Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger - In-Depth Comparison and Review

Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger? This is a question that thousands of potential South African bakkie buyers grapple with. For some, it’s an easy choice, but for many, it’s a trickier decision to make. For this comparative review, we set the Hilux and Ranger loose on the Welgelegen 4x4 Farm in Stellenbosch to determine which one is the better buy...

The last time we put the Hilux and Ranger together for a comparative test was way back in 2016 and at the time they were both really closely matched in almost every way, including price. Now, however, things have changed and there’s more to separate these classic rivals. The Hilux range received a significant update in 2018 and the facelifted Ranger was recently introduced with a pair of 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine options as well as a new 10-speed transmission. It is, therefore, the perfect time to bring these 2 bakkie giants together for another showdown.

For this comparative test, we managed to get our hands on the Ranger 2.0 4x4 XLT (automatic) and Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4x4 (manual).

Despite the differences in transmission, this comparative review provides useful buying advice if you are considering a Ranger or Hilux double-cab bakkie; we've paid particular attention to the contenders' kerb appeal, interior execution and standard features, engine performance, ride quality and handling, off-road ability and pricing and warranty details.

Is the mid-spec Ranger XLT strong enough to trounce the high-spec Hilux Raider? Let’s find out...

In this video, Ciro De Siena heads out to the awesome Welgelegen 4x4 Trails, outside Cape Town, to give these two cars a proper going-over.

0:00 Intro
1:51 Introducing the Cars
2:18 Price Difference
2:42 Hilux Exterior
3:51 Interior comparisons of Hilux and Ford
4:26 Hilux Interior
5:14 Ford Ranger Overview
5:23 Engine Analysis
5:53 Power & Torque
6:15 Handling
6:46 Ford Gearbox
7:29 Hilux Engine
8:15 Driving Experience
8:38 Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger Stats
10:11 Pricing
10:32 Warranty
10:48 Summary
11:33 Outro

Thanks to MonkeyMusic
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[AggregateUser]

I rolled my Hilux not long ago, the assessor valued it higher (41k) than what I owed on finance (38k)... no extra mods, same as when I bought it. So when insurance was paid out I walked away 3k better off. Used that as deposit for new Hilux 😄

[pearsef]

I imagine the ranger is a great machine but I'd bet a Hilux would still be on the road in 20 plus years time without any issues whereas the ranger would not but still the ranger would be a great purchase

[mariusstrauss]

I bought a 2.2 Double Cab Ranger in 2016. The vehicle came with a incorrectly fitted brake pipe that the dealer had to fix after the first day of ownership, it made a awful noise when turning the steering wheel. Within the first week the Ranger also developed a rattle in the dashboard which resulted in the dashboard being disassembled and found that the passenger airbags were not tightened correctly. I was told that Ford would not be interested in fixing any other rattles after 3 months.
After more than 12 visits in 2016/2017 for various issues i.e. throttle bodies, dead infotainment, rattles etc I decided to sell the vehicle as most of my time was spent arguing with the dealer in Port Elizabeth. I decided to purchase an Xtra Cab Hilux and all my problems went away. The dealer was friendly and the service is still good. I’ll never own a Ford product ever again, their dealers are arrogant and their product is unfortunately not any good. The Toyota experience is much better and they look after you.

[bmt]

I own a 3.0ltr Hilux d/cab 4x4 (10yrs old). It has +512, 000km on the clock. Had it since new. Still no issues. Storage is a Big problem in bakkies. Wish manufacturers made more serious effort in this regard. Ranger interior quality always looked crummy. I don't like the look of the new Hilux. But I'd buy it for peace of mind.

[jacquesstrauss]

I had the same view about I am not a bakkie man for various reasons. But when we were to do a vehicle change and a deal came up which could work for started the bakkie test driving etc. Weighing up the options etc. In short the biggest problem for me was it is going to be a daily driver and picking up kids with bags and wife works etc. Needs to stop at shops sometimes where do you safely put all the stuff??? So after doing some market research and comparing load-bin options such as the Armadillo, we decided on the RigiDek solution. Which literally turns the load bay into a massive boot. And it is remote operated with courtesy lights. So far it seems good. You will have to do rubber sealing of the tailgate to prevent that dust from gravel roads when you go on your adventures to not make all luggage so dusty.


