2026 Bakkie Brawl: Hilux, D-Max and Ranger all getting upgrades - here's what to expect
2026 will bring new versions of SA's three top-selling bakkies.
Image: Jason Woosey
2026 will be a big year for South Africa’s bakkie market, with the country’s three best-selling stalwarts all due to receive updates.
The most comprehensive of these is the top-selling Toyota Hilux, which receives significant exterior and interior enhancements as well as under-the-skin upgrades.
The Isuzu D-Max is also set to receive a facelift, while Ford’s Ranger will see a range realignment take place alongside a few subtle cosmetic tweaks.
All three vehicles are locally manufactured for local consumption and export, and that status will continue for all three following the 2026 upgrades.
New Toyota Hilux
Falling somewhere between a new generation and a comprehensive facelift, the new Toyota Hilux has been confirmed for South African introduction in 2026, but specific launch timing and other details remain under wraps.
New Toyota Hilux.
Image: Supplied
The newcomer retains the current version’s basic architecture and body shell, but the front and rear ends have been completely redesigned, and the interior is completely new, as well.
Inside, the all-new dashboard features a more horizontal shape, and it incorporates a ‘floating’ touchscreen, available in 7.0-inch and 12.3-inch guises, depending on the model.
All-new interior.
Image: Supplied
Technologically, the Hilux has been brought up to date with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a digital instrument cluster and electronic park brake.
Under the bonnet, the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine carries over, with outputs of 150kW and 500Nm, and mild hybrid tech continues to be available. The current 2.4 GD-6 diesel and normally aspirated petrol motors will likely also be retained for the South African market.
Beneath the skin, the new Hilux also sees upgrades to the chassis and traction control systems, including the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, which is available on certain variants overseas.
An all-electric model has also been released overseas, but there is no word on whether this will ever be released locally.
Isuzu D-Max facelift
Isuzu South Africa has confirmed that its facelifted D-Max bakkie will be introduced to South Africa during 2026.
It is somewhat overdue, with overseas versions having gained the upgrades in 2023 already, but better late than never for South Africa’s third-best-selling bakkie.
Isuzu D-Max facelift.
Image: Supplied
In overseas markets, the updated D-Max received a wider front grille, a new bonnet with ‘power dome’ and fresh headlights, while the taillights gained new inner elements.
The cabin was revised with a new digital instrument cluster, and the central infotainment system was revised to include new graphics, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a physical volume button.
The cabin gains a tech upgrade.
Image: Supplied
Although not confirmed, the update could also see the local introduction of a new 2.2-litre ‘MaxForce’ turbodiesel engine, which has been launched on overseas markets. It produces 120kW and 400Nm, up from the current 1.9-litre base engine’s 110kW and 350Nm.
Isuzu Motors SA CEO Billy Tom recently told Cars.co.za that the local division was looking at the new engine, but didn’t want to move too fast.
“We want to ensure that they’ve been tested, because we need to play to our strengths,” he said during a podcast with the website.
Other local details will, of course, also be divulged closer to launch.
Ford Ranger realignment
The Toyota Hilux’s biggest rival is also set for some enhancements in 2026, with Ford’s revised Ranger set to reach local shores during the first half of the year.
Ford South Africa will be offering a revised line-up that it says is better suited to the needs of its customers.
The Ford Ranger receives darker accents for 2026. New XLT pictured.
Image: Supplied
The big news is the discontinuation of the 155kW 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine. However, the gap will be plugged, to a degree, by a new 2.3-litre turbopetrol engine, which produces 222kW and 452Nm. The current 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel will also become available on a wider range of derivatives. The 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel, while continuing to produce 125kW and 405Nm, has been upgraded with a new timing chain for improved durability. This model also gains a 10-speed automatic gearbox option in place of the previous six-speed.
For the first time ever, the Sport trim level will be offered in South Africa, and it will be available with the aforementioned 2.3-litre petrol and 3.0 V6 diesel engine options. The latter will now also be fitted to the Ranger Tremor. The regular Wildtrak will be fitted with the 2.3 petrol in 4x2 guise and the 3.0 V6 diesel in 4x4 configuration.
The base model Ranger is being discontinued, leaving the XL and XLT models at the lower end of the range - and both will be powered by the single-turbo diesel engine.
Although Ford SA hasn’t specifically mentioned cosmetic upgrades, our Ranger could mimic overseas versions, which gain new colour accents, with chromes and greys making way for black, and an updated wheel design for the Wildtrak.
IOL Motoring