5 things you need to know about the Toyota Hilux Legend 50
Toyota's Hilux gets a super-specced Legend derivative every five years, as the Hilux continues to be SA's most loved and respected bakkie. Toying with the idea of buying a pre-owned Legend 50? Learn more about this Heritage Edition Hilux from Toyota, which was introduced in 2019.
1. The Toyota Hilux Legend 50 is a South African Icon
The Toyota Hilux Legend 50 follows in the footsteps of the limited edition Legend 45 launched in 2014 and the Legend 35, which became available in 2004. (These are hard to find as used models—a testament to their desirability.)
Toyota South Africa first created a bespoke limited-edition model, the Legend 35, in 2004. It was followed by the Legend 40 and Legend 45 in 2009 and 2014, respectively. We'll probably be getting the latest Legend Bakkie when another five years have passed, i.e., in 2024, but the Hilux was given a spec update for 2023.
In July 2019, Toyota SA welcomed the then-new Legend 50 to local shores, and Chad Lückhoff attended the launch. You can read his article here, namely First drive - Toyota Hilux Legend 50 and Hilux GR Sport.
2. The Legend 50 boasts seriously cool exterior styling elements
At the front end, a glossy blacked-out grille makes the Legend 50 look mean and imposing. Stylish silver accent lines add visual flair to the fog lamp area, while LED headlamps with daytime running lamps take care of modernising the Legend 50s tough-guy demeanour.
The Legend 50's side profile is adorned with black protective mouldings, chrome mirrors, and black side steps, as well as a sports bar with Legend 50 branding. A textured, heavy-duty, lockable tonneau cover keeps whatever you're transporting safe and dry.
The rear has a black bumper, Legend 50 badging, and a standard tow bar. The Legend 50 has exclusive dual-toned 18-inch alloy wheels with 265-60-R18 tyres that offer plenty of grip.
Related: The complete guide to buying, owning and selling your Toyota Hilux
3. On the inside, things look pretty legendary too...
The roomy and driver-centric interior is very luxurious, with perforated black leather seats (with blue hand-stitching) as well as branded scuff plates in the doors and plush carpeting. Other cabin highlights include dual cubby holes, of which the top one is coolable, and a handy two-point plug point inside the central armrest cubby. Rear passengers have access to a coat hook on each front seatback. Overall, it's an ergonomic, practical, and roomy cabin.
The 8-inch display is so much easier to use than the unit in previous models, with dedicated buttons on either side of the screen for quick access to certain functions, as well as traditional rotary dials for volume and radio tuning, and the like. This new system also has an upgraded Satnav system built-in, as well as DVD functionality and USB/AUX ports. A rearview camera is standard to keep your Legend 50's rear end out of trouble.
Related: Jeep Gladiator vs Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger Raptor: Which has the lowest running costs? (2022)
4. It's great to drive, no matter the surface
The Toyota Hilux has earned its stripes as one of SA's best-to-drive bakkies, and the Legend 50 is no different. Our test model, the Hilux Double Cab 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Legend 50, relished our gravel-only road trip all the way from Stanford in the Western Cape to Struisbaai and Cape Agulhas. Usually, it's the rear passengers who feel the road's undulations the most, but the kids in the back seat (who are prone to complaining) were not uncomfortable in the least. With the controller dial locked in 4 High, we merrily made our way over potholes and washed-out gravel roads, unperturbed.
Town driving was just as hassle-free. The Hilux's 6-speed manual gearbox feels uncannily SUV-like, and the 2.8-litre engine offers enough grunt, with 130 kW and 420 Nm. (Automatic models have 450Nm.) Average diesel consumption hovered around the 9.0 to 10.0 L/100 km mark.
Search AutoTrader for pre-loved Hilux Legend models here
5. It has numerous safety features
Every latest Legend 50 model has ABS with EBD and brake assistance, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, and downhill descent control. Double-cab derivatives have seven airbags, including a driver's knee bag.
(Considering a new or used Hilux, but need to sell your current vehicle first? Try AutoTrader's Instant Offer tool!)
All models come with a 9-service/90 000km service plan as well as a 3-year/100 000km warranty.
Check out the latest Toyota Hilux pricing on the Toyota SA website, here!
