After a week with the Lexus GX 550 SE priced at R1 829 000, I discovered why this body-on-frame luxury people mover, for lack of a better classification, feels oddly at home among Hyde Park’s collection of Land Cruiser Prados, Defenders, and its own Lexus siblings.

The question that lingered throughout my seven-day test wasn’t whether the GX could justify its premium positioning, that much became apparent within the first few hours. Rather, I wondered whether Lexus had timed its entrance correctly, or if this V6-powered luxury off-roader arrived just as South Africa’s appetite for thirsty petrol engines began to wane.

Specifications and Positioning

The Lexus GX 550 Overtrail is priced at R1,766,000, while the more luxurious seven-seater SE variant retails at R1,829,000. Both derivatives share the same mechanical foundation but diverge sharply in character and purpose.

Key GX 550 Overtrail Specifications:

• Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol producing 260kW and 650Nm
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Full-time four-wheel drive with Torsen locking center differential
• Platform: TNGA-F body-on-frame (shared with Toyota Land Cruiser Prado)
• Seating: Five seats (Overtrail) or seven seats (SE)
• Ground clearance: Approximately 221mm
• Tyres: 265/70 R18 all-terrain on dark grey 18-inch wheels
• Warranty: Seven years/100,000km maintenance plan and warranty
• Fuel consumption: Claimed 12.5L/100km combined (reality proved somewhat different)

First Impressions: A Bold Departure

As soon as the Lexus GX was delivered to our driveway, I was immediately struck by how dramatically different it looks from its Prado platform-mate. Where Toyota opted for evolutionary refinement, Lexus chose revolution. The squared-off bonnet, aggressive spindle grille, and beefed-up black roof rails and automatic side sills create an imposing presence that somehow avoids crossing into ostentation.

The muscular, angular bodywork feels purpose-built rather than styled, with protective plastic cladding on lower body panels hinting at genuine off-road intent. This isn’t simply a luxury SUV playing dress-up in adventure gear, although admittedly, most GX owners will probably never test those capabilities beyond speed bumps and gravel driveways. Or the annual trip to the Kruger, really.

Navigating out of Sandton and toward Hyde Park, the GX’s size became immediately apparent. At just over three tonnes, this is a substantial vehicle, and while the light steering helps manoeuvrability, there’s no disguising the heft when threading through Johannesburg’s chaotic traffic. Yet somehow, it never feels unwieldy. The tight turning circle for such a large SUV means parking in Hyde Park’s boutique shopping centres proved less stressful than anticipated.

Living in Hyde Park: Among Its Natural Habitat

Hyde Park, for the uninitiated, represents perhaps Johannesburg’s highest concentration of premium SUVs per capita. Within a single block, you’ll find new Defenders parked alongside Land Cruiser 300s, with the occasional G-Class or Range Rover thrown in for good measure. Don’t even get me started about the odd Porsche and Lamborghini SUV. The GX 550 SE fit seamlessly into this automotive ecosystem, drawing appreciative nods from fellow luxury SUV owners who recognised its rarity and capability.

During school runs and coffee shop visits, the GX revealed its dual nature. The cabin, upholstered in durable NuLuxe faux-leather appropriate for both adventure and everyday luxury, struck a sensible balance between premium appointments and practical durability. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch central touchscreen running Lexus’s Interface system felt modern and intuitive, though I noted a slight learning curve for some functions that still relied on physical buttons scattered throughout the dashboard.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration work wirelessly, a detail that seems minor until you experience the convenience daily.

The Mark Levinson audio system on higher trims delivers impressive sound quality, though even the standard setup proved more than adequate. The heads-up display projects key information at an appropriate height and brightness, never feeling intrusive or overwhelming.

Safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision system—all functioning unobtrusively and proving genuinely useful in Johannesburg’s often-chaotic traffic conditions. The pre-collision system, in particular, offered several timely warnings when inattentive drivers suddenly braked or changed lanes without signaling.

Three-zone climate control kept all occupants comfortable during our late spring weather, while heated and ventilated front seats (with massage function) proved genuinely useful rather than mere checkbox features. The massage function, in particular, became a welcome companion during longer drives through Johannesburg’s increasingly congested streets.

Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin: multiple USB-C ports, sizeable door bins, and a useful centre console. The load bay offers a claimed 1 063 litres with the second row in place, expandable by folding those seats forward. For daily duties hauling groceries, gym bags, and the occasional furniture purchase, the GX proved more than adequate.

