Every Bakkie Confirmed for SA in 2026 [Updated]

From new models to updated lineups, we highlight every bakkie that’s been confirmed to launch in South Africa in 2026.

New Toyota Hilux

New Toyota Hilux front

Image: Toyota

In February 2026, the ninth-generation Hilux was spotted in SA. However, despite being spotted on our shores, at the time, an official launch date for the new Hilux, which we detail in our Come the Hour: New Toyota Hilux feature, had yet to be announced. Well, fast forward to April 2026, and the local launch date for the ninth iteration of SA’s best-selling bakkie has been confirmed – June 2026. Based on an updated version of the Japanese automaker’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform – the latter also underpinning the SA-bound new Land Cruiser FJ, which will cost less than the top-of-the-range Hilux – the box-fresh Hilux retains the outgoing, eighth-generation model’s trusted GD-6 powertrain, available in “standard” and 48 V mild-hybrid format. The 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine will be available with 4×2 and part-time 4×4 drivetrains. A first for a Hilux, the new model adopts electric power steering.

Chery Himla

Chery Himla

Image: Chery

The Chery Himla, which we sampled for a first drive in China in 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 assembly plant in Brazil. In SA, the Himla is expected to employ a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 120 kW and 420 N.m of torque. Chery has also confirmed the ‘KP31’ (as the prototype is codenamed), which employs a “world-first” plug-in hybrid (PHEV) diesel powertrain, will make its way to our market either towards the end of 2026 or early 2027. However, the company’s local arm has revealed to us that it is “pushing hard” to launch the latter model this year.

Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw W600

VW Amarok Walkinshaw side profile

Image: Volkswagen

The VW Amarok Walkinshaw (or W600) is scheduled to launch in SA in the fourth quarter of 2026. In addition to sporting model-specific interior and exterior design elements, this model gains a revised suspension setup, to name but one of the several upgrades. The Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok will employ a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine.

JMC Grand Avenue

JMC Grand Avenue front

Image: JMC

JMC, who relaunched its SA operations in 2025 with the introduction of the Vigus bakkie, is set to expand its local bakkie portfolio with the introduction of the Grand Avenue. 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.

More powerful diesel engine option for Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Triton

Image: Mitsubishi

Introduced to our market with a 2.4-litre single-turbo diesel powertrain, in 2026, the local Mitsubishi Triton lineup will also gain a new twin-turbo 2.4-litre diesel engine option, which churns out 150 kW and 470 N.m of torque.

New diesel engine option for GWM P500

2025 GWM P500 front

Image: GWM

GWM’s local arm has confirmed it will introduce a newly developed 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine option 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

JAC T9 Hunter

Image: JAC

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 a 144 kW/487 N.m turbodiesel of similar capacity. The latter is exclusive to the T9 Hunter variant.

New trim grade for JAC T8

JAC T8 double cab front

Image: JAC

In addition to the T9 lineup receiving a PHEV powertrain option, JAC’s local arm will introduce an entry-level, Comfort spec to its T8 lineup.

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The post Every Bakkie Confirmed for SA in 2026 [Updated] appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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