The best- and worst-selling bakkies in South Africa right now

·9 Sep 2023

Bakkies are one of the most popular vehicle segments in South Africa, with roughly 16 branded models to choose from; however, some are much more favourable than 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 Naama’s New Vehicle Sales report for August 2023, domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses were one of the best-performing segments – showing a year-on-year increase of 2.7% or 363 units, despite overall domestic car sales declining by 3.1%.

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.

They 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.

South Africans opt for bakkies due to their robustness and dependability. These vehicles are engineered to endure harsh conditions and navigate the country’s pothole-riddled roads and difficult terrain.

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 3,309 units in August 2023.

This is followed by the next-gen Ford Ranger in second and the Isuzu D-Max in third, selling 2,367 and 1,632 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 R356,600 to R1,003,000 – 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 Ranger ranges from R494,400 to R1,184,100, while the D-Max is priced between R431,800 to R1,120,620 for its top-spec AT35 model.

In contrast, the worst-selling bakkie, the Mazada BT-50, only offers four variants with a price tag from R630,400 to R818,400 – selling only four 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 six units.

The top five best- and worst-selling double cab bakkies are listed below, with pricing.

Best-selling bakkies

1. Toyota Hilux – 3,309 units sold