Think all single-cab bakkies are budget friendly? Think again! Here are the 5 most expensive examples on South Africa’s new-vehicle market right now…
Since they’re workhorses at heart, all single-cab bakkies on the market in South Africa are relatively inexpensive, right? Well, turns out that’s not the case, with several derivatives priced well above R650 000 (with one even breaching the 7-figure mark!).
Yes, we’ve sorted through the local market to identify the 5 most expensive single-cab bakkies available in Mzansi right now. Note that all pricing is correct in April 2026.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 2.8GD-6 SC 4×4 6AT – R1 007 600
The priciest single cab around is Toyota’s Land Cruiser 79 fitted with the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Positioned on the far side of R1 million, this 4×4 bakkie offers peak outputs of 150 kW and 500 Nm – and only recently gained a service plan, which was previously optional. Of course, should your budget not quite stretch to 7 figures, the brand also offers a 5-speed manual version (R974 300), plus the 4.2D 5MT derivative (R910 600) and the 4.0 V6 5MT variant (R840 900).
- Payload: 1 180 kg
- Towing capacity (braked): 3 500 kg
- Warranty: 3-year/100 000 km
- Service plan: 9-service/90 000 km
- Find a Land Cruiser 79 SC on Cars.co.za!
2. Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 SC Raider 4×4 6AT – R730 500
Yes, Toyota takes 2nd place on this list as well, with the most expensive version of the outgoing Prospecton-built Hilux single cab coming in at R730 500. Equipped with the same 2.8GD-6 powertrain as the Land Cruiser 79 above, this 4×4 derivative features the Japanese automaker’s popular Raider spec. Opting for the 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (110 kW/400 Nm) and 6-speed auto – in conjunction with 4×4 and the same Raider trim level, of course – sees the price fall to R656 200.
- Payload: 880 kg
- Towing capacity (braked): 3 500 kg
- Warranty: 3-year/100 000 km
- Service plan: 9-service/90 000 km
- Find a Hilux SC on Cars.co.za!
3. Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD SC L 4×4 6AT – R678 900
Predictably, the most expensive version of Isuzu’s Struandale-made D-Max single cab (in pre-facelift form) likewise features 4×4 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Offered in “L” specification, this variant employs the Japanese brand’s 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor, which generates maximum figures of 140 kW and 450 Nm. Downgrading to the 1.9-litre oil-burning engine (110 kW/350 Nm) – with 4×4, a self-shifting gearbox and the same trim level – drops the starting price to R603 600.
- Payload: 1 165 kg
- Towing capacity (braked): 3 500 kg
- Warranty: 5-year/120 000 km
- Service plan: 5-year/90 000 km
- Find a D-Max SC on Cars.co.za!
4. Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT SC XL 4×4 10AT – R666 000
Another contender boasting 4×4 and an automatic gearbox, Ford’s priciest Silverton-built Ranger single cab comes in XL trim. As part of the recent range update, this single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine has switched from a wet timing belt to a chain, while also upgrading from a 6-speed auto to a 10-speed item (with peak outputs remaining 125 kW and 405 Nm). Specifying a 6-speed manual gearbox instead sees the price drop to R635 200.
- Payload: 1 163 kg
- Towing capacity (braked): 3 500 kg
- Warranty: 4-year/120 000 km
- Service plan: 6-year/90 000 km
- Find a Ranger SC on Cars.co.za!
5. Volkswagen Amarok 2.0TDI SC 4Motion 6MT – R665 800
Produced alongside the related Ranger at Ford’s Silverton plant in Gauteng, Volkswagen’s Amarok single cab can be purchased in both 4×2 and 4×4 guise (each offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox). Naturally, the all-paw version is the priciest and uses the same 125 kW/405 Nm powerplant as the Ranger above, though exactly when VW will switch to the chain-driven version remains to be seen…
- Payload: 1 243 kg
- Towing capacity (braked): 3 500 kg
- Warranty: 5-year/150 000 km
- Service plan: 3-year/60 000 km
- Find an Amarok 79 SC on Cars.co.za!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SA’s Most Expensive Single-Cab Bakkies
Q: Which single-cab bakkie is currently the most expensive in South Africa?
A: The Toyota Land Cruiser 79 2.8GD-6 currently holds the title of the most expensive single cab on the market, priced at R1 007 600. It is the only single-cab model to breach the R1-million mark, a figure driven by its off-road reputation and the recent addition of a standard 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
Q: What are the main mechanical differences between the flagship Ford Ranger and VW Amarok single cabs?
A: Although both are built at Ford’s Silverton plant, the Ford Ranger XL 4×4 (R666 000) features a 10-speed automatic transmission and an updated 2.0-litre engine with a timing chain. In contrast, the Volkswagen Amarok 4Motion (R665 800) is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox and currently retains the older timing belt configuration.
Q: How do the payloads of these high-end workhorses compare?
A: Interestingly, the most expensive bakkie does not have the highest payload. The Volkswagen Amarok leads this group with a 1 243 kg capacity, followed closely by the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (1 180 kg) and the Isuzu D-Max (1 165 kg). The Toyota Hilux Raider has the lowest payload of the five at 880 kg.
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