Sub-Toyota HiLux ute details firm! Toyota 'doing a lot of development' on small ute and it could debut soon

Toyota’s rumoured sub-HiLux small ute has been confirmed by executives in South Africa, as details and even timing become clearer for the model.

Reported by South African publication iol.co.za, the ute could debut as early as 2025, with production likely to take place in South Africa.

Toyota South Africa’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing Leon Theron told the publication the ‘bakkie’ or ute won’t be the same as some other car-based utes, but instead a more capable commercial vehicle.

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“It won’t be a half-ton bakkie,” said Theron. “We believe it will take the market by storm and are still doing a lot of development around it.”

The company’s VP of Marketing and Communications Glenn Crompton elaborated with more details around timing, as well as where the ute may be built.

“Something that’s in the same space but more affordable than the Hilux that we’re looking at releasing around 2025/26.”

With the ute’s apparent debut approaching fast, and Toyota being a relatively careful company when it comes to planning, the vehicle’s production home will be decided soon if it comes to fruition.

Crompton said the South African plant is “quite complex” and could be suited to adding an extra model line. 

“We produce Fortuner, HiLux, Corolla Cross, Hiace, Corolla Quest and trucks.

“Ideally though, that's the kind of product we want to produce in Africa because it’s a product for Africa.”

The expectation that the ute will become a model for developing markets is the key indicator that it may not end up in Australia, despite our serious hunger for dual-cabs.