Most popular bakkies in South Africa: Top 5 Best Sellers

We can blame the Nissan Navara for the rise in popularity of the double cab. When the Navara launched, it showed the consumers that bakkies and double cabs didn't have to drive like agricultural equipment. The controls could be lighter, the interiors more comfortable, and it could have convenience features that make driving more enjoyable. Suddenly, it was cool to be dropped off at school in a slick-looking double cab. As the refinement increased, so did the price, and before long, the double cab was regarded as a status symbol.

Related: Top 3 sexiest double-cab bakkies in South Africa

South Africa's rugged, outdoorsy nature means that having a vehicle that can traverse the gravel road, carry a load, see over taxis, and circumnavigate potholes is a win, and what better tool for that than a bakkie. Below, we look at the five best-selling bakkies for the month of February 2025.

1. Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux remains the staple for South Africans, selling 2683 examples in the month of February. Despite the current version being in rotation for the last 9 years, it still tops the charts repeatedly, showing that South Africa's appetite for the Hilux hasn't slowed.

2. Ford Ranger

With 2168 sales to its name, the Ford Ranger is the strongest opposition to the chart-topping Hilux. It's easy to see why though as the current generation Ford Ranger is the most comfortable and compliant version yet. We love spending time in a Ranger, and many of you do too!

3. Isuzu D-Max

Not too far behind the Ranger is Isuzu's answer, the D-Max. A long-standing offering in South Africa, formerly known as the KB-Series, the Isuzu D-Max amassed 1924 sales in the month of February 2025. The D-Max has come a long way since its humble beginnings and still retains a reputation for being a hard-working and reliable bakkie.

4. Mahindra Pik-Up

With considerably fewer units sold for the month, the Mahindra Pik-Up secures fourth place with a total of 763 units. The unconventional styling doesn't stop consumers from gravitating towards the Pik-Up, and those looking for a hard-wearing workhorse know where to go when value is of the utmost importance.

5. Toyota Land Cruiser 79

If you thought the Hilux was getting on in years, then the fact that the Land Cruiser 79 is the fifth best-selling bakkie in South Africa should tell you that age is not a factor. While many suspected that the more recent introduction of a smaller, 4-cylinder engine and automatic gearbox would not go down well with consumers, sales of the Land Cruiser 79 have nearly doubled in recent months.

Some surprises come from this list, mainly the omission of the Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, and Nissan Navara. These are not selling as well as the manufacturers would probably like. Take a look at the best of the rest here: