South Africa’s bakkie war heated up in June 2025 as the Toyota Hilux hit its highest sales figures in over a year, reaffirming its title as the country’s best-selling workhorse. The light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment continued its upward trend with robust growth, while new players and old favourites battled it out for a spot in the top 10.
Let’s dive into the sales numbers and uncover which bakkies ruled South African roads in June 2025.
Bakkie Market Snapshot: Strong Growth in June
South Africa’s total new-vehicle sales reached 47,294 units in June 2025—a year-on-year increase of 18.7%. Within that, the LCV segment grew 14.9%, marking its third consecutive month of growth with 12,129 units sold.
Want more insights on South Africa’s monthly car sales and automotive trends? Visit ImotoNews South Africa for the latest updates, comparisons, and vehicle reviews.
1. Toyota Hilux – 3,035 Units
June 2025 was a milestone month for the Toyota Hilux, which achieved its best monthly performance in 15 months, with 3,035 units sold. That included 174 rentals, making this Prospecton-built legend not just the best-selling bakkie of the month, but also the only one to cross the 3,000-unit mark in 2025 so far.
If you’re eyeing a reliable used Hilux, explore listings for double cab, single cab, and Raider models on Auto24 South Africa—a top platform for second-hand bakkies and SUVs.
2. Ford Ranger – 2,318 Units
The Ford Ranger came in strong with 2,318 units, up 8% from May. With 104 sales to government, the Silverton-built bakkie maintained second place and also marked its best monthly total of the year.
The Ranger continues to impress with its blend of performance and practicality. Discover tips on choosing the best Ranger trim level and how it stacks up against its Hilux rival.
3. Isuzu D-Max – 1,678 Units
Isuzu’s D-Max remained a solid performer in third place, with 1,678 units sold—a 13.9% month-on-month increase. Interestingly, 411 units were bought by the government, indicating its popularity in utility and fleet markets.
4. Mahindra Pik Up – 860 Units
Holding steady at fourth, the Mahindra Pik Up delivered another strong showing with 860 units, up 9.4% from the previous month. This tough, budget-friendly bakkie is assembled in KwaZulu-Natal and continues to gain ground among small business owners and fleet operators.
Find great deals on used Pik Ups and similar workhorses at Auto24.co.za, especially if you’re shopping with value in mind.
5. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 591 Units
The rugged Toyota Land Cruiser 79 made headlines in June with the biggest jump in sales among the top 10—a 69.8% increase, landing it in fifth place with 591 units. It also posted its best performance of the first half of 2025, proving that demand for serious off-road capability is alive and well.
Read our guide to South Africa’s top off-road-ready bakkies to see how the Cruiser 79 stacks up.
Midfield Contenders: Positions 6 to 10
| Rank | Bakkie | Units Sold | Notable Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Nissan Navara | 403 | Slight dip, but still strong at Rosslyn plant |
| 7 | GWM P-Series | 367 | Best-performing Chinese bakkie |
| 8 | Volkswagen Amarok | 354 | Up 25.5% month-on-month, highest monthly sales in 2025 |
| 9 | Foton Tunland G7 | 224 | Steady growth continues |
| 10 | JAC T-Series | 154 | Only model in top 10 with a sales decline |
Despite the drop, the JAC T-Series still made the cut. Our insider reports suggest the breakdown included 103 units of the T9, 44 of the T8, and 7 of the T6—making the T9 JAC’s star performer.
Just Missed the Cut: Best of the Rest
- GWM Steed 5 – 137 units
- Peugeot Landtrek – 92 units
- Mitsubishi Triton – 45 units
- Mahindra Bolero – 38 units
- Jeep Gladiator – 4 units
Looking for something unique or niche? Browse Auto24 South Africa for listings on the Peugeot Landtrek, Mitsubishi Triton, and even the premium Jeep Gladiator, which starts at R1.38 million.
Final Thoughts: The Battle for Bakkie Supremacy Continues
The Toyota Hilux may be back on top, but the fight for bakkie supremacy in South Africa is far from over. With the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max gaining traction and Chinese brands like GWM and JAC consistently improving, the market is more competitive than ever.
If you’re planning to buy a new or used bakkie, head over to Auto24.co.za to compare deals and discover models that fit your budget and business needs. And for monthly updates, reviews, and expert advice, keep reading ImotoNews South Africa.
