What are the best Double Cab bakkies in 2024?

Bakkie nation

South Africa is a rough and rugged country with roads that range from neatly trimmed asphalt to grim and potholed gravel. The vehicle of choice for many is the highly capable double cab bakkie. These vehicles offer not only the flexibility and capabilities needed to navigate our roads but also various luxuries that support active families.

Related: Ford Ranger Tremor added to South African double-cab bakkie line-up

We take a look at the top performers of the past 12 months to decide which double cab utility vehicle is South Africa's favourite bakkie.

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Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Legend RS

Toyota releases a Legend derivative of their popular Hilux bakkie every 5 years. These halo models sport everything but the kitchen sink in terms of fitment and features and remains one of SA's leading choices when it comes to double cabs. 

Safety

• 5 Star ANCAP
• 96% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child passenger protection and 88% for vulnerable road user protection
• Toyota's Safety Sense - Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Tech and Comfort

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Toyota's Wi-Fi
• One USB port and 2 x 12V power sockets
• 9-speaker JBL sound system
• Roller shutter

Price and Warranty

• R 1 005 000
• 3-year/120 000 km Warranty
• 9 service / 90 000km Service plan

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

 

Ford Ranger 3.0 Wildtrak 4x4

Taking the market by storm last year and sweeping title after title, the new Ranger derivatives offer a plethora of features and tech, all wrapped up in an ultra-stylish and modern utility vehicle.

Safety

• 5 Star Euro NCAP
• 84% for adult occupant protection, 90% for child passenger protection and 74% for vulnerable road user protection
• 7 airbags 

Tech and Comfort

• 12.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple Car Play / Android Auto
• Reverse camera
• 360-degree camera

• Driver Assist Package - Traction  & stability control, Hill descent control, Adaptive cruise control, BLIS, Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0

Price and Warranty

• R 1 026 400
• 4 Year / 120 000km Warranty
• Optional 8 Service / 165 000km service plan

Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 AWD Wildtrak (2023) review

 

GWM P Series 2.0 Ltd 4x4

Chinese automaker GWM has raised the bar for what would have been considered traditional workhorse bakkies. This new breed of vehicle from GWM shows they can produce a well-specced and plush-trimmed bakkie to compete with the locals. 

Safety

• 5-star NCAP safety rating
• 6 airbags

Tech and Comfort

• 7.0-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• Wireless phone charging
• Driver Assist Package - ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Hill descent Control, Rollover Mitigation,Brake Assist System

Price and Warranty

• R 694 950
• 5 year / 100 000km warranty
• 10 year / 100 000km service plan

GWM P-Series Limited (2023) Video Review

 

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 AT35

The AT35 derivative of the D -Max is the only Arctic Truck model that is produced in-house by any manufacturer in the world. Built right here in SA, the AT35 makes the standard D-Max look even beefier and edgier than before.

Safety

• 5-star Euro NCAP rating
• 86% for adult occupant protection, 86% for child passenger protection and 64% for vulnerable road user protection

Tech and Comfort

• 9" touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Audio
• USB ports and 12V outlets
• Digital aircon controls

Price and Warranty

• R 1 120 620
• 5 year / 120 000km Warranty
• 5 Year / 90 000km Service plan

Isuzu AT35 D-Max (2023) First drive review

 

Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6

Ford's current Halo model double cab is an absolute beast of a bakkie that can handle any terrain and does so with a mighty roar. There is almost nothing in our local market that can compete with this Baja-blasting monster.

Safety

• 5 Star ANCAP rating
• Dual frontal, side chest and side head airbags are standard on all variants.

Tech and Comfort

• 12.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple Car Play / Android Auto
• Reverse camera
• 360-degree camera

• Driver Assist Package - Traction  & stability control, Hill descent control, Adaptive cruise control, BLIS, Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0

• Fox Suspension

• Baja Mode

Price and Warranty

• R 1 184 100
• 4 year / 120 000km warranty
• Optional 8 Service / 165 000km service plan

Everything you need to know about the Ford Ranger Raptor

 

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDi 4Motion

The new generation of Volkswagen Amarok double cabs are now manufactured by Ford SA and share much of the same DNA as the blue oval UTEs. They do have an ever so slightly higher-tech level but can proudly share the same trade space as the Ranger.

Safety

• 5 Star Euro NCAP
• 84% for adult occupant protection, 90% for child passenger protection and 74% for vulnerable road user protection
• 7 airbags 

Tech and Comfort

• 12.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple Car Play / Android Auto
• Reverse camera
• 360-degree camera

• Driver Assist Package - Traction  & stability control, Hill descent control, Adaptive cruise control, BLIS, Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0

Price and Warranty

• R 1 128 400
• 4 year / 120 000km warranty
• 5 year / 100 00km service  and maintenance plan

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0BiTDI Pan Americana 4Motion (2023) Review

 

Nissan Navara Pro4X

The originator of the luxury double cab bakkie, Nissan's latest Navara derivative, has been around for a while now but continues to lumber along, picking up sales. It faces a great deal of competition but has the design and style to keep chugging along. 

Safety

• 5 star ANCAP safety rating
• 7 airbags

Tech and Comfort

• 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Driver Assist System - Intelligent Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist.
• 8-way electric leather seats

Price and Warranty

• R 822 500
• 6 year / 150 000km warranty
• 6 year / 90 000km service plan

Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Review

 

Our 2024 Double Cab winner is.....

There is one clear winner at the moment. Ford's Ranger is winning by a country mile and continues to rack up sales with its modern design, tech, features and pricing. How long Ford will retain this top spot will depend on the new models that are imminent from the likes of Toyota and Isuzu, but for now, they can sit back, relax, and enjoy being the number 1 double cab in SA.