VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
165 kW
Torque
405 Nm
550 Nm
Fuel
6.8 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Towing
2400 Kg
3500 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
2755 cc
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Ranger delivers 125 kW while the Toyota Hilux produces 165 kW. On fuel, the Ranger returns 6.8 l/100km while the Hilux uses 8.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R621 000 for the Ranger and R1 009 000 for the Hilux. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
165 kW
Torque
405 Nm
550 Nm
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
2755 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.8 l/100km
8.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
179 g/km
229 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5350 mm
5320 mm
Width
2015-2208 mm
2020 mm
Height
1886 mm
1880 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
3085 mm
Ground Clearance
237 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1973 Kg
2120 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
1127 l
790 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
Optional
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
9 services
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Hilux
Fuel Economy
Ranger
Value
Ranger
Practicality
Hilux
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Better fuel economy (6.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R621 000)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 165 kW)
No factory service plan
Toyota Hilux
More powerful engine (165 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Hilux?
The Ranger uses 6.8 l/100km and the Hilux uses 8.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Ranger is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Ranger or Hilux?
The Ranger produces 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque while the Hilux delivers 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The Hilux is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Hilux?
The Ranger starts from R621 000 and the Hilux from R1 009 000. The Ranger is cheaper by R388 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or Hilux?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 2400 Kg and the Hilux can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ranger or the Hilux?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.