The V6 Question: Power and Consumption

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 delivers 260kW and 650Nm through a 10-speed automatic transmission, representing a significant departure from the Prado’s diesel powerplant. This engine choice defines the GX’s character more than any other single factor. Althought not for the better, I’m afraid.

Around town, the V6 feels smooth and refined, with power delivery that’s somewhat instant once the turbos spool up. There’s a hint of lag from a standing start, likely attributable to the weight and perhaps some low-end hesitancy from the transmission, but once momentum builds, the GX feels effortlessly capable. Overtaking on William Nicol or the M1 highway requires merely a flex of the right foot, and the 10-speed gearbox intelligently shuffles through ratios to keep the engine in its sweet spot.

The sound, when you push it, is glorious. There’s something deeply satisfying about a proper six-cylinder engine at full chat, even if some of that aural character feels artificially enhanced through the speakers. In daily driving, though, the GX remains impressively quiet, with wind and road noise well-suppressed.

The elephant in the room, however, is fuel consumption. Lexus claims 12.5L/100km combined, but reality painted a thirstier picture. During my week of typical Johannesburg driving which consists of a mix of highway commutes, suburban errands, and stop-start traffic, the GX averaged closer to 15-16L/100km. That’s hardly economical in an era of rising fuel prices, and it’s a figure that will give fleet managers and budget-conscious buyers genuine pause. Oh, and the range? Sub 400km on a full tank is not a good look at all.

For context, the Toyota Prado’s diesel returns roughly half that consumption, making it the more sensible choice for high-mileage operations. Yet there’s an intangible quality to the V6’s refinement that diesel can’t match, particularly in a vehicle wearing a Lexus badge.

Ride and Handling: Hydraulic Magic

The most impressive aspect of the Lexus GX 550 SE revealed itself over South Africa’s varied road surfaces. Despite riding on chunky all-terrain tyres and retaining a body-on-frame construction, the GX delivers a surprisingly smooth ride quality that rivals many unibody luxury SUVs.

Lexus achieves this through hydraulic suspension rather than air springs, a choice that pays dividends in both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The system soaks up Johannesburg’s notorious potholes with remarkable composure, never crashing over harsh impacts or feeling floaty through corners. There’s more body roll than you’d find in a BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE, certainly, but it’s well-controlled and predictable.

The road focused tyres make their presence known in a ride that feels smooth like butter.

Steering is light, perhaps too light for enthusiastic driving, but appropriately weighted for a three-tonne SUV primarily designed for comfort and capability rather than canyon carving. Turn-in is predictably lazy, with the GX’s height and mass making themselves known, but once settled into a corner, grip levels from both the all-terrain tyres and full-time four-wheel-drive system prove impressive.

Muldersdrift Adventure: Testing Off-Road Intent

The highlight of my week came on a Saturday drive out to Muldersdrift, where I could finally explore some of the GX’s off-road capabilities away from Hyde Park’s manicured streets. The route took us through a mix of gravel roads, modest rocky sections, and one particularly challenging rutted track that would have given a typical luxury SUV serious pause.

Engaging the Multi-Terrain Select system which offers six modes including Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, Mud & Sand, and Auto, the GX transformed from refined urban cruiser to confident off-roader. The lockable rear differential and E-KDSS system work together to maximise traction and articulation, allowing the GX to clamber over obstacles that would require careful line selection in lesser vehicles.

The Crawl Control with Turn Assist manages throttle, brake inputs, and steering responsiveness at low speeds, essentially providing an off-road cruise control that lets you focus solely on steering while the vehicle handles everything else. It’s not a feature I’d need regularly, but its effectiveness impressed nonetheless.

More useful was the Multi-Terrain Monitor which is essentially a 360-degree camera system with transparent wheel placement visualisation. When navigating tight sections between rocks or positioning wheels on specific lines, this system proved invaluable. The cameras’ resolution could be sharper, but functionality trumps pixel count when you’re trying to avoid panel damage.

Ground clearance of approximately 221mm, combined with robust underbody protection, meant I never heard concerning scrapes or thuds despite deliberately choosing challenging routes. The GX inspired genuine confidence in ways that most luxury SUVs simply cannot match.

The Competition: Where Does It Fit?

At R1 829 000, the GX 550 SE positions itself among serious competition. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado costs considerably less while offering similar capability (albeit with diesel power and less luxury). The Land Rover Defender 110 in comparable specification runs slightly more expensive, though it offers distinctive styling and arguably more authentic heritage. BMW’s X5, Audi’s Q7, and Mercedes-Benz’s GLE-Class all play in this price range, though none can match the GX’s body-on-frame ruggedness and genuine off-road capability.

