South Africa's bakkie market is dominated by two giants: the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger. While the Hilux maintains its crown as the best-selling overall bakkie in the country, the Ranger has carved out a significant share, particularly in the lifestyle double-cab segment. If you're in the market for a new bakkie in 2025, deciding between these two formidable contenders can be challenging. So, how do you choose the right bakkie for you?
Sales figures: A tale of two strategies
Recent NAAMSA figures reveal interesting market dynamics. For the first four months of 2025, the Hilux sold 10,943 units compared to the Ranger's 7,933. However, looking deeper into body styles tells a more nuanced story:
- Double Cabs: Ford Ranger leads with approximately 6,600 units (83.2% of its sales), compared to the Hilux's 5,184 units (47.4% of its sales)
- Single Cabs: Toyota Hilux dominates this segment, with approximately 4,322 units, far outpacing the Ranger
This sales pattern reflects each manufacturer's different approach: Ford positions the Ranger primarily as a lifestyle vehicle, while Toyota maintains the Hilux as both a workhorse and a family vehicle.
Performance and Engines
Toyota Hilux
- Entry-level: 2.0L petrol and 2.4GD diesel engines with modest power but proven reliability
- Mid-range: 2.7L petrol and 2.8GD-6 turbodiesel (150kW/500Nm)
- New technology: 48V mild hybrid system available on select 2.8GD-6 models
- Performance model: GR Sport with enhanced suspension and styling
- Claimed Fuel efficiency: 7.6-8.9L/100km (model dependent)
Ford Ranger
- Entry-level: 2.0L Single Turbo diesel (125kW/405Nm)
- Mid-range: 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel (154kW/500Nm)
- Premium options: 3.0L V6 turbodiesel (184kW/600Nm) in Platinum and Wildtrak models
- Performance model: Raptor with 3.0L V6 twin-turbo petrol (292kW/583Nm)
- Claimed Fuel efficiency: 7.6-9.4L/100km (model dependent)
The Ranger generally offers more sophisticated engine technology and better performance, particularly with its Bi-Turbo and V6 options. Toyota counters with a broader range of engine choices, including more affordable petrol options and mild-hybrid technology for improved efficiency and engine longevity.
Hilux GR-S III vs Ford Ranger Wildtrak X vs Isuzu D-Max AT 35
Technology and interior comfort
With its larger screens and more advanced features, the Ranger leads in technology and modern conveniences. The Hilux prioritises functional durability over cutting-edge technology, though recent updates are starting to narrow the gap. However, the Hilux interior still seems a little dated and bare compared to what the Ranger offers.
Read our 48V Hilux Raider review (2025)
Off-road capability
Both bakkies are highly capable off-road, with the Hilux having a slight edge in ground clearance in standard models. The Ranger counters with more sophisticated electronic aids, particularly in higher-end variants like the Wildtrak, Tremor, and Raptor.
Related: Read our Ford Ranger Tremor long-term review
Reliability and resale value
Toyota Hilux
- Reliability reputation: Legendary durability
- Service network: Extensive throughout South Africa, including rural areas
- Parts availability: Excellent, with good aftermarket support, and built in Mzansi.
- Resale value: Exceptional, with minimal depreciation
- Warranty: 3-year/100,000km, with service plan options
Ford Ranger
- Reliability reputation: Greatly improved in the later generations
- Service network: Good in urban areas, slightly less comprehensive in remote locations
- Parts availability: Excellent, built in SA!
- Resale value: Strong, but typically trails behind the Hilux
- Warranty: 4-year/120,000km, often with better service plan offerings
The Hilux maintains its edge in perceived reliability and resale value, though the gap has narrowed significantly with the latest Ranger. Ford has made substantial strides in quality control and durability.
Pricing (2025)
Toyota Hilux
- Single Cab: R361,700 (2.0 S) - R723,300 (2.8GD-6 4x4 Raider auto)
- Xtra Cab: R563,200 (2.4GD-6 Raider manual) - R787,200 (2.8GD-6 4x4 Legend auto)
- Double Cab: R528,800 (2.7 S) - R999,000 (2.8GD-6 4x4 GR-Sport)
Ford Ranger
- Single Cab: R574,000 (2.0 SiT XL auto) - R648,000 (2.0 SiT XL 4x4 auto)
- SuperCab: R585,500 (2.0 SiT XL auto) - R841,500 (2.0 BiTurbo Wildtrak 4x4)
- Double Cab: R620,000 (2.0 SiT XL manual) - R1,270,000 (3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD)
The pricing comparison reveals a few interesting points:
The Toyota Hilux offers a significantly lower entry point with its base model starting at R361,700, compared to the Ford Ranger, which starts at R574,000.
The Hilux provides more engine variety, including more affordable petrol options (2.0L and 2.7L) at the lower end of the range.
The Ford Ranger tops out at a much higher price point with the Raptor at R1,270,000, compared to the Hilux GR-Sport at R999,000.
Toyota has introduced 48V mild-hybrid technology on several Hilux models, showing their commitment to improving fuel efficiency.
While the Hilux offers better affordability at the entry level, the Ford range tends to include more technology and features at each price point.
Model range diversity
Toyota Hilux
The Hilux range is more extensive, with greater variety at the lower end of the market:
- Base Work Models: Multiple chassis cabs and basic work-focused variants
- Mid-Tier: Raider models balancing features and value
- Premium: Legend and GR-Sport models focusing on lifestyle and performance
- Powertrain Options: Petrol, diesel, and now mild hybrid options
Ford Ranger
The Ranger lineup is more focused on the mid to high-end market:
- Base Models: Limited single-cab options, primarily XL variants
- Mid-Tier: XLT variants with good feature sets
- Premium: Wildtrak, Wildtrak X, and Platinum models with luxury features
- Specialised: Tremor (off-road focused) and Raptor (performance) models
- Powertrain Focus: Primarily diesel engines with premium V6 options
Which bakkie should you pick?
Choose the Toyota Hilux if:
- Budget is a major consideration, especially for work applications
- Reliability is your absolute top priority
- You need a workhorse for demanding commercial applications
- You operate in remote areas where service support for Ford might be limited
- Resale value is a big consideration
- You prefer mechanical simplicity over cutting-edge technology
- You need a petrol engine option at an affordable price point
Choose the Ford Ranger if:
- You want a more car-like driving experience
- Technology and safety features are essential to you in the lower-spec models
- You'll also use your bakkie as a family/lifestyle vehicle
- You value interior comfort and modern amenities
- Performance is a priority, especially when considering the specialised models
- You're looking specifically for a premium double cab with advanced features
Verdict
The Hilux has built its reputation on bulletproof reliability, simplicity, and resale value, while offering a broader range of models across the price spectrum. The Ranger emphasises technology, comfort, and a more refined driving experience, focusing predominantly on higher-spec lifestyle vehicles.
Whichever you choose, both represent the pinnacle of modern bakkie design, offering capabilities that would have seemed impossible just a generation ago.
If you can't decide, there's always the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, and Mitsubishi Triton, along with a slew of new entrants from the People's Republic.
