4x4 Action Group

The Hilux and Ranger are two of the most popular bakkies in South Africa, both known for their toughness. But which one truly delivers the best off-road performance, reliability, and value for money? Share your experiences!

agh common, is this that a trick question or just a thread started out of boredom.

How the hell do you pip a BAKKIE against a HILUX.

In person I have owned my share of Fords. Always have had good service from them. However I do not trust any of the Ford Ranger diesel engines.
Have yet to visit a Ford dealer or Indy where there are not a Ford Ranger tucked into a corner waiting for a new engine.

I do a lot of work around here on the mines. Have yet to find a fleet owner running Rangers. Hilux are still the most popular fleet vehicle. They do test other brands from time to time but nothing can beat a Hilux when it comes to reliability.

The other side of the coin the Rangers are more comfortable and have much more features than a Hilux. If you want a Ranger buy new and sell before it runs out of warranty.

.

The new ranger raptors are very smooth and feels like driving on a cushion of air. They have all the creature comforts you can wish for ever! And that is also Fords downfall, they put soooo much electronics in that they neglect the part of actually properly engineering an Engine and a gearbox that lasts.

Comparing the two is just an option. Drive a Ford Ranger for a daily, just don't serious offroading and don't stress the poor engine and gearbox with towing or chasing around town like every ranger owner ever! The ranger drivers these days are like the Fortuner drivers back in the day. Sell and buy a new one very 5 years, Not very reliable for long term use.

Hilux is a workhorse, with most creature comforts needed, mostly overpriced, but you pay that gladly for the reliability and resale value... It is not a racing car, it is not as comfortable and for the most part not as fuel efficient. But the mechanical testing that goes into them is properly done! They do it right, starting from a proper base upwards, then adding features afterwards as an afterthought...

Hilux every time without a doubt.

Ranger is like a chocolate - Very nice, but will make you sick and can not live off of it
Hilux is like a steak - Sustainable, boring, but reliable food source...

Interesting responses and perhaps comments to take note of.
I've been very happy with my work Ranger (2013) and 330,000 km apart from 3rd turbo replacement (earlier on its life) so I guess that it has settled down by now and is a daily runner.
My auto (10 speed) 2l (single turbo) has more than enough power on pull away and has no turbo lag unlike the older 2,2l model.
Both are great open road cruisers with good fuel economy in my books.
Yes, extended warranty on the new vehicle for peace of mind, but not repairable at the side of the road unlike my old VW Syncro.

Peet and Dirk i hope i haven't offended you and rest of Toyota and ford drivers .

Thanks Jadranko.
Heck no offence taken at all.
This is a great platform for warts and all and above all to learn from common ailments that the manufacturers won't tell you about.
I added my comments from experience and perception only.
Let's keep this rolling....

Just buy the Toyota.

Yes, you cry once when you pay, but you'll smile when you sell. If you ever sell.

My mate still has an old KZ-TE Hilux. Original engine. Well over half a million KMs.

Jadranko you cannot offend me wayyyy tooo thick-skinned.

Agree with Mahindra though. Can tell days of stories, having nothing but problems... Especially the ne N-Series

If only Honda made real 4x4... Best vehicles ever made!

I "wood" explain it better if i had time or jackson should "log" in and explain it.


for now ill just delete my posts.

Dirk Schubert wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 27, 2025 11:28 am

Interesting responses and perhaps comments to take note of.
I've been very happy with my work Ranger (2013) and 330,000 km apart from 3rd turbo replacement (earlier on its life) so I guess that it has settled down by now and is a daily runner.
My auto (10 speed) 2l (single turbo) has more than enough power on pull away and has no turbo lag unlike the older 2,2l model.
Both are great open road cruisers with good fuel economy in my books.
Yes, extended warranty on the new vehicle for peace of mind, but not repairable at the side of the road unlike my old VW Syncro.

You lost me at '3rd turbo replacement '...
As I said, only Cnuts...

I know which one is more naturally inclined to be driven into big bodies of water....