The GX makes its case through a combination of factors: Lexus reliability and build quality, genuine off-road hardware that most competitors can’t match, and a level of refinement that diesel alternatives struggle to achieve. Whether that equation justifies the premium depends entirely on your priorities.

For families who genuinely venture off paved roads, the GX delivers capability that luxury crossovers simply cannot match. For those seeking maximum practicality and economy, the Prado makes more sense. For buyers wanting distinctiveness combined with genuine capability, few alternatives exist.

Seven Days Later: Final Thoughts

Returning the GX 550 SE after a week in Johannesburg, I found myself surprisingly reluctant to hand back the keys. This wasn’t the vehicle I expected to love; body-on-frame SUVs with thirsty petrol engines feel decidedly out of step with current automotive trends. Yet the GX’s combination of genuine capability, surprising refinement, and undeniable presence created an experience that transcended spec-sheet rationality.

In Hyde Park, surrounded by other premium SUVs, the GX never felt out of place despite being the newest nameplate in Lexus’s lineup. Its bold styling aged well over the week, never feeling like it was trying too hard or would quickly date. The interior quality and attention to detail matched expectations for the Lexus badge, while the driving experience delivered more engagement than anticipated from what’s essentially a luxury truck.

The fuel consumption remains a genuine concern, particularly for buyers covering significant distances. At 15-16L/100km in real-world conditions, running costs will exceed many competitors. Yet there’s something to be said for the V6’s refinement, the instant power delivery, and the surprisingly engaging character it brings to the driving experience.

For the right buyer, someone who appreciates genuine capability even if rarely fully utilized, values Lexus quality and reliability, and can stomach the fuel bills, the GX 550 Overtrail makes a compelling case. It’s not the rational choice, certainly not the economical one, but it delivers an ownership experience that few alternatives can match.

In a market dominated by unibody crossovers masquerading as SUVs, there’s something refreshingly honest about the GX’s approach. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s a proper body-on-frame SUV with genuine off-road credentials, wrapped in luxury and refinement that makes it equally at home on Hyde Park’s streets as on Muldersdrift’s trails.

“I really want to drive this SUV some more” isn’t a phrase I expected to utter about a three-tonne petrol-powered body-on-frame truck. Yet here we are.

The updates strengthen the Rumion’s position in the competitive seven-seat MPV segment, addressing family-focused buyers who prioritize space, efficiency, and safety equipment.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About The 2025 Renault Triber

Exterior Dimensions Increase for Improved Practicality

The 2025 Rumion receives subtle dimensional changes that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The roof extends by 120mm, pillars widen by 22mm, and the rear overhang grows by 40mm. These modifications refine the vehicle’s proportions while improving interior space utilization.

Visual updates include a redesigned rear bumper and new rear combination lamps that modernize the vehicle’s appearance. A roof-end spoiler and roof-side spoilers now come standard across all grades, complementing the black mesh grille introduced in previous model updates.

The dimensional changes provide tangible benefits: improved headroom for third-row passengers and increased cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The extended roof particularly addresses feedback about rear-seat comfort during longer journeys.

Comprehensive Safety Upgrades Standard Across Range

For 2025, all Rumion models now include side and curtain airbags as standard equipment, expanding protection beyond the front-row occupants previously covered by dual front airbags.

The third-row seating area receives three headrests instead of the previous two-headrest configuration, providing proper support for all passengers when the third row is fully occupied. The second-row center seatbelt upgrades from a two-point lap belt to a full three-point configuration, meeting modern safety standards for middle-seat occupants.

These changes align with Toyota’s broader safety initiative and respond to evolving consumer expectations for comprehensive protection across all seating positions—particularly important for family-focused vehicles regularly carrying children.

Enhanced Connectivity for Rear Passengers

Interior convenience improvements focus on modern connectivity needs. The mid-level SX grade gains a Type-C charging port in the second row for 2025, while the range-topping TX grade receives Type-C charging sockets in both the second and third rows.

This addresses the reality of families traveling with multiple devices requiring simultaneous charging—smartphones, tablets, and portable gaming systems all benefit from dedicated power access throughout the cabin.

The charging port additions complement the Rumion’s existing infotainment system and climate control features, creating a more connected travel environment for passengers across all seating rows.

