Most fuel-efficient double-cab bakkies in SA
Double-cab bakkies serve multiple purposes in South Africa. They are workhorses, but they are also family vehicles used for a wide variety of leisure activities and they are often seen clambering up rocky mountain roads or towing boats and other leisure vehicles and accessories.
For the average double-cab bakkie buyer in South Africa, outright capability is sometimes more important than fuel efficiency, but if you consider that these vehicles often commute within the city too, then fuel efficiency becomes more relevant.
After all, fuel efficiency has a direct impact on the overall cost of ownership of the vehicle and it should form part of your decision-making process when you are looking to buy a double-cab bakkie.
Note that this list is determined according to claimed manufacturer fuel consumption figures. In the real world, consumption will vary depending on factors such as driving style, load, road and terrain conditions and so forth, so consider this a guideline.
1. Nissan Navara 2.3D Double Cab SE/LE - 6.3L/100km
The Nissan Navara is currently the most fuel-efficient double-cab bakkie on offer in South Africa.
The Navara is powered by a 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine with 140kW and 450Nm of torque on offer. The six-speed manual Navara in SE and LE trim are the most efficient derivatives available with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.3L/100km.
The 4x4 derivatives are slightly thirstier with a fuel consumption figure of 6.5L/100km. Pricing for the Nissan Navara starts from R461,900.
2. Ford Ranger 2.2 Double Cab Hi-Rider / XL / XLT and 4x4 XL/ XL-Plus/XLT/XLT Fx4 – 6.9L/100km
The Ford Ranger is a popular choice locally and if efficiency is a priority for you then you have two versions of the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine to choose from, both claiming to consume 6.9L/100km.
The entry-level 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine produces 88kW and 285Nm of torque in the Ranger 2.2 Double Cab Hi-Rider priced at R325,700.
The more powerful 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine offers 118kW and 385Nm of torque and is available in the Hi-Rider XL (R403,900), the Ranger 4x4 XL (R445,500),4x4 XL-Plus (R460,600) and the Ranger Hi-Rider XLT (R491,990) and Hi-Rider XLT Fx4 (R507,100).
3. Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 4x2 SRX – 7.1L/100km
If you are looking for an efficient Toyota Hilux double-cab bakkie, then the 2.4GD-6 4x2 SRX derivative is a good starting point. Its 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine produces 110kW and 400Nm of torque while returning a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.1L/100km. Pricing for 2.4GD-6 SRX double cab starts at R442,700.
If 4x4 capability is what you’re after, then the 2.4GD-6 4x4 SR and SRX are priced from R474,400 and R487,300 respectively, but fuel consumption increases marginally to 7.3L/100km.
4. Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Double Cab 4x2 - 7.1L/100km
The Mitsubishi Triton has proven itself to be a product well worth consideration in the local market. This is largely due to its 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, new styling and improved ride quality.
The Triton packs 133kW and 430Nm of torque. In 4x2 manual guise, Mitsubishi claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.1L/100km for the Triton and if you are after a 4x4 manual, consumption will increase slightly to 7.3L/100km.
The Triton 4x2 manual is priced at R479,995 while the 4x4 manual version is priced from R539,995.
Refined Triton armed for battle
Henrie Geyser 31 Jan 2017
5. Mercedes-Benz X220d Progressive - 7.5L/100km
The new Mercedes-Benz X-Class makes it onto this list with the X220d Progressive (R646 071) claiming a fuel consumption figure of 7.5L/100km.
This derivative is powered by a 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine with 120kW and 403Nm and mated to a six-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels. The more powerful 140kW/450Nm X250d 4Matic Progressive (R701,615) and X250d 4Matic Power (R796,145) derivatives consume marginally more fuel with a claimed figure of 7.7L/100km.
6. Isuzu KB 250 Hi-Rider / X-Rider / LE and KB 300 LX Automatic – 7.7L/100km
The Isuzu KB is a tough and capable bakkie with the KB 250 Double Cab 4x2 Hi-Rider (R372 600), X-Rider (R426 300), LE (R454 700) and the more powerful KB 300 4x2 LX automatic double cab (R521 100) all claiming to consume 7.7 L/100km. The KB 250 is powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine offering 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the KB 300 employs a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 130 kW and 380 Nm of torque.
7. Fiat Fullback 2.5 Double Cab 4x4 LX - 7.7L/100km
The Fiat Fullback 2.5-litre turbodiesel 4x4 LX manual derivative is the most fuel-efficient offering in the Fullback lineup with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.7L/100km.
The Fullback offers 131kW of power and 400Nm of torque and is priced from R528,900. The 4x4 LX automatic version is priced from R573,900 but fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8L/100km.