Ranger takes double-cab sales crown

The Ford Ranger was South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie during the first half of 2026, beating its long-time rival, the Toyota Hilux.

Sales data compiled by Cars.co.za and Lightstone Auto showed that 10 075 Ranger double cabs were registered between January and June.

The Hilux double cab placed second with 7 887 units, while the Isuzu D-Max followed with 4 415 registrations.

The result gives Ford a lead of 2 188 units over Toyota in the highly competitive double-cab market.

Hilux dominates other body styles

Despite losing the double-cab contest, the Hilux remained far ahead in the single-cab category.

Toyota registered 8 101 Hilux single cabs during the six-month period.

Isuzu followed with 4 849 D-Max single cabs, while Ford recorded only 707 Ranger workhorse models.

Toyota also led the extended-cab category, selling 2 598 Hilux Xtra Cab models.

Ford registered 1 740 Ranger Super Cabs, followed by the Isuzu D-Max with 804 units.

Toyota remains overall bakkie leader

When registrations across all three body styles were combined, the Hilux retained its position as South Africa’s top-selling bakkie.

Toyota sold 18 862 Hilux models during the first half of the year, despite the previous-generation vehicle entering its run-out phase.

The Ranger ranked second overall with 12 472 units.

Isuzu completed the top three after recording 10 068 D-Max sales.

Cars.co.za innovation chief Alan Quinn said the results highlighted the strength and competitiveness of South Africa’s bakkie market.

“The Ford Ranger leads in double cabs, but the Toyota Hilux maintains overall dominance,” Quinn said.

Vehicle market records growth

South Africa’s broader vehicle market also expanded during the first six months of 2026.

Light commercial vehicle sales increased by 10.1% to 75 219 units, according to figures from automotive industry body Naamsa.

Passenger vehicle sales grew by 14.2% to 223 911 units over the same period.

The figures show that double-cab buyers favoured the Ranger, while Toyota’s strength across workhorse and lifestyle body styles kept the Hilux firmly at the top of the overall rankings.