Proven Powertrain Continues with Efficient Performance

The Rumion retains Toyota’s 1.5-liter K15B four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, producing 77kW and 138Nm of torque. This powertrain prioritizes efficiency and reliability over outright performance—characteristics valued by the MPV’s target market.

Transmission options remain split across grades: a five-speed manual transmission for entry and mid-level models, and a four-speed automatic for higher specifications. Fuel consumption maintains an impressive 6.2 liters per 100km across both transmission types.

Performance figures include CO₂ emissions of 146-147g/km and top speeds of 175km/h for manual variants and 170km/h for automatics. These specifications position the Rumion as an efficient family transporter rather than a performance-oriented vehicle.

The engine’s naturally aspirated design delivers predictable power delivery without turbocharger complexity, contributing to lower maintenance requirements and enhanced long-term reliability—key considerations for high-mileage family use.

Seven Exterior Color Options Available

Toyota offers the 2025 Rumion in seven exterior colours catering to varied aesthetic preferences:

• Mystic Pearl White
• Premier Liquid Silver
• Azure Blue
• Seal Grey Metallic
• Autumn Blaze Red
• Cedar Brown
• Shadow Black Pearl

The colour palette balances conservative options (white, silver, grey, black) with more expressive choices (blue, red, brown), allowing buyers to select finishes matching personal taste or practical considerations like heat reflection in warmer climates.

Competitive Pricing Across Five Variants

Toyota structured the 2025 Rumion lineup across five variants with clear feature differentiation:

• Rumion 1.5 S MT: R307,900
• Rumion 1.5 SX MT: R353,800
• Rumion 1.5 SX AT: R373,400
• Rumion 1.5 TX MT: R383,000
• Rumion 1.5 TX AT: R403,600

The pricing strategy maintains accessibility at the entry level while offering clear value progression through higher grades. The R20,000 premium for automatic transmission reflects market norms, while the gap between manual variants indicates substantial equipment differences.

Competitive positioning places the Rumion below traditional MPVs like the Toyota Avanza Premio and established crossovers, targeting budget-conscious families requiring seven-seat capacity without premium segment pricing.

Key Specifications: 2025 Toyota Rumion

• Engine: 1.5L K15B naturally aspirated 4-cylinder
• Power: 77kW
• Torque: 138Nm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (grade dependent)
• Fuel Consumption: 6.2L/100km
• CO₂ Emissions: 146-147g/km
• Top Speed: 175km/h (MT) / 170km/h (AT)
• Seating: 7 seats (2+3+2 configuration)
• Safety: Dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, 3-point seatbelts all rows
• Service Plan: 4 services/60,000km (15,000km intervals)
• Warranty: 3-year/100,000km

After spending a week with the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8XR HEV, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: this might be the most underrated vehicle in Toyota’s current lineup. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming name or the fact that it shares DNA with the ubiquitous Corolla sedan – this crossover brings something genuinely fresh to a market saturated with look-alike compact SUVs.

First Impressions: More Than Just a Raised Corolla

The Corolla Cross immediately stands out with its distinctive styling. Toyota has taken a bold approach with the closed-off meet honey comb front grille that gives it a modern, somewhat futuristic appearance. Throughout my week with the car, I noticed more than a few curious glances from pedestrians and fellow drivers alike – not something you’d typically expect from a vehicle wearing the Corolla badge.

The LED headlights and daytime running lights add a premium touch to the front fascia, creating a distinctive light signature that’s recognizable even at a distance. These aren’t just for show either – the LED illumination provides excellent visibility during night driving, with a crisp, bright beam that effectively lit up the dark rural roads during my Free State journey.

In the metal, it projects a more substantial presence than photos might suggest. The design manages to appear both sophisticated and rugged – a difficult balance that many crossovers attempt but few achieve. The XR trim level adds just enough chrome accents and premium touches without veering into gaudy territory.

The Hybrid Heart: Impressive Efficiency with Some Caveats

Under the bonnet, the 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain doesn’t promise neck-snapping acceleration, and it doesn’t deliver it either. What it does offer is remarkable efficiency that consistently surprised me throughout my test week. Around town, the system seamlessly switches between electric and petrol power, often favoring battery operation during low-speed maneuvers.

During my extended journey to Bethlehem in the Free State, the hybrid system maintained an impressive 5.5l/100km average across various driving conditions. Only when tackling the more demanding sections of the N3, particularly while climbing hills and overtaking trucks, did consumption rise to 6.7l/100km – still commendable figures for a vehicle of this size and practicality.

