Isuzu, widely regarded as the workhorse of Southern Africa, is synonymous with rugged durability, affordable running costs, and a utilitarian nature that makes it hard to ignore. As bakkies and double cabs have evolved, many have become softer and more agreeable, no longer just a tool for use on site and on the farm. The Isuzu D-Max, formerly the KB Series, has remained one of the rugged ones.
Related: What are the best Double Cab bakkies in 2024?
Isuzu saw how popular the 6th generation D-Max was and instead of replacing it entirely, they continue to produce it, selling it alongside the updated and refreshed 7th generation. This offers consumers a more affordable alternative, perfect for augmenting a fleet or employing as a workhorse that you know is going to get tested.
Here are some more alternatives to the 7th generation Isuzu D-Max. Prices start from R442 800 for the Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD single cab.
- GWM P-Series
- Nissan Navara
- Mitubishi Triton
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
GWM P-Series
The GWM P-Series came along and showed the South African public that features don't need to come at a steep price. These well-specced bakkies have steadily grown in popularity and many will swear by their P-Series. Better equipped than the Steed 5 from the same manufacturer, the P-Series is worth looking at if value for money is a priority for you.
Priced from R413 050 for the GWM P-Series 2.0TD single cab SX
Nissan Navara
The original Navara can be considered the first bakkie and double cab offering that showed South Africa that bakkies don't have to drive like tractors. Considerably more refined than its competition at the time, the Navara set the stage for others to follow and remains a compliant, rugged, and dependable machine. We're particularly fond of how capable these machines are, and equally impressed by the value for money.
Priced from R369 800 for the Nissan Navara 2.5 single cab XE
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Mitsubishi Triton
The first batch of Tritons were rather polarising with their strange-looking cab design. This deterred many a potential customer but those bold enough to commit to the Triton enjoyed the additional interior space that the swooping cab offered. Backed by Mitubishi's renowned reliability, the Triton grew in popularity but was sadly overshadowed by the stewards from Toyota and Ford. The current Mitsubishi Triton should not be ignored though.
Priced from R444 995 for the Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D single cab GL
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Toyota Hilux
The Hilux needs absolutely no introduction. A repeat offender in the vehicle sales charts, the Toyta Hilux is the go-to bakkie for thousands of South Africans. Over the years the Hilux has become more refined and decidedly more agreeable on road, with a slightly softer approach, making it the perfect candidate for a dual-purpose machine or family vehicle. The extensive dealership network is massively appealing to those in more remote areas.
Priced from R356 600 for the Toyota Hilux 2.0 single cab S
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Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is another one that is hard to ignore. The latest incarnation of the T6 chassis is a game changer, packed to the hilt with tech and convenience features and offering a sublime ride; you can quite quickly forget that you're in a bakkie, it rides so smooth! Ford has battled with Toyota in the sales charts for many years now but this latest Ford Ranger has reset the bar and is flying off of showroom floors.
Priced from R514 800 for the Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT single cab XL manual
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