Double-cab shoot-out: which is best?

Posted on 24 July 2013

Good, better, best: the conclusion

To recap, Getaway magazine joined CAR magazine in a shoot-out with eight 4×4 double-cabs to settle the off-road bakkie battle. Along with our very own Stig, we came to a conclusion.

In the ranks, stood eight double-cab leisure bakkies with differing capacity, technology, suspension systems and comfort levels. Our mission was to tackle 4X4 obstacles, tar roads and gravel tracks to establish the pecking order. 

 

Read Part 1 of the double-cab shoot-out here

Read Part 2 of the double-cab shoot-out here

Read Part 3 of the double-cab shoot-out here 

Read Part 4 of the double-cab shoot-out here

 

Which double cab bakkie was the best?

Which double cab bakkie was the best?

In order not to be biased, we asked Hannes Grobler to play the Stig. A South African off-road and rally champion, he knows his stuff when it comes to 4×4 bakkies.

Hannes Grobler stands among the contenders

Hannes Grobler stands among the contenders

So which is best?

When looking for a diesel double-cab, you need to decide what you want from it. Are you looking for power or comfort? Old-school manual or effortless automatic? Speed or torque? Bigger or smaller capacity? Advanced technology or tried-and-trusted simplicity? A lot of the time, intense brand loyalties prevail, service network availability is considered and ultimately it’s about personal preference.

Isuzu KB vs. Foton Tunland vs. Mazda BT-50 vs. Ford Ranger

Isuzu KB vs. Foton Tunland vs. Mazda BT-50 vs. Ford Ranger

Toyota Hilux vs. GWM Steed

Toyota Hilux vs. GWM Steed

Mitsubishi Triton vs. VW Amarok

Mitsubishi Triton vs. VW Amarok

 

Our Stig was impressed with the performance of the Ranger, Mazda, Amarok and the trusty-old Hilux, but shared the opinion that other models are fast catching up, saying some of Chinese brands are getting better and better.

I’m afraid I can’t give you the answer to which one is best and I think Hannes G. put it most succinctly.

‘All of the cars are very capable of going through obstacles. These days the technologies are so far advanced you don’t really get a bad car. You just get a better one.’

Double-cab spec sheet

For more insight from the double-cab shoot-out 

Watch this CAR video as Hannes discusses each car as he drives it.






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