We opted for the Mitsubishi Triton due the the bakkie not being overly bulky, turning circle is nothing short of amazing fairly comfortable drive compared to other bakkies. Rear leg room I think is still best in class. But it is early days and we will see how the bakkie thing works for us in the long run.


Thanks for the great

[johanvdberg]

We drove Hilux's for years, and never any problems. Then went to the new Ranger XLT 3.2 4x4 auto with 50k on the clock now and a lot of aftermarket options (bumpers, tires & suspension). I would say the Ranger was a better bakkie to drive every day and more spacious BUT when it came to resale value. Well then you see how much money you loose, we where shocked. So yes the Hilux is more expensive but provide an ease of mine when selling your vehicle in the future. And for that reason we just went back to Toyota with a new Hilux Dakar, and it will hold it value the best out of any bakkie, so you will end up loosing way less money with the Toyota. We will miss the Ford but in my opinion not worth the money you loose.

[pieterrossouw]

I prefer the Hilux overall, probably for the nostalgia factor. I learned to drive in an old 2003-ish Hilux Raider, 3.0 l diesel, no turbo... I was pretty safe from speeding tickets. I do think the Ranger looks better though? Just me?

[marcjcapetown]

Ciro, you're a riot. Great review, informative and I chuckled the whole way through. Regarding costs though, I agree with another comment here, in that, once you take into account resale value, the Hilux and Fortuners are actually among the cheapest cars in South Africa, assuming you can afford the outlay or payments.

[lindokuhlemsibi]

Funny...i saw an Isuzu with a Raptor kit..and a large "Raptor" sticker....my goodness

[christopherschoonwinkel]

Thanks for the video!!

Just a note, the 2.4srx and the 2.8raider both 4x4 auto are cheaper than their rivals, the 2.0xlt and the wildtrack also both 4x4 auto. That is according to the websites. The extras for each vehicle is personal and that changes the price depending on how much someone wants to add and can not be a factor in deciding which is cheaper in a review.

That said, all your reviews are always good!

[anthonytromp]

There is no comparison I will pay the extra Money on the Toyota all day long .

[RinaldoCaptain]

I use 2 x 150L Addis Rough Tote boxes, with a bungee cord to keep them in place in the load bed. Nothing rolls around and the contents remain dry. Btw, I have the XLT and I couldn't be happier!

[callumedgar]

I actually own the new 2.8 Hilux and man I love it! I have a sorting pack in my load box which is fixed to the side of the load box! It keeps things safe with a securi-lid and my things don’t roll about!

[johnnshilongo]

I put my laptop right behind the rear passenger seat in my Ford Ranger.

[Ali.s_garage]

I have a Toyota Hilux 1992 mighty X and a Toyota Hilux invincible 2012 both are running perfectly both are manual gearbox the 1992 needed a new clutch at 450000 kilometers but after that now it has run 670000 and it's still going on even the original radiator is still working just had to replace the hoses had to replace some more stuff like Brakes and suspension parts are touched just once over these years I really love my 1992 Hilux and the 2012 invincible it has got 166000 kilometers on it but it's still running fine without any issue the brake pads are changed only

[FrndsCallMeDaz]

2018 Ranger Wildtrak owner, I usually put my valuables behind my driver's seat, or under the rear seats in the storage bins. Use it everyday, and haven't had many nuisances in the city, only real annoyance is the fuel consumption

[donbrashsux]

A very honest assessment of utes..most people in cities don’t need them and can’t park them ..your spot on

[mikemichael]

Toyota the best engineered car. I got Corolla ae101 1996 and Hilux Vigo 2006 both were still running in good condition!

[lIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI]

I'll take the one that costs more and is known for reliability and exceeding its life expectancy.

[thembamkhwanazi]

Brilliant review Ciro!
I'm a huge Wildtrack fan but if I were on the market for a bakkie Toyota would take my money...missed opportunity by Ford styling wise, feel we've had this design for too long