Bakkies have become a bit divisive in some instances. Some of the audience prefers the agricultural feel, and some prefer a more urban yet SUV-like feel. Still, a common thread is that these are utilitarian vehicles at heart.
Related: Ford Ranger can now be had with six wheels
When we look at two popular bakkies, the Ford Ranger and the Isuzu D-Max, they're inherently different but still reach a common goal: robust and capable performance. Another common thing is that both bakkies have models manufactured right here in South Africa. As such, the two bakkies have garnered quite a bit of popularity, making you wonder how they compare.
Variants
Both bakkies have a vast selection of variants for you to choose from. From single cabs, extended cabs, double cabs and even special editions to select from. You have entry-level, mid-spec and high-spec. Sample prices for the types of bakkies you can get are below.
Single cab
| Vehicle | Price |
| Entry-Level | |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT single cab XL manual | from R514 800 |
| Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD single cab | from R452 400 |
| Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD single cab LS manual | from R521 100 |
| Mid-Spec | |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD single cab LS auto | from R590 800 |
| Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD single cab L 4x4 auto | from R597 600 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT single cab XL 4x4 manual | from R587 700 |
| High-Spec | |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD single cab LS 4x4 auto | from R672 100 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT single cab XL 4x4 auto | from R608 100 |
Extended Cab
| Vehicle | Price |
| Entry-level | |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT SuperCab XL manual | from R526 700 |
| Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended cab L | from R520 500 |
| Mid-Spec | |
| Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD Extended cab LS manual | from R546 300 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT SuperCab XL auto | from R545 900 |
| High-Spec | |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Extended cab LSE | from R683 500 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo SuperCab XLT 4x4 | from R741 300 |
Double Cab
| Vehicle | Price |
| Entry Level | |
| Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD double cab L Manual | from R561 500 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT double cab | from R522 600 |
| Mid-Spec | |
| Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD double cab LS X-Rider 4x4 auto | from R757 800 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab XLT | from R767 600 |
| High-Spec | |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab V-Cross 4x4 | from R925 600 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Wildtrak 4x4 | from R953 800 |
| Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 double cab Platinum 4WD | from R1 120 100 |
| Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Tremor 4WD | from R978 600 |
Special Editions
| Vehicle | Price |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4x4 | from R1 182 100 |
| Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 double cab Raptor 4WD | from R1 226 700 |
*Pricing stated here was correct when publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.
Engines
Isuzu
The Isuzu range utilises two types of engines for their D-Max range—the 1.9TD and 3.0TD engines.
| 1.9TD | 3.0TD | |
| Engine Description | 1.9-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder | 3.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder |
| Power/Torque | 110kW / 350 Nm | 140kW / 450Nm |
| Peak Power / Peak Torque (RPM) | 3600 / 1800-2600 | 3600 / 1600-2600 |
| Claimed fuel consumption (Variant dependent) | 7.3L - 7.6L /100km | 7.9L - 8.5L /100km |
Ford
The Ford range consists of four types of engines. The 2.0SiT , 2.0 BiTurbo , 3.0TD V6 and 3.0T V6.
| 2.0SiT | 2.0 BiTurbo | 3.0TD V6 | 3.0T V6 | |
| Engine Description | 2.0-litre Single turbo diesel 4-cylinder | 2.0-litre twin turbo diesel 4 cylinder | 3.0-litre Single turbo V6 turbo diesel | 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 petrol |
| Power/Torque | 125kW / 405Nm | 154kW / 500Nm | 184kW / 600Nm | 292kW / 583Nm |
| Peak Power / Peak Torque (RPM) | 3500 / 1750-2500 | 3750 / 1750-2000 | 3250 / 1750-2250 | 5650 /3500 |
| Claimed fuel consumption (Variant dependent) | 6.9L /100km | 7.2L - 7.4L /100km | 8.4L /100km | 11.5L/100km |
How do they feel
When looking at the cabins for both vehicles, the Fords, from our experience, are more plush compared to the Isuzus, considering there's more soft-touch material in the Rangers whilst there's notably harder plastic in the D-Max's. The Ranger is more SUV-like regarding ride quality, and the D-Max, in comparison, is on the hardier end. The Ranger's powerplants, we'd argue, are more refined than the D-Max. The D-Max errs more on the agricultural back-to-basics bakkie, which many potential buyers and owners prefer, and it certainly is a robust vehicle that's ready for action.
You can read our many reviews on both the D-Max and Ranger bakkies to get an idea of how each variant we've reviewed has performed.
Which is better?
As far as bakkies go, both these vehicles are capable. The Ford Ranger range does have more engine options that are also more powerful and have unique variants in the form of the Tremor and Wildtrak, to name a few. This doesn't mean the D-Max is an inferior product; make no mistake, it can hold its own against the Ford. The two bakkies ultimately have a different approach to utility. The Ranger is more plush and luxurious, whilst the D-Max is more agricultural. It all comes down to what you're using the bakkie for. If you want something for everyday urban and leisure usage, we'd pick the Ranger; for more of a light commercial application, we'd pick the D-Max.
You can search AutoTrader for the latest Ranger and D-Max offerings and sell your car, too.