Where the powertrain does reveal its limitations is during those aforementioned overtaking maneuvers. There’s a noticeable lag when demanding sudden acceleration, requiring some forward planning when passing slower vehicles. The CVT transmission, while excellent for efficiency, doesn’t help matters here, occasionally feeling indecisive when quick responses are needed.

Ride Quality: The Unexpected Strength

If I had to pick one standout quality that took me by surprise, it would be the Corolla Cross’s exceptional ride comfort. Toyota has absolutely nailed the suspension tuning on this vehicle. During my Free State adventure, the crossover handled uneven tarmac and gravel roads with remarkable composure, feeling completely at home in these less-than-ideal conditions.

The suspension soaks up imperfections without floating or wallowing, striking a balance that few vehicles at this price point achieve. It’s neither too firm nor too soft – just right for our road conditions that often throw a mix of surfaces at you within a single journey.

Road and wind noise could be better suppressed, as it gets worse at highway speeds.

Tech and Connectivity: Practical Without Being Flashy

The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits prominently atop the dashboard, offering decent visibility without being overwhelmingly large. While the screen resolution isn’t class-leading and the graphics appear somewhat dated compared to some rivals, functionality rarely suffers. Response times are adequate rather than snappy, but the system proves reliable throughout my week of testing.

Complementing the central display is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that provides clear, easy-to-read information about vehicle status, driving efficiency, and hybrid system operation.

Connectivity is well-catered for with three USB ports – two up front (USB-C) and one in the rear, ensuring everyone’s devices stay charged on longer journeys.

The infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – a feature that worked flawlessly throughout my test, automatically connecting my phone each time I started the vehicle. Bluetooth pairing is equally straightforward and maintains a stable connection.

Interior: Practical Over Flashy

Step inside the Corolla Cross XR, and you’re greeted by an interior that prioritizes function over flair. This isn’t the most visually exciting cabin in the segment, but the ergonomics are spot-on, with controls falling easily to hand and an intuitive layout that requires minimal distraction from the road.

The partial leather seats deserve special mention – offering excellent support during my seven-hour round trip without causing any discomfort or fatigue. Rear passengers are treated to generous legroom and headroom, making this a genuine family-friendly option.

The dual-zone climate control system maintains a comfortable cabin temperature with minimal fuss, while rear air vents ensure back-seat passengers aren’t neglected in extreme weather conditions.

Storage options abound throughout the cabin, with thoughtfully designed cubbies, 6 cup holders and compartments that demonstrate Toyota’s understanding of how people actually use their vehicles in everyday life.

Cargo Space and Practicality

The boot offers a generous 440 liters of space – more than enough for a family weekend away. The hybrid battery pack doesn’t significantly intrude on cargo capacity, which isn’t always the case with electrified vehicles. The loading lip is reasonably low, making it easy to slide heavier items in and out.

One minor complaint: the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, creating a slight step in the extended load floor. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth noting if you regularly transport larger items.

Safety and Technology

The Corolla Cross XR comes loaded with Toyota Safety Sense features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. These systems operate unobtrusively in the background, providing peace of mind without constant annoying interventions.

The adaptive cruise control proved particularly useful on the longer highway stretches, maintaining a set distance from vehicles ahead with natural acceleration and deceleration profiles. The lane-keeping system is more of a gentle nudge than an aggressive intervention, which I personally prefer.

The reversing camera offers adequate resolution through the 10.1-inch display, with dynamic guidelines making parking maneuvers straightforward. The six-speaker sound system delivers clear audio quality that, while not audiophile-grade, provides pleasant listening for music and podcasts alike.

Value Proposition

When considering the complete package – the efficient hybrid powertrain, impressive ride quality, practical interior, and comprehensive safety features – the Corolla Cross 1.8XR HEV presents compelling value. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not, instead focusing on delivering core attributes that matter in everyday ownership.

Yes, there are more exciting-looking crossovers on the market. Yes, some competitors offer more powerful engines or flashier tech interfaces. But few deliver this level of all-around competence with the promise of Toyota’s legendary reliability backing it up.

Final Thoughts

After returning the keys, I found myself with a newfound respect for what Toyota has accomplished with the Corolla Cross. It doesn’t shout for attention or rely on gimmicks to stand out. Instead, it quietly goes about its business with remarkable efficiency and refinement.

The occasional powertrain lag and some interior plastics that feel a touch below premium standard are minor complaints in what is otherwise an exceptionally well-rounded package. For buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and comfortable family crossover that can handle whatever South African roads throw at it, the Corolla Cross 1.8XR HEV deserves much more attention than it currently receives.

