Toyota Hilux GD-6 vs Ford Ranger BiTurbo: The Great SA Bakkie Showdown

The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger have traded places at the top of South Africa's sales charts for the better part of a decade. For 2024, we decided to conduct the definitive comparison test — spending four days with each vehicle across a range of conditions from Johannesburg urban commuting to serious off-road terrain in Limpopo. **Performance** The Hilux 2.8 GD-6 produces 150kW and 500Nm while the Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo produces 154kW and 500Nm — almost identical on paper. In practice, the Ranger feels marginally punchier from standstill thanks to its twin-scroll turbo setup providing boost earlier in the rev range. Toyota's GD-6 hits its torque peak at 1,600rpm and maintains it through to 2,800rpm — it's a more relaxed, agricultural pull. **Off-Road** Both are excellent 4x4 performers. The Hilux's solid rear axle gives it a traction advantage on extremely broken terrain where axle articulation matters. The Ranger's independent rear suspension provides a more comfortable on-road ride but can occasionally leave a wheel hanging in deep dongas. The Ranger's electronic rear locker (standard on Wildtrak and above) partially compensates for this. **Interior** This is where the gap opens. The Ranger's 12-inch portrait screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting and soft-touch dashboard materials feel genuinely car-like. The Hilux's interior, while solid and functional, feels a generation behind. Toyota fans argue (correctly) that the Hilux's interior will look exactly the same in ten years — and they may be right. **Reliability and Resale** Toyota's brand reputation in this regard remains peerless. Hiluxes continue running in every corner of Southern Africa under conditions that would destroy lesser vehicles. The Ranger has improved dramatically but still doesn't have the multi-decade track record of the Hilux. **Verdict** If you live in the city and want a comfortable modern bakkie: Ranger. If you're heading into truly remote territory and need absolute reliability: Hilux. Both are outstanding — South Africa is lucky to have two world-class bakkies fighting for supremacy.