Team AutoTrader picks the best double-cab bakkies of 2025

Ryno Fourie and Tayedza Mbiri

Ryno Fourie and Tayedza Mbiri both favour the Ford Ranger Tremor, the longer-term model we had in our test garage. 

You can read Ryno's take on the Ford Ranger Tremor here and here.

Read Taye's 8 Things we love about the Ford Ranger Tremor.

The Ford Ranger Tremor spent some time with the team in '25.

Chad Lückhoff

Chad is opting for the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X. Read his shootout comparing the Hilux GR Sport III, Isuzu D-Max AT35, and the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X here.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, showing its mettle near Augrabies Falls.

Related: What's the difference between a Ford Ranger Tremor and Wildtrak X?

Sean Nurse (editor)

"The BYD Shark 6 was a standout for me, showcasing new technology and offering good value', he says. (We even pitted it against the Ford Ranger Raptor in a drag race! Watch it here.)

The Shark 6 was SA's first PHEV bakkie, putting BYD on the map in SA.

Watch our video review on the BYD Shark 6 here.

Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence says the Nissan Navara Stealth he drove was excellent, but the Ford Ranger Tremor also grew on him! 

The Navara stealth taking on a steep decline, mud, and water, all at the same time.

Read his Nissan Navara Stealth first drive review.

Ané Albertse

The unstoppable Toyota Hilux GR-S III conquering the dunes.

This is an extremely tough decision, so I am going to mention a few favourites: The Hilux GR-S III (read the review), Ford Wildtrak X and Amarok Aventura and Panamericana are my personal favourites, if I had unlimited bakkie funds. Best overall value? An Isuzu X-Rider double cab (read my review); the 1.9-litre engine is light on diesel but gets the job done. 

The X-Rider is the solution if you want capability and comfort with low running costs, teamed with reliability.