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• The Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux are among SA's best-selling vehicles.
• Each bakkie brings something unique to the local market.
• The Ranger and Hilux have their respective loyal following in South Africa.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24
It's not every day that two of South Africa's most popular bakkies are driven in the same setting. Yet, you can be assured that it will entice everyone - even those directly involved with setting it up when it does happen.
Recently, the Ford Ranger Thunder and Toyota Hilux Legend RS saw a coming together in Cape Town. It was a perfect day as the weather came together to create just the right setting. The day started early one Saturday morning as the team convened at one of the coastal towns outside Cape Town. And as is mandatory, we first grabbed a cup of morning glory (coffee) before turning off towards the mountains separating the sea and the N2.
Which bakkie between the Ranger and Hilux do you prefer, and why? Email us your thoughts or use the comment section below.
Two of the best
Whilst driving, it soon became apparent that each bakkie has its own strengths and reasons why they find favour with their respective buyers. Sure, they target the same audience, but the bakkies take on very different approaches regarding execution.
The Ranger, for example, offers a softer ride with lighter steering. This can be attributed to the lighter, bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine (157kW/500Nm) that doesn't weigh as heavy over the front axle. It improves steering input and mitigates the feeling that you're driving a bakkie. On the other hand, the Hilux feels more bakkie-like, but its turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel engine (150kW/500Nm) definitely feels more alive. Even the way the bakkie delivers its power is far smoother than the Ranger.
WATCH: Hilux vs Ranger - SA's top-selling bakkies go head-to-head
Whichever way one looks at it, each bakkie brings something unique to the fore. They may speak the same language, but their vocabulary is different. Following our morning with the two bakkies, it was clear that choosing one over the other would come down to personal preference. Whether it be brand loyalty or the type of driving experience you want your bakkie to have, either choice would not leave you disappointed.
There's a reason why the Ranger and Hilux are two of South Africa's best-selling vehicles.