Sometimes the best surprises come in unassuming packages – and this underrated Toyota certainly delivered more than I expected throughout our week together.

The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV is priced from R545 200.

The new 48V system seamlessly integrates with the existing 2.8-litre GD-6 turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. This combination enhances performance with a 12kW power boost and 65Nm torque boost. More importantly, Toyota claims a significant 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the standard 2.8-litre engine.

The 48V system also elevates the Hilux’s off-road prowess. It features a stop-start system that functions imperceptibly, ensuring quick and quiet engine restarts. Additionally, the system allows for longer engine shut-off periods while idling in traffic, contributing to further fuel savings.

When decelerating, the system recovers braking energy, resulting in a natural braking feel. Conversely, during acceleration, the motor generator provides additional power, translating to smoother and more responsive pickup.

For the 4×4 Hilux variants, the 48V system comes with Multi-Terrain Select, offering various modes that optimize wheel traction on diverse terrains. Notably, the placement of the motor generator unit is strategic, ensuring the Hilux retains its exceptional off-road capability.

Competitive Pricing and Striking Visual Refresh

The 48V technology boasts a competitive price point, offering a small premium over the standard models. This makes it an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers seeking improved efficiency.

Toyota has also given the Raider a striking visual refresh. The new front end features a redesigned bumper, honeycomb mesh grille, and new fog lamp bezels. Black accents replace chrome on the side mirrors, door handles, rear bumper, and tailgate handle for a more contemporary look.

The 2.4-liter model gains retractable mirrors, while the 2.8-liter boasts leather seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver. The Raider 48V adds convenience features like jam protection, auto up/down windows on all doors, push start, smart entry, and Multi-Terrain Select.

Extensive Customization Options

Toyota offers a wide range of approved lifestyle accessories for the Hilux Raider, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles. These include roof racks, tents, boxes, bike carriers, fridges, recovery boards, solar panels, and more. These accessories can be conveniently ordered and installed through Toyota dealerships.

All new Toyota vehicles come equipped with features like in-car WiFi capability and a suite of connected services accessible through the MyToyota platform.

The new Toyota Hilux Raider with the 48V MHEV option starts at R785,400 for the Double Cab RB 6AT variant. The refreshed Raider lineup is expected to hit South African dealerships soon.

Looks-wise, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is quite an attractive car. It has a bold and robust design, with a muscular stance that gives it a rugged appearance. The front of the vehicle features a striking grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that blend seamlessly into the bonnet. The rear is also well-designed, with a high-mounted stop light that sits above the rear windscreen, and a set of taillights that wrap around the corners of the car. They are very distinctive, and look great too as they use also LED technology.

The Urban Cruiser has a high ground clearance and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, which further emphasises its off-road capabilities. The bodywork is available in a range of vibrant colours, including a vibrant Orange hue that certainly turns heads.

Moving inside, the Urban Cruiser offers a comfortable and spacious cabin that can accommodate up to five passengers. The seats are upholstered in fabric and the driver’s seat is height adjustable, providing a comfortable driving position. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, with Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration. It is Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay enabled. The sound system includes four speakers, and there are USB ports for charging devices.

In terms of pricing, the Urban Cruiser is quite competitively priced, starting at R329 400 for the entry-level XS Manual model. The mid-range XR Manual model comes in at R347 400, while the range-topping XR Auto model is priced at R369 900. These prices are in line with other vehicles in its class, such as the Ford EcoSport, VW T-Cross, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Hyundai Venue.

I had the opportunity to drive the Urban Cruiser with both the automatic and manual transmissions. The automatic transmission was a bit disappointing, with slow gear changes that felt sluggish and unresponsive. It only has 4 speeds, which adds to the frustration. However, the manual transmission was much more engaging to drive, with a smoother and more responsive gear change. The Urban Cruiser’s suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride even on rough gravel roads.

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is a solid addition to the SUV market. It looks great, is competitively priced, and has a comfortable ride. While the automatic transmission may be a bit of a letdown, the manual transmission is a much better option for those looking for a more engaging driving experience.

There were more 4 000 vehicles damaged on site during the floods but the costliest damage was to the plant infrastructure itself – including robots and other machines.

Earlier today we took a quick trip to the company’s Durban based plant to see how clean-up efforts were going and where it might be going in terms of planning and getting fully operational. During the visit, Toyota SA wasted no time in announcing that the plant has resumed operations – at about seventy percent – and that it aims to reach the hundred percent mark by December.

