Given that the prices of the flagship leisure double cab bakkie variants are now well beyond the reach of most households, the 2025 CarsAwards featured a 2nd bakkie category. The winner, however, was a rather familiar offering: the Toyota Hilux.
While the category was not new to the CarsAwards, for the 2024/25 iteration of the Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) programme, “Leisure Double Cab” catered for more affordable double-cab derivatives priced below R750 000. We were looking for a high-value offering that combined genuine off-road capability (4×4 was required) with comfort (an automatic transmission was a must).
The Leisure Double-Cab category
The Leisure Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligible vehicles had to be priced under R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting, and offer 4-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
Pillars of success for this category included all-surface ability, towing, comfort and a good balance of performance and efficiency.
WINNER:
Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto
Even though the current-gen Toyota Hilux is nearing the end of its product lifecycle, it has managed to retain its top-seller spot – and win the Leisure Double Cab category with a combined score of 73.5%.
Its reputation for toughness is simply unmatched in the local market, and the fact that it is further backed by a 5-time Brand of the Year winner, and all that that means, says pretty much all you need to know.
Watch our epic 7-way double-cab bakkie drag race featuring a Toyota Hilux:
The Hilux variant that competed in the final stage of this new-for-2025 CarsAwards category was the 2.4GD-6 Raider XLT 4×4 Auto. It is powered by Toyota’s proven 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 110 kW/400 Nm and its claimed average fuel consumption figure is 7.7 L/100 km.
The Toyota Hilux is backed with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and the first 9 services are included (note, however, that service intervals are only 10 000 km apart).
Find a Toyota Hilux for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNERS UP:
Isuzu D-Max Double Cab 1.9 TD LS 4×4 Auto
Isuzu’s D-Max has a very strong reputation in South Africa and is widely admired for its blend of comfort and toughness. The locally-built D-Max also benefits from ongoing local improvements. In this category of the 2025 CarsAwards, the 1.9 TD LS 4×4 was the 1st runner up with a combined score of 72.4%.
Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Isuzu D-Max X-Rider and AT35:
This D-Max variant is powered by a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque. Isuzu claims an average consumption figure of 7.6 L/100 km for the variant.
The D-Max is backed with an impressive 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
View the Price & Specs of the Isuzu D-Max Double Cab 1.9 TD LS 4×4 Auto
Read a review of the Isuzu D-Max
Find an Isuzu D-Max for sale on Cars.co.za
Ford Ranger Double Cab 2.0SiT XLT 4×4 Auto
Launched late in 2022, the current-gen Ford Ranger is one of the most desirable pick-ups in the local market, particularly in double-cab guise, because it offers arguably the best on- and off-road comfort levels of any bakkie and the most attractive interior. In 2024/25, it achieved a combined score of 70.8%.
In this category, the Ranger variant was the so-called “single-turbo” variant in XLT specification. Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers peak power of 125 kW and a substantial 405 Nm of torque. Ford claims an average consumption figure of 7.7 L/100 km.
The Ranger, which achieved a combined score of 70.8% in the 2025 CarsAwards, is backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and (optional) service plans of up to 8 years or 165 000 km.
View the Price & Specs of the Ford Ranger Double Cab 2.0SiT XLT 4×4 Auto
Read a launch review of the Ford Ranger Double Cab
Find a Ford Ranger for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
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