Buying Used: Toyota Hilux (2015‑2025)
By Charlen Raymond – 13 Nov 2025
Toyota’s Hilux has long been South Africa’s bakkie‑king. With the ninth generation set to roll out next year, the 2015‑2025 eight‑generation model is still a very solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable workhorse or comfortable weekend cruiser. Below is everything you need to know before you put your money into a used Hilux.
The Hilux that made a name for itself
The eighth‑generation Hilux was launched locally in May 2015 and it remains the most popular off‑road truck on the road. It set the bar for double‑cab work trucks with:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payload | Up to 1 000 kg |
| Towing | 3 500 kg (braked) |
| Warranty | 3‑year / 90 000 km or nine service visits over that span |
| Foundation | Ladder‑frame chassis with new 4‑link front suspension and coil‑spring rear (on 4×4 versions) |
The Hilux still sells in the over‑30 000‑unit range each year, but diesel can be a bit picky when the engine isn’t cared for properly. The 8AV plant in Durban builds the models on the AN120/130 series platform.
A rundown on the Toyota Hilux (eighth generation)
The 2015 model signaled a major style revamp – a cleaner, more aggressive grille; independent front suspension; and coil‑spring rears on the 4×4s for a softer ride. The truck now measures 5 315 mm in length (double‑cab) with a 3 085 mm wheelbase.
Engines & power
| Engine | Power / Torque | Fuel efficiency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GD‑6 (diesel) | 110 kW / 400 Nm | 7.7 L/100 km (claimed) | Good for light hauls |
| 2.8 GD‑6 (diesel) | 130 kW / 450 Nm (pre‑facelift) – 150 kW / 500 Nm (2020+) | N/A | Main work engine |
| 2.8 GD‑6 (48‑V mild‑hybrid) | – | – | Added 2024 |
| 2.0 LP‑4 (petrol) | 102 kW / 183 Nm | – | Rare |
| 2.7 LP‑6 (petrol) | 122 kW / 245 Nm | – | Appears in Land Cruiser F‑J |
The 2020 facelift added an 8″ touchscreen, a variable‑flow power‑steering system, and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) on higher trims. In 2024 a 48‑V mild‑hybrid went into the 2.8‑liter models. The new, all‑new Hilux coming in 2026 will be an BEV (battery‑electric vehicle).
Body styles & capability
| Style | Body | Drive | Load / Off‑road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, Xtra, Double‑cab | 5 315 mm | 4×2 or 4×4 (part‑time) | 835 kg payload (varies) |
| Wading | 700 mm depth | – | – |
| Ground clearance | 286 mm | – | – |
The chassis mounts are sturdier than before, and the 2020 refresh improved spring and shock tuning for a smoother unladen ride.
Interior & safety
Trim levels run from SR (basic AC, Bluetooth) → Raider (touch‑screen, cruise control, alloy wheels) → Legend (now Legend 55) → GR‑Sport (leather, JBL audio, adaptive cruise). The cabin is built tough, with seven airbags and Hill‑Descent Control. TSS on the facelift models gives a 5‑star Global NCAP rating.
What to look out for when buying a used Toyota Hilux
| Point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Service history | Full paperwork keeps the warranty transferable; missed services can cause sludge build‑up in GD engines, risking turbo failure. Post‑2018 models have manual DPF regen switches if fitted. |
| Transmission | 6‑speed autos perform best, but old fluid can cause slipping. Have your service centre replace the oil when due. Manual cabs develop clutch wear in heavy traffic – test for harsh shifts. |
| Suspension & chassis | Poor road conditions damage bushes and shocks; leaf‑spring rears can sag under load. A coastal bakkie may suffer rust on the chassis and undercarriage. Uneven tyre wear can hint at alignment issues. |
| Fuel & turbo | Diesel injectors can clog on low‑quality fuel; truck 2.8 turbos whine if oil‑starved. The 2.7 petrol can develop gasket leaks after 150 000 km. Look for black smoke or hesitation. |
| Electronics & interior | Pre‑2020 infotainment may freeze; door seals can leak and plastics can crack under UV. |
Which one to get?
If you’re after the best overall package, look for the 2.8 GD‑6 Raider 4×4 double‑cab automatic (2020‑present). Its 150 kW/500 Nm engine can tow trailers without breaking a sweat. The facelift adds an 8″ screen, TSS safety, and better handling – perfect for family road trips. The Raider trim delivers great value: reverse camera, leather accents, cruise control – all without the extra cost of the GR‑Sport.
The eighth‑generation Hilux is a benchmark for South Africa’s bakkie market – sturdy, omnipresent, and still an excellent value if you pick a unit carefully. With the ninth‑generation Hilux on the horizon, now is a smart time to snap one up before prices rise.
Key takeaways from our 2020 road test
“The updated model is designed for lifestyle use. Toyota added a variable‑flow hydropower steering that makes the steering lighter at high speeds and firmer at low speeds, so it’s easier to handle both city streets and open roads. The new suspension is softer off‑road but still a bit uneven on tarmac compared to the old Volkswagen Amarok – long commutes can feel a bit tiring. Off‑road, however, the Hilux shines: the suspension and drivetrain handle loose surfaces and obstacles easily, and the steering system reacts quickly on gravel.”
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