The South African bakkie landscape is defined by a rivalry that spans generations: the Toyota Hilux versus the Ford Ranger. David Taylor discusses the merits of the bakkies’ Legend 55 and Tremor variants… and waiting for the new-gen Hilux’s debut in 2026.
The arrival of the next iteration of the Toyota Hilux is now not that far away, so prospective new-bakkie buyers are facing a difficult conundrum: Should they invest in the highly accessorised flagship of the Japanese giant’s current Hilux Legend 55, or opt for the formidable, enhanced Ford Ranger Tremor?
We compare the double cabs head-to-head while weighing up the prospect of the new, 9th-gen Hilux.
See also: New Hilux – what looks new but isn’t | Why new Hilux uses Toyota’s old engines and drivetrains
The Legend 55: Celebrating a Legacy
The Toyota Hilux has established itself as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle over its 50-plus-year history, achieving a truly mind-blowing market dominance. The current generation celebrates this heritage with the Legend 55 variant, marking 55 years of success in Mzansi (or 56, depending on who is counting).
The 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend 55 is essentially a fully accessorised, top-spec version of the current Toyota Hilux. It is available in Extra Cab and Double Cab body styles and is visually set apart by distinct Legend 55 badging inside and out, specific colour options (including a striking beige sand colour), and wheels that appear to be sourced from the most recent update of the Fortuner.
It also comes equipped with functional upgrades, including a roller-shutter door, a rubberised load bay, and additional armouring underneath the front to protect vulnerable components.
See also: Toyota Hilux Legend 55: What makes it a Legend?
Hilux Legend 55 powertrain
Mechanically, the Legend 55 remains identical to the 2.8GD-6 4×4 variants of the existing Toyota Hilux range – it is powered by the well-proven 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
| Powertrain Specification | Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend 55 |
| Engine | 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel |
| Power | 150 kW |
| Torque | 500 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
The engine is praised for its refinement in the segment, delivering its 500 Nm of torque smoothly through a 6-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and rear diff-lock. Drivers can also choose between the Power and Eco driving modes.
See also: How to Decide Which Toyota Hilux is Right for You
The Ranger Tremor: An Overhauled Rival
The Ford Ranger has established itself as the favourite in the double-cab segment in terms of outright sales volume. The Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Tremor 4WD, based on the XLT specification, takes this already excellent platform and applies upgrades that beef up the bakkie’s off-road capability.
The Ranger Tremor’s enhanced capability comes from factory modifications that include:
- Suspension: An upgraded Bilstein off-road-specific suspension setup.
- Tyres & Clearance: All-terrain wrapped tyres and raised ground clearance.
- Body: Underbody armour protection and a widened front track for a more aggressive stance.
These modifications translate directly to the on-road experience. While the Legend 55 offers a generally compliant ride, the Ranger Tremor’s dedicated Bilstein off-road setup provides a noticeably more controlled and composed feel, particularly when pushing the vehicle or traversing uneven terrain.
See also: Ford Ranger Tremor – What is it and where does it fit in?
Ranger Tremor powertrain
The Tremor is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel (2.0 BiT) engine, which slightly edges out the Hilux on power and matches its torque output. However, prospective buyers must bear in mind that Ford will “phase out” the 2.0 BiT engine from the Ranger and Everest line-ups in SA next year.
| Powertrain Specification | Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Tremor 4WD |
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel |
| Power | 154 kW |
| Torque | 500 Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
This output is managed by the Blue Oval’s now ubiquitous 10-speed automatic transmission. While David notes that the powertrain is highly competent, it does have a slightly more prominent diesel clatter higher up in the rev range compared with the Hilux’s more refined delivery.
See also: Ford Ranger: 4 Engine Options Compared
Legend 55 vs Ranger Tremor: Modernity vs Durability
The interior is where the age difference between the 2 rivals becomes most apparent, creating a clear contrast between modern feature-rich design and durable, long-lasting practicality.
Ranger Tremor Interior Highlights
The Ford Ranger’s cabin is lauded as one of the best in its class, feeling distinctly contemporary and feature-rich. Key highlights include:
- A large, portrait-oriented infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Convenience features like wireless charging, USB-A and USB-C ports, and even a French fry slot!
- Practical vinyl flooring in place of carpets, making it far easier to clean after off-road excursions.
See also: Ford Ranger SuperCab (2025) Living With It
Legend 55 Interior Drawbacks
By comparison, the Toyota Hilux‘s cabin betrays the model’s age. The level of fit-and-finish is admirable, and the materials appear highly durable, but the technology is lacking. Specific complaints include:
- A dated, low-resolution reverse camera that is barely fit for purpose.
- Limited connectivity, with just a single USB-A port for charging and smartphone integration.
However, the cabin leaves no doubt as to the vehicle’s identity. The Legend 55‘s interior features just enough in the way of variant-specific detailing, such as badging on the headrests and scuff plates.
See also: Toyota Hilux Legend 55 (2025) Launch Review
Legend 55 vs Ranger Tremor: Price & After-sales
In Mzansi’s new-bakkie market, the Toyota Hilux Legend 55 and the Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Tremor 4WD occupy a competitive space just under and just over the R1-million mark, respectively.
| Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend 55 | Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo double cab Tremor 4WD | |
| Price (Nov 2025) | R935 000 | R1 008 000 |
| Warranty | 3-year/100 000 km | 4-year/120 000 km |
| Service Plan | 9 services/90 000 km | 6-year/90 000 km (buyers can opt out) |
New Toyota Hilux Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used Toyota Hilux listed for sale on Cars.co.za
New Ford Ranger Specs & Prices in South Africa
Find a new/used Ford Ranger listed for sale on Cars.co.za
The Conundrum: Buy Now or Wait?
The primary question facing prospective double-cab buyers is one of timing. With the 9th-gen Hilux confirmed to be built locally and arriving in South Africa in 2026, Toyota loyalists must now grapple with whether to invest in the Legend 55, the last variant of its generation, or hold off on a purchase entirely.
While the Ford Ranger and other modern entrants have significantly moved the interior game on – making the Legend 55‘s cabin feel rather out of date – the choice ultimately comes down to an individual’s preference for established reliability, or desire for the latest features and technology.
The sheer competence of the Hilux keeps it a strong contender, but the Ranger Tremor‘s modern design and dedicated off-road enhancements make it arguably the most compelling bakkie, for the moment…
Q: What are the main differences between the Hilux Legend 55 and the Ranger Tremor?
A: The Hilux Legend 55 offers proven reliability and a refined 2.8L engine but has an older interior design. The Ranger Tremor offers a modern, tech-rich cabin, a 10-speed auto, and enhanced Bilstein off-road suspension for a more controlled driving feel.
Q: What is the main reason a buyer would choose the Ranger Tremor’s interior over the Hilux Legend 55’s?
A: The Ranger Tremor’s cabin is significantly more modern, featuring a large portrait-oriented infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, numerous ports, and practical features like easy-to-clean vinyl flooring.
Q: When is the new 9th-generation Toyota Hilux scheduled to arrive in South Africa?
A: The new 9th-generation Hilux is confirmed to be built locally and is tentatively scheduled to arrive in South Africa in 2026.
Q: What engine powers the Hilux Legend 55?
A: The Hilux Legend 55 is powered by Toyota’s well-proven 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque.
Q: How does the Ranger Tremor’s ride compare to the Hilux Legend 55’s?
A: While the Hilux is compliant, the Ranger Tremor’s dedicated Bilstein off-road suspension provides a noticeably more controlled and composed feel compared to the older Hilux’s inherent ladder-frame ride quality.
