In the cut-throat arena of South African bakkie sales, the third quarter of 2025 delivered the expected heavy hitters and a few wildcards. While Toyota's Hilux continued its seemingly unshakeable reign at the top, we see some plot twists.
Welcome to the wild world of South African bakkie sales, where the third quarter of 2025 offered an interesting lineup.
Let's start with the numbers. September's sales figures give us the clearest picture of how Q3 wrapped up:
| Rank | Brand & Model | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Hilux | 3,639 |
| 2 | Ford Ranger | 2,270 |
| 3 | Isuzu D-Max | 2,054 |
| 4 | Mahindra Pik-Up | 750 |
| 5 | GWM P-Series | 458 |
| 6 | Toyota Land Cruiser 79 | 392 |
| 7 | Volkswagen Amarok | 382 |
| 8 | Nissan Navara | 337 |
| 9 | Foton Tunland G7 | 232 |
| 10 | Hyundai H100 bakkie | 182 |
Source: NAAMSA data as reported by AutoTrader
Related: Isuzu D-Max vs Ford Ranger vs Nissan Navara - which SA-built bakkie is best
The undisputed kings of Bakkie Land
Toyota's Hilux remains the default choice for South Africans, moving 3,639 units in September alone after consistently strong performances in July (3,120) and August (3,325). It's nearly a decade-old platform at this point, but like a trusty pair of vellies, South Africans aren't ready to try anything else - especially with a new generation already confirmed for 2026.
Ford's Ranger held its traditional second place with 2,270 September sales, following 2,168 in July and 2,066 in August. The Blue Oval remains king of the double-cab segment, but can't match Toyota's broader range of workhorse single and extended cab options.
Isuzu's D-Max rounded out the podium with 2,054 units in September, rebounding from August's 1,778 after a strong July showing of 2,002. The bakkie formerly known as KB continues to quietly build a loyal following among buyers who prioritise no-nonsense durability over flashy tech.
The midfield scramblers
Mahindra's Pik-Up has become the undisputed fourth-place finisher, maintaining this position consistently across the quarter with 783 units in July, 675 in August, and 750 in September. The Indian manufacturer has found a sweet spot among fleet buyers and farmers who appreciate its blend of rugged simplicity and affordability.
GWM's P-Series (10 Reasons the P-Series is good for families) showed signs of a comeback in August, climbing to fifth with 557 units after July's more modest 395. It held onto fifth in September with 458 sales. The Chinese contender offers impressive specs and comfort features at competitive prices, but still battles the perception hurdles that come with newer brands in our conservative bakkie market.
Toyota's venerable Land Cruiser 79 continues to prove there's a market for old-school simplicity and bomb-proof reliability. It ranked fifth in July (534 units), sixth in August (446), and sixth again in September (392).
Volkswagen's Amarok maintained a steady presence in the lower half of the top 10, with 381 units in July, 359 in August, and 382 in September, good enough for seventh place at quarter's end.
The talking points
Nissan's Navara is worth watching. After sales of 393 in July and 333 in August, September's 337 units kept it in eighth position. It's not setting the charts on fire, but this locally-built contender is maintaining a consistent presence while Nissan works on aligning its pricing and specification levels to better compete with the segment leaders.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was Foton's Tunland G7 slipping into September's top 10 with 232 units. This signals growing interest in value-focused Chinese offerings, though prospective buyers would be wise to check dealer coverage and parts availability before committing.
The Hyundai H100 bakkie rounded out September's top 10 with 182 units, proving there's still healthy demand for basic, light-duty urban workhorses.
Related: 5 of the best double-cab bakkies for families with young kids
Market health check
The overall picture for light commercial vehicles is overwhelmingly positive. September saw 13,078 LCVs finding new homes, representing a stunning 19.7% year-on-year increase over September 2024. The segment has shown strong, sustained growth throughout Q3, with July's 12,356 units (up 6.9% year-on-year) and August's 12,326 (up 15.1%).
This robust performance suggests South Africa's small businesses are investing in new vehicles despite broader economic challenges. It also reflects the deeply entrenched bakkie culture in our market, where these vehicles serve double duty as family transport and working tools.
Buying smart in today's market
If you're shopping for a new bakkie in this dynamic market, here are some practical tips:
- Match your drivetrain needs to actual usage. A 4x2 with a rear diff-lock is often more than sufficient for most dirt road applications, saving you the considerable expense of a full 4x4 system you might use twice a year.
- Consider payload and towing requirements. South Africa's roads are monitored more closely for overloading these days, and exceeding your vehicle's rated capacities can void warranties and insurance.
- Look beyond the sticker price to total ownership costs. The Hilux, Ranger and D-Max might command premium prices upfront, but their strong resale values, widespread parts availability and established service networks often make them more economical over a five-year period.
- Safety features deserve priority. Stability control, multiple airbags, and good visibility aids like reverse cameras aren't luxuries anymore - they're essential protections on our increasingly congested roads.
- If you regularly cycle through vehicles, the established brands make disposal much easier. Trying to sell a lesser-known model in three years might prove challenging despite initial savings.
What's next for SA's bakkie market?
As we head into the final quarter of 2025, several factors could influence the market. Rising fuel prices may push buyers toward more efficient models. The upcoming festive season typically sees a sales boost for leisure-oriented double cabs. And with Toyota's next-generation Hilux on the horizon for 2026, we might see increased dealer incentives to clear current stock. One thing is certain - South Africans' love affair with the bakkie shows no signs of cooling.
For now, Toyota, Ford and Isuzu can rest easy knowing their podium positions are secure, but the intensifying battle in the mid-pack suggests the coming quarters will be anything but predictable.
