South Africans love bakkies, but what should they choose when the options are almost endless? We look at a few options under R700 000.
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In case you didn’t know, South Africans love a good double cab bakkie! And for good reason. These vehicles are among the most versatile in the global car market, but they are particularly favoured in good ol’ Sunny SA. Simply because they tick all the boxes, and nearly every South African considering a bakkie as their next purchasing option will opt for (according to sales) the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max first. Then the rest.
Below, we’re not doing a nitty-gritty, like-for-like comparison. Instead, we’re going to explore what each contender brings to the table. The pretenders: the Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD LS X-Rider 4×2 AT, Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT XLT 4×2 AT, Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raider 4×2 AT, and the newly launched Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 GLS AT.
Isuzu D-Max 1.9TD LS X-Rider 4×2 AT
Let’s be frank: the Isuzu D-Max has a reputation as a no-nonsense workhorse when it comes to bakkies, and the 1.9TD LS X-Rider proves it can also turn heads. The X-Rider, based on the LS derivative, is all about style, with black accents on the grille, side steps, and roll bar for an attention-grabbing look. The signature red “X-Rider” badging is hard to miss, and 18-inch alloy wheels round off the package nicely. Inside, the X-Rider boasts leather upholstery with red stitching, while the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Related: Review: Isuzu D-Max 1.9 TD Double Cab X-Rider 4×4 AT
The 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine delivers 110 kW and 350 N.m of torque. While it’s not the most powerful engine in the segment, it impresses with real-world fuel figures in the 10 L/100 km region. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, but turbo lag is evident. Still, the bakkie can run comfortably at the national speed limit.
- Price: R673 800
- Service Plan: 5-year/90 000 km
- Warranty: 5-year/120 000 km
Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT XLT 4×2 AT
The Ford Ranger has long been a benchmark for bakkies in the double cab segment, underlined by it winning the 2023 South African Car of the Year competition – the first bakkie to do so! In XLT 2.0 SiT trim, the bakkie retains the modern design language of its stablemates, adding to the Ranger’s commanding on-road presence.
Where the Ranger truly shines, though, is its tech-savvy nature. The 10.1-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system, found in more expensive models, is also at play in the XLT and comes with a raft of features that include over-the-air updates and seamless smartphone integration. There are also active and passive safety features, as well as keyless entry and -start, and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
Related: Road Test: Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-turbo Wildtrak X DC 4×4 10AT
The 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine offers 125 kW and 405 N.m, making it punchier than the Isuzu while maintaining good fuel economy. Its six-speed auto gearbox is refined, and the ride comfort is truly exceptional, thanks to the Ranger’s superb suspension tuning.
- Price: R648 600
- Service Plan: Optional
- Warranty: 4-year/120 000 km
Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raider 4×2 AT
The Hilux is a household name in South Africa and is synonymous with reliability and an impressive resale value when it comes to bakkies. The 2.4 GD-6 Raider builds on this reputation but without the asking price of the more yearned-for variants.
Powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine producing 110 kW and 400 N.m, the Hilux balances performance with efficiency. While not the most powerful of bakkies in this company, its tried-and-tested reliability is its biggest drawcard. Paired with a 6-speed auto gearbox, it offers effortless cruising.
Related: Dune-Bashing in the Toyota Hilux GR-S III
The Toyota Hilux’s legend is built on quality and it is evident throughout. And while it doesn’t feel as flashy as the Ford, it nails practicality.
- Price: R633 200
- Service Plan: 9-service/90 000 km
- Warranty: 3-year/100 000 km
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 GLS AT
Not that it wanted to, the Mitsubishi Triton often flies under the radar in South Africa’s double-cab market. It is an impressive vehicle, but it deserves more attention, especially since an all-new model debuted locally in late 2024. The Triton’s interior is a big step-up from the previous generation, enhanced by features like leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Related: Review: Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 GLS 4×4 DC AT
The Triton’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine produces 135 kW and 430 N.m, making it the most powerful in this group. The smooth 6-speed automatic transmission complements the engine’s performance well. The Triton has always excelled off-road, and even in 4×2 guise, it has decent ground clearance and a chassis that inspires confidence on almost any terrain.
- Price: R679 990
- Service Plan: 5-year/90 000 km
- Warranty: 5-year/Unlimited km
