VW Amarok vs. Ford Ranger vs. Toyota Hilux vs. Nissan Navara vs. Isuzu D-Max: Which is best for young families?
If you're transporting kids, prams, and sports kits, row-2 space matters as much as payload capacity. A bakkie might excel at work duties, but cramped rear passengers make family trips miserable. We've ranked these five bakkies on real family priorities: knee and shoulder room, three-across comfort, ISOFIX and top-tether practicality, and ride comfort.
Our testing focused on practical family needs:
• Rear bench width and shape for relatively comfortable three-across seating
• Usable knee and headroom behind a tall driver
• ISOFIX and top-tether access on rear outer seats
• Ride comfort for rear passengers
Related: Top 5 most reliable used double-cab bakkies in SA
Top 5 double cabs for second-row roominess (most to least)
1. Volkswagen Amarok (from R704 700 for the 2.0TDI double cab Life auto)
Why does it take the top spot?
The Amarok offers the widest rear bench, making three-across seating genuinely comfortable. You can fit two ISOFIX child seats plus a slim booster or teenager in the middle without anyone feeling too cramped.
New-generation packaging delivers improved legroom compared to the previous model, while headroom remains excellent. ISOFIX points on both rear outer seats come standard, and this generation earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Good to know
The centre rear seat lacks a top-tether (like most rivals), limiting you to two properly tethered child seats maximum. The rear bench base doesn't fold up like the Hilux.
Related: VW adds a more affordable double-cab to its bakkie lineup.
Best for: Bigger kids, teens, or families regularly carrying three across.
Related: Nissan Navara Pro4X vs VW Amarok PanAmericana
2. Ford Ranger (from R644 500 for the 2.0 SiT double cab XL auto)
Why families love it
Plentiful knee and headroom behind a tall driver, combined with an easy-to-live-with cabin design. The Ranger scored an outstanding 93% Child Occupant score in ANCAP testing. As you probably know, the Amarok and Ranger are almost the same car, so the second-row space is very similar.
ISOFIX plus top tethers on rear outer seats come standard, while many trim levels include rear amenities like vents and charging ports. Advanced camera and safety systems help with school drop-offs and city driving.
Good to know
Centre seat lacks a top-tether, so two tethered child seats maximum.
Best for: All-round family friendliness with excellent safety technology.
3. Isuzu D-Max (from R585 100 for the 1.9TD double cab L auto)
The practical choice
Adequate legroom and headroom for two child seats in a cabin built to handle family life. The D-Max earned a five-star ANCAP rating with an 89% Child Occupant score.
ISOFIX comes standard on outer seats, while the straightforward interior design proves practical for daily family use.
Good to know
Top-tether routing uses fabric loops to a central anchor point. While secure, threading and tensioning can be fiddly. The bench is narrower than the Amarok and Ranger, making three-across tighter.
Best for: Value-conscious families prioritising durability and strong child protection scores.
4. Nissan Navara (from R493 600 for the 2.5DDTi double cab XE)
Why it stands out
Coil-spring, five-link independent rear suspension delivers superior ride comfort for rear passengers over rough roads and speed bumps. Your passengers will notice the difference during stop-start school runs.
ISOFIX on outer seats comes standard, while the practical cabin layout benefits from solid local parts support.
Good to know
The bench sits narrower and lower than the Amarok and Ranger, making three-across snug. Top-tether routing typically uses loops to a central anchor; check your specific trim level.
Best for: Families prioritising rear passenger comfort on rough roads.
5. Toyota Hilux (from R542 900 for the 2.7-litre petrol double cab and R572 000 for the diesel 2.4GD-6 double cab SR)
The dependable choice
ISOFIX on outer seats, excellent resale value, and the country's best dealer network. The clever fold-up rear seat base proves genuinely helpful for in-cab cargo storage.
Good to know
Tightest rear knee room of the five, with a more upright backrest angle. The centre seat lacks a top-tether, limiting you to a maximum of two tethered child seats.
Best for: Owners prioritising reliability and resale value over maximum rear space.
Child seat reality check
Universal limitations across all models:
• ISOFIX: Available on two rear outer seats only
• Top-tether: Limited to two outer seats. Centre seat typically lacks a top-tether, so forward-facing harnessed seats aren't approved there
• Rear-facing seats: Usually work with ISOFIX plus support leg
• Forward-facing harnessed seats: Require top-tether for safe installation
Always follow both the child seat and vehicle manuals for safe installation.
Related: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III Review (2024)
How to buy the right bakkie for your family
Bring your actual child seats to test drives. Check headrest positions, tether access behind backrests, and buckle clearance.
For regular three-across duty, start with the Amarok, then Ranger, using a narrow booster in the middle position, if needed.
If passengers are sensitive to motion, the Navara's independent five-link rear suspension delivers refined ride comfort over rough roads.
Need secure in-cab storage? The Hilux's fold-up rear base keeps valuables hidden.
Check trim specifications carefully: rear vents and USB ports aren't standard on base models.
Your next move
Shortlist the bakkies that accommodate your family's child seats and leg room needs. Book back-to-back test drives, set the driver's seat to your normal position, then test the rear space yourself. Physical comfort trumps spec sheets when you're living with the decision daily.
Choose based on your family's actual needs rather than theoretical maximums. Whether that's three-across flexibility, ride comfort, or maximum space for two passengers, the right bakkie makes family travel genuinely pleasant rather than something to endure.
Remember that SA has many other bakkies we haven't included in this rear-space shootout, like the BYD Shark 6, New Mitsubishi Triton, and JAC T9. Read their reviews and take them for a test drive too.
