an HEV derivative in its line-up.

EVs

TSAM holds the lion’s share of the NEV market with nearly 60 per cent of the total SA market in 2025. That is set to grow with the derivatives mentioned above. Furthermore, Toyota will offer the bZ4x. This striking SUV is its first-ever battery electric vehicle (BEV) offered locally. Toyota claims the family SUV can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5,1 seconds. Expect a range of about 450-480 km if driven carefully.

The bZ4x will be joined by battery powered siblings from the Lexus brand. These are the Lexus RZ SE (280 kW), F Sport (300 kW) and Lexus RZ 600e (315 kW). All versions feature all-wheel drive and offer a range of between 450-500 km.

Performance Cars

Toyota is one of the brands that is growing, rather than shrinking, its performance car portfolio. Under the GR banner we have the likes of the GR Yaris, GR86 and GR Corolla. The latter will now be offered with an automatic transmission. As a reminder, the GR Corolla is powered by a 1,6-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It produces 221 kW/400 N.m that is delivered to all four wheels. The eight-speed auto version will cost R1 010 700 while the existing six-speed manual is slightly easier on the wallet at R985 2000.

TSAM also confirmed that the company will be bringing about a dozen examples of the GR GT sportscar to SA. The halo machine was conceived with GT3 racing in mind. As a result the fundamentals were all designed accordingly. The brutish-looking machine is powered by a newly developed 4,0-litre V8 boosted by twin turbochargers. The car, of which a production version is yet to be finalised, will offer maximum system output of 478 kW (650 PS or greater) and maximum torque of 850 N.m. It will have a top speed in excess of 320 km/h. You can learn more about the GR GT at this link.