OWNING a bakkie is important especially when you are in South Africa.
Bakkies play a major role in transportation, business and lifestyle.
They are also built for rough terrain, making them ideal for rural areas with unpaved roads. 4×4 models are useful for off-road adventures and work in remote locations.
We look at the best-selling bakkies in South Africa as of January 2025.
Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is the number one best-selling bakkie in Mzansi. It sold 2,557 units in the month of January alone.
People probably love it for being a tough, dependable bakkie. It has a range of models, including single and double cabs. It’s available with different engine sizes and features, including Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and a Toyota Connect telematics system.
Ford Ranger
The Ranger came second with 1,858 units sold.
This popular mid-size bakkie is known for its rugged durability, powerful engine options and advanced technology. It is designed for both work and leisure, offering a balance between utility and comfort.
Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu is the number three best-selling bakkie in Mzansi at the moment. In January alone it sold 1,413 units.
The D-Max is a reliable and rugged mid-size bakkie known for its durability, fuel efficiency and off-road capabilities. It competes with the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara, making it a popular choice for both work and lifestyle needs.
Mahindra Pik Up
The Mahindra Pik Up is the number four best-selling bakkie having sold about 801 units in January.
This bakkie is loved for being a rugged and reliable workhorse. It is designed for durability, affordability and off-road capability.
It is popular for its tough build and cost-effective maintenance.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser is the number five best-selling bakkie in Mzansi having sold between 79 and 560 units in January.
The Land Cruiser is a tough, no-nonsense workhorse designed for those who require exceptional durability and off-road performance. While the Land Cruiser Series has been around for decades, it remains a popular choice for heavy-duty work, especially in harsh environments and remote areas. It’s used in everything from commercial fleets to military operations and overlanding adventures.
Nissan Navara
The Navara sold 298 units making it the number six best-selling bakkie as of January.
It is a highly versatile and popular mid-size bakkie that offers a balance of off-road capability, power and everyday practicality. It’s well-regarded for its ability to handle tough jobs while also providing a comfortable and tech-savvy driving experience. With its strong performance, durability and attractive design, the Navara is a competitor to the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max.
VW Amarok
The Amarok is in position seven having sold 245 units in January.
It is a mid-size bakkie with stylish design, strong performance and advanced tech features. The Amarok is a popular choice for both business and leisure use. It is known for offering high-quality interior features alongside the toughness expected of a bakkie.
GWM P-Series
The P-Series sold 101 units in January making it the number eighth best-selling bakkie in SA.
It is a mid-size bakkie from Great Wall Motors (GWM), a Chinese automaker. It is designed to offer competitive performance, technology and style, making it a solid choice in the bakkie market, especially for buyers looking for an affordable yet feature-packed option. With a focus on rugged utility and comfort, the P-Series is a growing contender in the global market.
Mitsubishi Triton
The Triton sold 75 units in January making it the number nine best-selling bakkie.
This is a well-known mid-size bakkie that offers a combination of rugged capability, value for money and advanced features. It’s built to handle tough tasks while also providing a comfortable driving experience for both urban and off-road environments. With its solid reputation for reliability and durability, the Triton has become a popular choice for businesses, off-road enthusiasts and families.
GWM Steed
The Steed sits at number 10 with 74 units sold in January.
This is a bakkie from Great Wall Motors (GWM) too. It’s known for its affordability, solid performance and practicality. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range bakkies, the Steed is designed for those looking for a reliable vehicle that can handle both work and recreational duties. It’s a popular choice for those on a budget but still requiring a durable and capable truck.
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