Bakkies are one of the most popular vehicle segments in South Africa, with roughly 16 branded models to choose from, but some are clear favourites compared to others.
These rugged vehicles are widely used for personal and commercial purposes and can be found on the roads in all corners of the country.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa)’s New Vehicle Sales report for March 2023, domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses was one of the best performing segments – showing a year-on-year increase of 11.1%.
One reason for the popularity of bakkies in South Africa is their versatility. They are often used as workhorses, transporting goods and materials for businesses and farmers.
Their spacious and sturdy pickup beds are ideal for carrying large or heavy loads, and their 4×4 capabilities make them well-suited for tackling rough terrain. In addition to their practicality for work, bakkies are also popular for recreational use, such as off-roading and camping.
Another factor contributing to South Africa’s fondness for bakkies is their durability and reliability. These vehicles are built to withstand rough conditions and handle South Africa’s pothole-riddled roads and challenging terrain throughout the country.
While high-end models are available, more budget-friendly workhorse options can be purchased new or secondhand. This may be why the top three best-selling bakkies are so popular.
According to Naamsa’s data, the Toyota flagship Hilux bakkie is the most popular by far, selling 3,920 units in March 2023.
This is followed by the Isuzu D-Max in second and the next-gen Ford Ranger in third, selling 2,289 and 2,247 units, respectively.
More interestingly, however, is the number of options these popular bakkies offer their customer base.
The Hilux offers a whopping 39 variants, from single, super, to double-cab with varying engine specifications and in 4×2 or 4×4. Its pricing ranges from R346,200 to R973,800 – offering a wide variety for all types of customers.
This is also true for the Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger, which offer 27 and 24 variations, respectively.
The pricing for the D-Max ranges from R421,200 to R857,700, while the Ranger is priced between R464,200 to R1,094,900 for its top-spec Raptor model.
In contrast, the worst-selling bakkie, the Mazada BT-50, only offers 4 variants with a price tag from R630,400 to R818,400 – selling only six units in March 2023.
The second worst-selling bakkie, the Jeep Gladiator, only has one model available, with an asking price of R1,329,900 – the most expensive bakkie on this list, which only sold 13 units.
The top five best- and worst-selling double cab bakkies are listed below, with pricing.
Best-selling vans
1. Toyota Hilux – 3,920 units sold
2. Isuzu D-Max – 2,289 units sold
3. Ford Ranger – 2,247 units sold
4. Nissan Navara – 475 units sold
5. VW Amarok – 401 units sold
Worst-selling vans
5. Mitsubishi Triton – 62 units sold
4. JAC T-Series (T6 and T8) – 45 units sold
3. Peugeot Landtrek – 37 units sold
2. Jeep Gladiator – 13 units sold
1. Mazda BT-50 – 6 units sold
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