Features / 19 June 2024 / Michael Taylor

New Toyota Hilux Raider vs Ford Ranger XLT – R500,000 bakkie battle

Toyota has updated the fan-favourite Raider trim level for the Hilux in South Africa.

The Raider is the mid-range option in the popular bakkie series, and is now available in 10 specifications with prices ranging from R563,200 for the base Xtra cab, or up to R876,600 for the range-topping double cab 4×4.

In the same price bracket is another popular mid-spec option, the Ford Ranger XLT, which costs at least R589,500 for the Super cab, or up to R854,500 for the top-end five-seater.

As these two bakkies are the most popular vehicles in the country, it’s only natural to compare them to see which one has the competitive edge.

Performance

The Raider provides three different turbocharged diesel powertrains including a mild hybrid, and you can find a breakdown of their performance in the table below:

Engine	Output	Fuel consumption	Maximum payload	Maximum towing capacity
2.4l turbo-diesel	110kW/400Nm	7.7l/100km	855kg	2,750kg
2.8l turbo-diesel	150kW/500Nm	8.0l/100km	850kg	3,500kg
2.8l turbo-diesel mild-hybrid	150kW/500Nm	7.4l/100km	790kg	3,500kg

The XLT, in contrast, only offers two options in the form of a 2.0-litre diesel plant with either a single or bi-turbo setup, which you can compare below:

Engine	Output	Fuel consumption	Maximum payload	Maximum towing capacity
2.0l single-turbo diesel	125kW/405Nm	7.5l/100km	989kg	3,500kg
2.0l bi-turbo diesel	154kW/500Nm	7.5l/100km	974kg	3,500kg

All of the drivetrains are remarkably similar in their output and fuel usage, though the Ranger has a small edge in both cases with a bit more power.

The Ford is also leading the pack with regards to its towing capacity, which is the same for all units, while the cheapest Toyota is lagging behind with a cap of 2,750kg.

It’s also important to note that the Hilux is sold with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, while every Ranger has an auto-shifter with either six or 10 gears at its disposal.

The powerplants are only half the story, though, as the vehicle’s dimensions are another important factor.

Here is a breakdown of the attributes for both double cabs:

Specification	Toyota Hilux Raider	Ford Ranger XLT
Length	5,325mm	5,350mm
Width	1,855mm	2,015mm
Height	1,815mm	1,886mm
Wheelbase	3,085mm	3,270mm
Ground clearance	286mm	237mm
Wading depth	700mm	800mm
Approach angle	29.0 degrees	30.0 degrees
Break-over angle	22.5 degrees	22.0 degrees
Departure angle	26.0 degrees	25.6 degrees

The XLT is slightly larger than the Raider in all dimensions, though the latter does have the better ground clearance, and the two end up with similar off-road angles.

Despite this, the American actually has the better water wading depth.

Features

The updated Raider’s changes begin at the cosmetic level, with a honeycomb-pattern grille in matte black, black fog lamp bezels, a colour-coded front bumper, black side mirrors, a black rear bumper, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

This makes for a nice contrast with the XLT, as it also has 17-inch rims and is the first model in the Ranger line-up to feature its signature C-clamp LED headlights and daytime running lights.

All versions of both cars come with a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cruise control, hill assist, and ABS.

The main difference is that the Toyota has an 8.8-inch infotainment monitor and a small multi-info driver’s display, while the Ford gets keyless entry and start, a 10.0-inch screen, and an 8-inch digital driver display.

Upgrading to the top-end Hilux Raider will then add keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, an electric driver’s seat, voice commands, six speakers, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and hill-descent control.

The Ranger lacks the electronic driver’s seat and only gets the assistance systems as part of an optional specification pack, but it does benefit from the automaker’s driving modes for Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud, and Sand.