The competition in South Africa’s bakkie market remains fierce, with the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max vying for the top spot. In October 2024, the Hilux led the overall sales race, followed by the Ranger and D-Max. But the story gets more intriguing when sales are broken down by body style. Let’s dive in to see how these popular models stack up.
October 2024 Overall Sales: A Quick Recap
The Toyota Hilux dominated overall sales in October with 2,793 units, followed by the Ford Ranger at 2,217 units, and the Isuzu D-Max at 1,807 units. However, sales by body style paint a more nuanced picture.
Features Comparison of the Ranger vs Hilux vs D-Max
| Feature | Toyota Hilux | Ford Ranger | Isuzu D-Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.4L and 2.8L diesel; 2.7L petrol | 2.0L single/twin-turbo diesel; 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel | 1.9L and 3.0L diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or automatic | 6-speed/10-speed automatic or manual | 6-speed manual or automatic |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 3,500 kg | Up to 3,500 kg | Up to 3,500 kg |
| Payload Capacity | 1,025 kg to 1,240 kg | 964 kg to 1,200 kg | 1,065 kg to 1,195 kg |
| Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense (Pre-collision, Lane Departure Assist) | Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Braking | Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring |
| Infotainment | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 12-inch touchscreen, Sync 4, wireless CarPlay/Android | 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Off-Road Capability | Rear diff-lock, Hill Assist, selectable 4WD modes | Terrain Management System, locking rear differential | Terrain Command system, electronic rear diff-lock |
| Warranty & Service Plan | 3-year/100,000 km warranty; 9-service plan | 4-year/120,000 km warranty; 6-service plan | 5-year/120,000 km warranty; 5-year/90,000 km service plan |
| Starting Price (ZAR) | ~R350,000 | ~R410,000 | ~R360,000 |
Double-Cab Dominance
In the competitive double-cab segment, the Ford Ranger took the crown in October with an impressive 1,800 units sold, accounting for 81.2% of its total sales. This performance also cemented its year-to-date lead in the segment, with 16,653 units sold.
The Hilux, while leading overall, came second in the double-cab space with 1,294 units sold in October, representing 46.3% of its monthly total. Year-to-date, the Hilux has sold 12,661 double cabs, placing it 3,992 units behind the Ranger.
The Isuzu D-Max claimed third place, selling 819 double-cab units in October, or 45.3% of its overall sales for the month. Its year-to-date total stands at 6,702 units.
Single-Cab Standouts
In the single-cab category, the Hilux once again reigned supreme, selling 1,102 units in October—39.5% of its monthly total. It also leads the year-to-date single-cab tally with 10,172 units registered.
The Isuzu D-Max followed in second place with 836 single-cab units sold in October, representing 46.3% of its monthly total. Its year-to-date figure stands at 7,721 units, trailing the Hilux by 2,451 units.
The Mahindra Pik Up secured third place, with its single-cab version accounting for 610 units in October and a year-to-date total of 5,725 units. The Ford Ranger, in contrast, recorded modest single-cab sales of 131 units last month, bringing its year-to-date total to 1,516 units.
Extended-Cab Performance
The Hilux also led the extended-cab category, with 396 units sold in October, contributing to its year-to-date total of 4,185 units. The Ranger followed with 286 units sold in October, totaling 3,212 units for the year. The D-Max completed the trio, selling 152 units in October and reaching 1,700 units year-to-date.
The Verdict
While the Toyota Hilux leads overall sales, the Ford Ranger dominates the double-cab market, making it the go-to option for buyers seeking versatility and passenger capacity. The Hilux, however, shines in single- and extended-cab segments, offering reliability and strong sales across various configurations. The Isuzu D-Max consistently secures its spot in third place, appealing to buyers who prioritize a balance of performance and value.
So, which bakkie is your fighter? Your choice depends on your priorities—whether it’s double-cab dominance, single-cab utility, or extended-cab versatility. Regardless of your pick, all three contenders bring something unique to South Africa’s bakkie battleground.
Related article: 2025 Toyota Hilux: A Glimpse into the Future of Pickup Trucks
