Thinking about buying a new/second-hand Ranger or Hilux? Can’t decide which one is best for you and which one will give the better ownership experience? Here’s a handy guide from Belaire Motors experts.
They're regularly Malawi’s two top-selling vehicles (brand new) and order books for top-end models stretch well into 2025. So, patience is the word for anyone wanting a new range-topping Ford Ranger Raptor or Toyota Hilux GR-Sport… unless you don’t mind picking up a used example.
Because they’re hot sellers when new, they’re also in plentiful supply on the second-hand market, especially just prior to a new model launch when fleets — and private owners — sell up to move up.
The only hiccup could be that the bakkie you want may not be as cheap as you expected. Local dealer market values show that in in the nine months of 2023 to the end of September, 50+ Rangers went on the used-car block and in the same period, 100+ Hiluxs were offered for sale.
To give some indication of the strength of the used market for both these utes, consider that a 2015 Ranger XLT dual-cab diesel automatic 4x4 model is worth MWK30,000,000 - MWK55,000,000 today and was purchased for about MWK26,000,000 eight years ago.
For the Hilux, a 2015 GD-6 in the same configuration now costs about MWK40,000,000 - MWK55,000,000 and was about MWK30,000,000 new.
For buyers interested in a new pickup, the strength of the Hilux used-car valuation makes it attractive. As a used-car buyer, not so much and is one of the reasons why even on the used-car market, the Ranger is more popular than the Hilux.
But it may not be the only reason. Because there are tonnes of Ranger model variations that have been rolled out over the years (more than 40 model variants in the 2015 Ranger alone globally), we’ve picked 2015 as the year for a comparison between the Ford and the Toyota. We also chose double-cab high spec models (Ranger XLT and Hilux SR5), 4x4 with automatic.
Want to know which one could be the best for you? Read on.
The Basics
FORD RANGER XLT (2016 - 2021)
Used car price (today): MWK30,000,000 - MWK58,000,000.
Average mileage: 160,000-240,000km
Drive train: 3.2L, diesel, 4x4, automatic
Body type: Dual-cab pickup
TOYOTA HILUX GD-6 (2016 - 2021)
Used car price (today): MWK40,000,000 - MWK80,000,000
Average mileage: 160,000-240,000km
Drive train: 2.8L, diesel, 4x4, automatic
Body type: Dual-cab pickup
Price comparisons reveal that the Hilux was slightly cheaper to buy than the Ranger (brand new), but you’ll likely pay more for a Hilux on the second-hand market.
That’s nothing to do with performance or equipment factors, rather it’s about the fact that the Hilux upholds a better reputation in regards to consistent reliability and cheaper prices pertaining to parts and service facilities for the Toyota throughout the country (and throughout the wold) compared with the Ford Ranger. This, and thorough engineering, have built Hilux’s reputation.
For many buyers, that gives Hilux the thumb’s up straight away. But it’s too early to dismiss the Ranger because it has advantages in other areas.
SIZE: Like most of the players in the dual-cab market, the physical dimensions are similar.
INTERIOR:
These are designed for work first, play second. In late years, both brands upped the comfort and convenience factors and even improved visual appeal. But in 2015, things were still a bit raw.
Both use good quality materials that should reduce damage by heavy hands. The only real issue is that the hard plastics used on the dashboards and trim can really show up any scrapes and marks, making the cabin look unkempt and that impression likely to apply to the rest of the vehicle.
Both also have good storage and personal item spaces, easy-to-use controls and good visibility.
Ford fitted the Ranger with different versions of its Sync infotainment and communication system with the 2015 model having the Sync2 V2. It can’t be upgraded to Sync3. It is described as a solid system but some owners have reported problems with erratic, or non-existent, Bluetooth connection.
Toyota has its own infotainment system but it’s not as intuitive or effective as the Ford unit. The Toyota also suffers from connection issues through Bluetooth, poor quality monitor resolution and sluggish touch controls.
Subjectively, the Ford is more comfortable. Much of this is about the slightly less jiggly ride of the Ford suspension. Seat comfort in both utes is surprisingly good in the front, with as-expected comfort in the ear where the focus is on head and leg room.
The Ranger also has slightly more cabin room and there’s more room for rear passengers, especially noted when fitting child seats. Both vehicles have Isofix anchors.
Dual-cab utes are often used for weekday work, weekend leisure but accessing the baby seat tether anchors and connecting the seat capsule webbing is certainly something you wouldn’t look forward to every Friday night.
DRIVETRAIN:
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine: 3.2L 5-cyl turbo-diesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic; 2-speed transfer case (4x4)
Power: 147kW @ 3000rpm
Torque: 470Nm @ 1750-2500rpm
Toyota Hilux GD-6
Engine: 2.8L 4-cyl turbo-diesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic; 2-speed transfer case (4x4)
Power: 130kW @ 3400rpm
Torque: 420Nm @ 1600rpm
The Ranger’s higher power and torque figures suggest bette on-road performance and that becomes reality on the road, although the difference isn’t huge.
Ford claims 9.0 litres/100km as an average fuel consumption (but think closer to 10 L/100km in reality) unless towing, then it can climb dramatically depending on tow weight.
Toyota says the Hilux in 2015 had an average of 8.5 L/100km. In reality it’s about 9.5 L/100km and, again, much higher when towing. Both utes have an 80-litre fuel tank.
There’s been no major problems reported with the Ford inline five-cylinder engine. The Toyota engine has been through some diesel-particulate filter and timing chain issues with repair supported by Toyota.
SAFETY:
Pickup safety has come a long way since 2015, but both the Ranger and Hilux have some decent equipment to minimize occupant injury. For example, both had a 5-star crash rating and a good compliment of airbags (seven in the Hilux and six in the Ranger). Better is the Ford Ranger ‘safety tech pack’ that was optional in 2015 and included adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert, driver impairment monitor, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Both have a reverse camera.
SERVICING: Both had a three-year, 100,000km warranty and that’s obviously all over now. Later models had a five-year warranty. There were some hiccups with the Hilux’s timing chain and DPF but they should have been resolved by now. Service records are vital to both these utes. The Ranger needs an annual service but Toyota insists on every six months for the Hilux — and expensive proposition for the Hilux owner but one that if adhered to, should ensure the drivetrain is better protected over the years.
VERDICT: The Hilux is more expensive to buy on the used-car market but has a stronger reputation and longer parts availability history. The Ranger is just as durable and in sufficient numbers to have its own strong parts supply. The better buy depends on the individual vehicle — one that has been looked after and regularly serviced, rather than picking brands. If the playing field was level, the Ranger is the better vehicle, especially if it has the safety tech option pack. It’s more comfortable and has a higher tow rating, more payload and even though the Sync2 infotainment and communication system could present problems, had more features than the Toyota. Ensure the vehicle you’re looking at has a thorough check, especially underneath that may show a hard life off the road.