Toyota’s Prospecton Plant produces Corolla Cross and Quest as well as segment leaders Hilux, Hiace Ses’fikile and Fortuner – while also assembling a variety of Hino commercial vehicles. All the other production lines have resumed production with the exception of Corolla Quest, which is due to commence on 17 August.

When asked about how the news of the floods were received by Toyota Headquarters, Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of TSAM said “We communicated with Japan (Toyota Motor Corporation) on the night of the 12^th April; I very quickly got a message back of support and an offer from them to do whatever they could to help. They dispatched a lot of experts to support us, helping us to repair, identify, diagnose and replace and then communicating with suppliers all over the world to source replacement parts.”

“Despite these challenges, there was no impact at all to Toyota’s long-term future in South Africa. The commitment to rebuild this site has been incredible. We know that our recovery will not be smooth, but by next year we plan to be stronger and better than we were before.” Kirby concluded.

Buyers can select a pair of option packages called F Sport Design and F Sport Handling, respectively. The former focuses on appearance and equipment. It adds F Sport wheels, a specific grille, painted wheel arch flares, dark roof rails, a black roof panel, a moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, cornering lights and self-leveling headlights. Inside, the list of F Sport-specific parts includes the front sport seats, steering wheel, gear selector, instrument cluster and pedals. The latter goes a step further with performance-tuned dampers, an Active Variable Suspension system and a brace to the steering gear. We’re told that these changes noticeably improve the UXh’s handling.

Even if you choose not to tick either box, the 2023 UXh should drive better and quieter than the 2022 UX. Lexus notes that it recalibrated the steering and suspension systems and, interestingly, added 20 spot welds to the body to improve structural rigidity.

Inside, the most significant changes for 2023 are infotainment related. The UXh gets the Lexus Interface infotainment system already found in some of the other models in the range, like the NX. It’s displayed on an eight-inch touchscreen (a 12.3-inch unit is optional) with anti-glare technology, and it brings with it a redesigned center console with a bigger wireless device charger and a pair of USB charging ports.

For 2023, every UXh regardless of trim level comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driving aids. This bundle includes a pre-collision system, emergency steering assist, lane-tracing assist and adaptive cruise control. Lexus notes that the pre-collision system’s response range has been expanded with better hardware and that artificial intelligence helped it improve the lane-tracing assist function.

Lexus dealers across the Mzansi will begin receiving the 2023 UXh later this year, if our timing estimations are correct. Pricing information hasn’t been announced yet.

Talking about the topic, TSAM President and CEO of TSAM Andrew Kirby noted that the local market is not yet conducive for the full adoption of BEVs, citing infrastructural shortcomings related to energy generation as well as high import duties.

“the local market is not yet conducive for the full adoption of BEVs”

Kirby added while its noted that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition published a Green Paper on incentivising the local manufacture and purchase of new energy vehicles last year, it is hoped that the policy would kick off soon after the white paper has been adopted in due course.

Only a handful of German manufacturers currently have presence while others have confirmed the market introduction of their electric vehicles on local soil.

It’s worth mentioning that Toyota plans to roll out 30 BEV models by 2030 and that Lexus is aiming for 100% BEV sales globally by 2035. When these models will reach Mzansi is yet to be confirmed.

The only components of the vehicle not made from building blocks are the wheels and tires, driver seat, steering wheel, and exterior badging. All of those components appear to come directly from Toyota’s sports car. While the driver seat is an actual seat from a Supra, the passenger seat is made from Lego bricks.

If the fact that the driver seat and steering wheel aren’t made from bricks doesn’t tip you off, the car can move under its own power with a driver behind the wheel. The model is extremely detailed complete with working headlights and daytime running lights.

Almost all components of the interior are constructed from Lego bricks. In addition to the steering wheel and the driver seat being actual vehicle components, the gauge cluster also comes from an actual Supra. Lego and Toyota didn’t cram the Supra in-line-six cylinder engine under the bonnet of the Lego creation. It has an electric engine capable of reaching a top speed of 28km/h.

Instead, the builders opted for an electric motor powered by batteries. Lego has a history of building full-size reproductions of cool cars and has in the past made full-scale builds with McLaren, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. However, we don’t recall any of those vehicles being able to move under their own power.

As close as you can get to your own Lego Supra is buying the available Speed Champions miniature version of the car, which is available at various retailers. We wonder if any of the bricks used to build the Lego Supra are held together by glue or means other than simply stacking them together.

