SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie of 2025 is revealed as Ford Ranger leads Hilux and D-Max, highlighting key bakkie sales trends in South Africa.
Introduction: Why Bakkie Sales Matter in South Africa
In South Africa, bakkies aren’t just vehicles. They’re work tools, family transporters, weekend adventure machines, and cultural icons rolled into one. So when annual sales figures land, they tell a deeper story about how South Africans live, work, and travel.
The 2025 numbers are no different. By breaking down sales by body style, double cab, single cab, and extended cab, a clearer picture emerges of buyer priorities. And at the center of that picture sits one familiar name.
For broader context on how these trends fit into the wider motoring landscape, read more here on [imotonews.co.za], which tracks South African vehicle sales and buyer behavior year-round.
Overview of South Africa’s Bakkie Market in 2025
Economic and Lifestyle Factors Driving Bakkie Demand
Despite economic pressures, bakkie demand remained strong in 2025. Construction, agriculture, and logistics continued to rely heavily on one-ton pickups, while private buyers leaned toward lifestyle-oriented double cabs that balance toughness with comfort.
Fuel efficiency improvements, better safety tech, and refined interiors helped modern bakkies appeal to a wider audience than ever before.
The Importance of Body Styles
Body style plays a big role in purchase decisions. Double cabs dominate private sales thanks to their versatility. Single cabs remain popular in commercial fleets, while extended cabs serve buyers who want occasional rear seating without the size of a full double cab.
SA’s Best-Selling Double-Cab Bakkie of 2025
Ford Ranger Retains the Crown
According to Lightstone Auto figures, the Ford Ranger was South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie of 2025, securing the title for the third year in a row. Ford sold 20,856 Ranger double cabs, representing a 3.9 percent year-on-year increase.
That figure alone made up a staggering 81.9 percent of total Ranger sales, underlining just how central the double-cab format is to Ford’s success. Built in Silverton, the Ranger continues to benefit from strong local production and brand loyalty, with further updates expected in early 2026.
Why Double Cabs Dominate
Double cabs strike a balance that South Africans appreciate. They offer five-seat practicality, modern comfort, and serious load-carrying ability. For many households, one vehicle must do everything, and double-cab bakkies fit that brief neatly.
Double-Cab Sales Breakdown: The Top Three
Ford Ranger Double Cab Performance
The Ranger’s success didn’t happen by accident. A wide model range, from work-focused trims to lifestyle variants like Wildtrak and Tremor, helped Ford appeal to different budgets. Competitive financing and strong dealer networks also played a role.
Toyota Hilux Double Cab Growth
Toyota’s Hilux finished second in double-cab sales with 16,869 units, posting a strong 10.1 percent year-on-year increase. Double cabs accounted for 46.2 percent of Hilux sales in 2025.
While it trailed the Ranger by nearly 4,000 units in this category, the Hilux remains deeply trusted, especially among buyers who prioritize durability and resale value. With a ninth-generation model expected in 2026, interest remains high.
Isuzu D-Max Double Cab Momentum
Completing the podium was the Isuzu D-Max, which sold 9,184 double cabs, marking a 15.3 percent increase year on year. That growth shows rising confidence in the brand, even as buyers await a local facelift.
Double cabs made up 43.3 percent of total D-Max sales, reinforcing Isuzu’s steady climb in the segment.
| Model | 2025 Double-Cab Sales | Y-O-Y Change |
| Ford Ranger | 20,856 | +3.9% |
| Toyota Hilux | 16,869 | +10.1% |
| Isuzu D-Max | 9,184 | +15.3% |
The Rest of the Double-Cab Segment
Beyond the big three, other one-ton double-cab bakkies collectively recorded 21,301 units in 2025. That represented a healthy 27.7 percent improvement over 2024.
While individual models sell in smaller numbers, their combined growth shows that buyers are increasingly open to alternatives. For those comparing different brands and trims in the used market, auto24.co.za lists popular double-cab bakkies such as the Ranger, Hilux, D-Max, and even emerging rivals, making side-by-side comparisons easier without drifting off-topic.
SA’s Best-Selling Single-Cab Bakkies in 2025
Toyota Hilux: The Single-Cab Benchmark
In the single-cab category, the Toyota Hilux once again led the market, selling 14,444 units, up 18.8 percent year on year. This dominance reflects the Hilux’s continued popularity among businesses, farmers, and government fleets.
Isuzu D-Max and Mahindra Pik Up
The Isuzu D-Max single cab secured second place with 10,011 units, while the Mahindra Pik Up claimed third with 7,568 units. Notably, the Ford Ranger single cab struggled, selling just 1,003 units, a sharp 41.1 percent decline.
| Model | 2025 Single-Cab Sales | Y-O-Y Change |
| Toyota Hilux | 14,444 | +18.8% |
| Isuzu D-Max | 10,011 | +10.8% |
| Mahindra Pik Up | 7,568 | +14.5% |
Extended-Cab (Cab-and-a-Half) Sales Explained
Extended cabs remain a niche but important segment. In 2025, only three models competed here. The Toyota Hilux led with 5,121 units, despite a slight decline. The Ford Ranger followed with 3,604 units, while the Isuzu D-Max sold 1,998 units, posting modest growth.
| Model | 2025 Extended-Cab Sales | Y-O-Y Change |
| Toyota Hilux | 5,121 | -0.8% |
| Ford Ranger | 3,604 | -4.5% |
| Isuzu D-Max | 1,998 | +1.4% |
Overall Bakkie Sales: Who Really Won 2025?
When all body styles are combined, the Toyota Hilux reclaimed its crown as South Africa’s best-selling bakkie overall, with 36,525 units sold, up 11.8 percent.
The Ford Ranger followed with 25,465 units, experiencing a slight decline, while the Isuzu D-Max completed the top three with 21,194 units, reflecting solid growth.
What These Sales Trends Mean for Buyers
Choosing the Right Cab for Your Needs
If you need family comfort and versatility, double cabs clearly dominate. For pure work duties, single cabs offer better value. Extended cabs sit in between, offering flexibility without full-size proportions.
Ownership and Maintenance Tips
No matter the cab style, regular servicing, proper tyre care, and load management are key to long-term load management are key to long-term reliability. Buyers also considering future-focused options can explore electric alternatives through EV24.africa, which offers import solutions for EVs as sustainable mobility slowly enters the bakkie conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which was SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie in 2025?
A: The Ford Ranger led the segment with 20,856 double-cab units sold.
Q2: Which bakkie sold the most overall in 2025?
A: The Toyota Hilux topped overall sales with 36,525 units across all body styles.
Q3: Why are double cabs more popular than single cabs?
A: They offer family seating, comfort, and lifestyle appeal while retaining load capacity.
Q4: Which single cab performed best in 2025?
A: The Toyota Hilux single cab led with 14,444 units sold.
Q5: Are extended cabs still relevant?
A: Yes, though niche, they suit buyers needing occasional rear seating.
Q6: Will these rankings change in 2026?
A: Upcoming model updates could influence future sales significantly.
Conclusion
The 2025 bakkie sales figures confirm one thing clearly: South Africans still love their pickups. While the Ford Ranger dominated the double-cab category, the Toyota Hilux proved its enduring strength across all body styles. Together with the rising Isuzu D-Max, these models continue to shape the country’s automotive landscape.
