Should You Buy a Used Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger for Under R400,000 in South Africa in 2026?
What 110 used bakkies on Dryv show about the age, mileage and gearbox the same budget buys.
By Rynard Snyman · 29 September 2026
For a double cab under R400,000, buy the Ford Ranger. On 29 September 2026 the median used double-cab Ranger on Dryv at that price was a 2020 with 141,932 km, against a 2015 Hilux with 266,037 km, and 37 of the 64 Rangers were automatic against 3 of the 46 Hiluxes.
The Ranger is the better double cab at R400,000 or less, and it isn't close. On 29 September 2026 Dryv had 46 used Toyota Hiluxes and 64 used Ford Rangers asking R400,000 or less. At the median, the Ranger double cab was five model years newer and had 124,105 km less on the clock.
What does R400,000 buy in a used Hilux and a used Ranger?
These are dealers' asking prices on Dryv on 29 September 2026, used cars only. A double cab here means the listing's own variant name says DC or double cab.
| Asking R400,000 or less | Toyota Hilux | Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Used bakkies on sale | 46 | 64 |
| Automatic | 3 | 37 |
| Double cabs | 15 | 40 |
| Double cab: median model year | 2015 | 2020 |
| Double cab: median odometer | 266,037 km | 141,932 km |
| Double cabs that are automatic | 0 | 27 |
| Single cabs | 13 | 6 |
Is a Ranger at the same price really the better bakkie?
Put two Cape Town double cabs side by side, as listed on 29 September 2026. A 2018 Hilux 2.4 GD-6 RB SRX with 163,582 km asked R399,995. A 2020 Ranger 2.0D XLT automatic with 93,000 km asked R389,900. The Ford was two years newer, had done 70,582 km less, had the automatic gearbox and cost R10,095 less.
The same gap runs through the whole list. Only 15 of the 46 Hiluxes are double cabs, and nine of those are the older 2.5 and 3.0 D-4D diesels. The newest is a 2019 2.4 GD-6 RB SRX with 284,258 km. The 40 Ranger double cabs are mostly the 2.2 TDCi (22 of them) and the 2.0 diesel (13), and 27 are automatic. Not one Hilux double cab under R400,000 was automatic.
Why is a used Hilux so much older for the money?
Because a Hilux asks more at the same age. Across every used bakkie on Dryv that day (163 Hiluxes and 152 Rangers, all body styles), the median Hilux asked more than the median Ranger of the same model year for every year from 2017 to 2022. For 2018 cars the gap was R125,005: R409,995 for the Hilux against R284,990 for the Ranger. At a fixed budget you pay that premium in years and kilometres.
From 2023 the order flips, and 2023 to 2025 Rangers ask more than Hiluxes of the same year. That matters with a bigger budget. It hardly touches R400,000, where only three Rangers are 2023 or newer.
When is the Hilux the right buy?
When you need a workhorse, or you want a manual. The Hilux is the deeper pool of single cabs: 13 Hilux listings under R400,000 say single cab, against six Rangers. The two newest Hiluxes under R400,000 are 2024 2.4 GD S models, at R349,900 with 74,912 km in Cape Town and R369,900 with 77,352 km in Fourways. And if you want to change gears yourself, 41 of the 46 Hiluxes are manual.
Then there's the day you sell. If the pattern in these listings holds, the premium you pay for a Hilux now is the premium the next buyer pays you. For someone who swaps bakkies every four or five years, that narrows the gap. At this budget it doesn't close it: five model years and 124,105 km is a lot of wear to pay for up front.
What should you check on a used bakkie with this many kilometres?
89 of these 110 bakkies have done more than 100,000 km, so the paperwork matters more than the paint.
- Ask for the service book and the invoices behind it, and check that the dates and odometer readings line up.
- Ask whether it towed, and what. A towbar is a reason to ask questions, not a reason to walk away.
- Have it inspected by a workshop you choose before you sign, not after.
- Start it cold on the test drive, then take it onto the highway.
- Look for matching tyres with even wear. Uneven wear points to alignment or suspension work to come.
How were these numbers measured?
On 29 September 2026 we pulled every used Hilux and Ranger on Dryv asking R400,000 or less: 46 Hiluxes and 64 Rangers. A median is the middle car when they are lined up by year or by odometer. These are asking prices, not what the cars sold for. Most of the stock is in the Western Cape (36 of the Hiluxes and 50 of the Rangers), so Gauteng prices may differ. The live lists: every Ford Ranger for sale on Dryv and every Toyota Hilux for sale on Dryv.
Verdict: at R400,000 or less, buy the Ranger double cab. Buy the Hilux if you need a single cab or insist on a manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used Ford Ranger cheaper than a used Toyota Hilux in South Africa?
For the same model year up to 2022, yes. On Dryv on 29 September 2026 the median 2018 Ranger asked R284,990 and the median 2018 Hilux R409,995, across all body styles.
How new a Hilux double cab can I get for R400,000?
On 29 September 2026 the median used Hilux double cab on Dryv asking R400,000 or less was a 2015 with 266,037 km. The newest was a 2019 2.4 GD-6 RB SRX with 284,258 km at R369,900.
Can I get an automatic Hilux for under R400,000?
Rarely. Only 3 of the 46 used Hiluxes on Dryv asking R400,000 or less on 29 September 2026 were automatic, against 37 of the 64 Rangers.
Which holds its value better, the Hilux or the Ranger?
In Dryv's listings on 29 September 2026, used Hiluxes from 2017 to 2022 asked more than Rangers of the same year, every year. That points to the Hilux holding its asking price better, though these are asking prices, not sale prices.
