Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger vs Isuzu D-Max: Which one has the lowest running costs?

It's the battle of the mid-tier double cabs as the top three best-selling bakkies battle in a running cost comparison. Which one will claim victory, though?

Sean Nurse

30 Oct 2023 · 08:56Buying a Car2 min read

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The double cab bakkie has evolved from a workhorse to a go-anywhere-and-do-anything vehicle loved by many South Africans. The top three best-selling bakkies locally are the Toyota Hilux, the Ford Ranger and the Isuzu D-Max. While objectively, the latest Ranger is the newer and more advanced bakkie, that doesn't guarantee its victory in a comparison such as this, where the total running costs for the vehicles are involved. The model we have chosen is one of the more attainable Hilux models given the high price of new vehicles, but how do this more basic model's running costs compare with two key rivals in the form of the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max?

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The figures

	Toyota Hilux	Ford Ranger	Isuzu D-Max
Engine size	4-cyl, 2.4-litre turbodiesel	4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbodiesel	4-cyl, 1.9-litre turbodiesel
Power/Torque	110 kW/400 Nm	125 kW/405 Nm	110 kW/350 Nm
Gearbox	6-speed auto	6-speed auto	6-speed auto
Seats	5	5	5
Airbags	7	7	7
Driven wheels	Rear	Rear	Rear
Braked towing capacity	2 750kg	3 500kg	2 100kg
Fuel capacity	80-litres	80-litres	76-litres
Claimed consumption	7.3 L/100 km	7.5 L/100 km	7.3 L/100 km
CO2 emissions	192 g/km	197 g/km	192 g/km
Service plan	9-services/ 90 000km	Optional	5-yr/90 000km
Price	R623 200	R632 000	R586 000

Related: 5 things you need to know about the Toyota Hilux Legend 50

Comparing the trio

Purchase price

The models we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.

Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 double cab Raider auto

With the instalment parameters, the Hilux will work out at R10 965 monthly over 72 months.

Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT double can XLT

With the instalment parameters, the Ranger will work out at R11 120 monthly over 72 months.

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 TD double cab lS auto

With the instalment parameters, the D-Max will work out at R10 311 monthly over 72 months.

Fuel consumption

The Toyota and Isuzu have the lowest claimed fuel consumption; however, from our experience, there is very little difference between our trio regarding real-world consumption.

Service plans

Both the Toyota and Isuzu come with service plans spaning 90 000km; however, with Ford having unbundled its plans, you'll have to pay extra if you'd like a competing service plan.

Verdict

Having looked at the data in the first five years of ownership, we would be confident that the Isuzu, with its lower list price, competitive fuel consumption and reasonable service plan, will be the cheapest product to run in the first five years of ownership.

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more