With double-cab bakkies regarded as desirable lifestyle vehicles in South Africa, the very best of them have become dream machines for many consumers. In the Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards, the Ford Ranger Raptor nailed the brief.
From luxurious touring vehicle to hardcore off-roader, capable carry-all, family do-all and lifestyle activity machine, the winner of the Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) isn’t too utilitarian and/or rough around the edges. In fact, it is a highly sophisticated offering with the performance and design that discerning customers demand.
The Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie category
The Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category included a list price above R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. The vehicle had to be a double-cab (four-door) pick-up/bakkie with 4-wheel drive, an automatic transmission and a ground clearance of at least 200 mm.
Pillars of success for this category included performance, space & practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort, performance, all-surface ability and safety. Towing ability was also tested.
WINNER:
Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD
If you’re looking for the new-vehicle market’s most performance-oriented double cab, look no further than the Ford Ranger Raptor, which won the Leisure Double Cab category in the 2023/24 programme and won the Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards with a combined score of 73.7%.
With a bespoke off-road racing suspension, muscular looks and a howling twin-turbo V6, the 2nd-gen Ranger Raptor makes an unequivocal statement. Inside, the Raptor boasts comprehensive safety tech and connectivity, and an appropriately themed cabin.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Ford Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak variants:
Delivering all that performance is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque, which is unrivalled in this segment. Its claimed average fuel consumption is 11.5 L/100 km.
The Ford Ranger Raptor is backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and optional service or maintenance plans of up to 8 years or 165 000 km are available.
View the Price & Specs of the Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD
Read a review of the Ford Ranger Raptor
Find a Ford Ranger Raptor for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNERS UP:
Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport 4×4 Auto
There are few predictable slam-dunks in the automotive industry, but a Hilux GR-Sport is one of them. The Hilux is already one of the most desirable double cabs on the market, and adding a muscular, wide-body variant with some Dakar “fizz” was always going to have enthusiasts queuing.
Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport:
Power comes from the proven 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, developing 165 kW and 550 Nm in this instance. Toyota claims an average consumption figure of 8.7L/100 km for this model, but the Hilux is not so much about performance figures – it prioritises high-speed off-road work.
The Toyota Hilux GR-Sport, which achieved a combined score of 72.9% in the 2025 CarsAwards (only 8 tenths of a per cent behind the Ranger Raptor), 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.
View the Price & Specs of the Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport 4×4 Auto
Read a launch review of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport
Find a Toyota Hilux for sale on Cars.co.za
Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is the most expensive double-cab you can buy in South Africa and not a vehicle one can easily ignore. It achieved a combined score of 62.3% in the 2025 CarsAwards.
Conceived to be a no-nonsense and extremely capable off-road machine, but with a luxurious cabin and strong power, the Ineos Quartermaster oozes desirability.
This variant is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol that develops 210 kW and 450 Nm, enough to propel this juggernaut to 100 kph in 8.8 sec. Ineos claims an average consumption of 12.8 L/100 km.
The Quartermaster is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and optional 5-year/75 000 km service or maintenance plans.
View the Price & Specs of the Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition
Read a Launch Review of the Ineos Grenadier
Find an Ineos Grenadier 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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