The 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser is still sitting on a modified body-on-frame chassis developed by combining the J200 Series platform with Toyota’s new GA-F TNGA architecture.

As expected, the result is a remarkable weight loss over the outgoing J200 Land Cruiser with a lower centre of gravity. Toyota also tinkered with the weight distribution while improving the suspension architecture to make the SUV more agile and comfortable whether on or off-road.

But alas, the Land Cruiser’s mighty V8 engine bids goodbye in the tenth-generation model. In its place is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine generating 305 kW of power and 650Nm of torque, meanwhile the 3.3 litre twin turbocharged diesel is good for 225 kW and 700Nm of power.

Both V6 engines will have a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels via a full-time four-wheel drivetrain with a two-speed transfer case. Both the engine and transmission are now sitting 1.1-inches lower and 2.8-inches further back to improve the handling and weight distribution.

Underneath, the 2022 Land Cruiser has an updated independent front and live-axle rear suspension. Still, it now has Toyota’s Kinematic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that disables the anti-roll bars when the going gets tough. The system can also modify the resistance of the roll bars to allow more excellent articulation between the front and rear axles.

Style-wise, you wouldn’t mistake the 2022 Land Cruiser for any other large SUV. The box-ish body proportions remain, but it now has a bigger front grille and higher-mounted headlights and taillights. Toyota will be offering the newest Land Cruiser in three different guises, namely GX-R, ZX and GR-S. GX-R remains the utility-focussed model and serves as the entry point to the range, while the ZX replaces the VX-R as the luxury model.

For the first time on Land Cruiser, a GR Sport (aka GR-S) grade will be offered which serves as the off-road performance model.

Inside, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser has a modern dashboard with a largish infotainment touchscreen display. And unlike the previous generations, it now has third-row seats that fold flat in the floor. Toyota Safety Sense is also standard and includes an updated pre-collision system that detects pedestrians and cyclists during the day and night. It also gets a new Parking Support Brake that recognizes obstacles in the front and back of the vehicle while parking or reversing.

The 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Model Line-up is as follows:
Land Cruiser 300 GX-R 3.3D – R 1 283 200
Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.3D – R 1 765 500
Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.5T – R 1 797 100
Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.3D – R 1 811 900
Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.5T – R 1 842 900

Toyota plans to expand its product portfolio to around 70 models globally by 2025. That number will include 15 new battery electric vehicles, seven of which will be bZ models. Toyota says “bZ” stands for beyond zero. Toyota has also confirmed that it intends to bring electrification to its truck line-up, including hybrid and fully electric powertrains.

The Toyota bZ4X was jointly developed with Subaru and is built on the new e-TNGA BEV dedicated platform. Toyota promises the concept will integrate its legendary quality, durability, and long-term reliability combined with the all-wheel-drive capability that Subaru was known for. The vehicle has a long wheelbase with short overhangs creating a distinctive design with lots of interior space.

The interior is an open-concept design meant to enhance driver comfort and confidence on the road. Toyota says that every detail of the vehicle was purposefully engineered, including the location of the gauges above the steering wheel to give the vehicle a sense of space while helping to increase visibility for safe and secure driving.

The Toyota bZ4X will be built in Japan and China. Toyota aims to begin global sales of the model by the middle of 2022. The vehicle is certainly very attractive inside and out. Big mysteries remain about the EV. Namely, Toyota does not indicate driving range, charge time, pricing, or performance.

On the local front, Toyota South Africa Motors has not detailed any plans of an all-electric rollout, sighting expansion of its hybrid portfolio for the time being.

For 2021, the Prius has been outfitted with some notable upgrades and enhancements to align with other Toyota models. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) has been adopted, bringing with it an array of safety aids in the form of a Pre-Crash System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) plus Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA).

The Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor functions can be reached quickly via dedicated steering switches – allowing the driver to activate/de-activate and adjust sensitivity levels.

The obligatory ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and VSC functions are included too.

Step inside and you’ll se that the touchscreen infotainment system has been updated to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also benefitting from a higher-resolution display. There’s also the Heads-Up Display (HUD), Reverse Camera, high-definition Multi-Information Display, seat heaters with electric lumbar support and wireless (cellphone) charging. Dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror ramp up the convenience quotient.

The core USB, Aux and Bluetooth functionality remains – while playing through a high-quality six-speaker setup. Toyota Connect is fitted as standard – offering in-car Wi-Fi connectivity with a complimentary 15Gb of data – and telematics interface with the MyToyota app.

The 2021 Toyota Prius 1.8 is priced at R566 400.