A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
D-Max Double Cab starts ZAR 655000 cheaperD-Max Double Cab from ZAR 574,010 · Ranger XLT from ZAR 655,000
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Engine Power
110 @ 3600
125
Torque
350 @ 1800-2600
405
Engine Size
3000
1996
Claimed Mileage
12.3
13
Ground Clearance
232
237
Boot Space
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Airbags
Not Available
Dual front, front side, curtain and driver knee
Kerb Weight
2070
2177
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both D-Max Double Cab and Ranger XLT are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Ranger XLT
+7 pts
Efficiency
Ranger XLT
+6 pts
Safety
Ranger XLT
+18 pts
Practicality
Ranger XLT
+2 pts
Ownership
D-Max Double Cab
+14 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
D-Max Double Cab
Strengths
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Ranger XLT
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
D-Max Double Cab
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Ranger XLT
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current South African D-Max Double Cab listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current South African Ranger XLT listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Double Cab pickup
Double Cab Pickup
Body Type Cab
Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name
Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 3.0 DDi Double Cab 4x4 LSE AT
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.0 SiT Double Cab XLT 10AT 4x4
Model Year
MY26
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
Pickup
Mid-size Bakkie
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Pickup
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Ground Clearance
232 mm
237 mm
Wheelbase
3125 mm
3270 mm
Length
5333 mm
5350 mm
Width
1880 mm
1918 mm
Height
1805 mm
1886 mm
Kerb Weight
2070 kg
2177 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
3100 kg
3230 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
3500 kg
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1620 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1620 mm
Turning Radius
12.5 m
12.9 m
Load Bed Length
1495 mm
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
1530 mm
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
1057 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
879 mm
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
1024 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
989 mm
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1450 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1440 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Doors
4
4
Max Payload
970 kg
1053 kg
Boot Volume
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
Gross Combined Mass Kg
6000 kg
-
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
3100 kg
3230 kg
Ground Clearance Max
232 mm
237 mm
Ground Clearance Min
232 mm
237 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
232 mm
237 mm
Height Mm
1805 mm
1886 mm
Length Mm
5333 mm
5350 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
1495 mm
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
1530 mm
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
970 kg
1053 kg
Cargo Volume
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Overhang Mm
1318 mm
-
Tare Mass Kg
2070 kg
2177 kg
Track Front Rear Mm
1570/1570
-
Turning Circle
12.5 m
12.9 m
Turning Circle M
12.5 m
12.9 m
Width Mm
1880 mm
1918 mm
Tracking System
-
Vehicle locator via app
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Engine
Not Applicable
2.0L Single Turbo Diesel
Engine Type
Not Applicable
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel
Displacement
3000 cc
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
Not Applicable
Power
110 @ 3600 kW
125 kW
Power @ RPM
140 @ 3600
3500
Torque
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
405 Nm
Torque @ RPM
450 @ 1600-2600
1750-2500 10-
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turbocharger
Standard
Single Turbo
Top Speed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
0-100 km/h
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
16.3:1
Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Piston Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Code
4JJ3
Not Applicable
Power
110 @ 3600 bhp
168 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Diesel
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
Standard
Single Turbo
Engine Type Config
Not Applicable
2.0L Single Turbo Diesel
0–100 km/h
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Capacity
Not Available
Not Available
Charging Port
Not Available
Not Available
AC Charging Time
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Displacement
3000 cc
1996 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
3 l
2 l
EV Range
Not Available
Not Available
Acceleration 0 100
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Bore X Stroke Mm
95.4 x 104.9
-
Combined System Power
Not Available
Not Available
Combined System Torque
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Config
Not Applicable
2.0L Single Turbo Diesel
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
3000 cc
1996 cc
Engine Power kW
110 @ 3600 kW
125 kW
Engine Torque Nm
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
405 Nm
Engine Valves
16
Not Applicable
Induction
Standard
Single Turbo
Max Power kW
110 @ 3600 kW
125 kW
Max Torque Nm
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
405 Nm
Maximum Power
110 @ 3600 kW
125 kW
Maximum Torque
350 @ 1800-2600 Nm
405 Nm
Motor Position
Not Available
Not Available
Motor Power
Not Available
Not Available
Motor Torque
Not Available
Not Available
Motor Type
Not Available
Not Available
Power Assisted Steering
Hydraulic
-
Power kW Rpm
140 @ 3600
3500
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
System Output
Not Available
Not Available
Torque Nm Rpm
450 @ 1600-2600
1750-2500 10-
Turbo Type
Standard
Single Turbo
Engine Sump Guard
-
Underbody protection
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
4WD / AWD
4WD / AWD
Drivetrain Layout
4WD / AWD
Four Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
4 km/h
10 km/h
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
4WD / AWD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
Available
Available
4WD Hi Range
Available
Available
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
Standard
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Ratio 1st
3.600
-
Gear Ratio 2nd
2.090
-
Gear Ratio 3rd
1.488
-
Gear Ratio 4th
1.000
-
Gear Ratio 5th
0.687
-
Gear Ratio 6th
0.580
-
Gear Ratio Reverse
3.732
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
4WD / AWD
4WD / AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Standard
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Standard
-
Transmission Speeds
4 km/h
10 km/h
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
13 km/l
City Mileage
10.1 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
14.3 km/l
15.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
13 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
8.1 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
76 l
80 l
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
2.482
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Airbags
Not Available
Dual front, front side, curtain and driver knee
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
All positions
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Driver knee
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
-
Perimeter alarm
Central Locking
-
Power door dead locks
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Perimeter alarm
Height Adjustable Seatbelts
-
Standard
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Lights
LED
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Drive Modes
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Front Camera
Standard
-
Multi Collision Braking
Standard
-
Parking Distance Sensors
Front & Rear
-
Parking Sensor
Front & Rear
-
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
D-Max Double Cab
Ranger XLT
Seat Material
Partial Leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Hydraulic
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Armrest
Centre console
Centre console
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
3
3
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual
Fabric Seats
Partial Leather
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual
Heated Front Seats
Standard
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen D-Max Double Cab grade before assuming a feature is included.
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Ranger XLT grade before assuming a feature is included.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Ranger XLT
Performance
69/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
56/100
Practicality
87/100
Ownership
34/100
D-Max Double Cab
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
38/100
Practicality
85/100
Ownership
48/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Ford Ranger XLT
wins with 62 pts
vs 57 pts for D-Max Double Cab
In structured scoring, Ranger XLT emerges as the stronger overall package. However, D-Max Double Cab may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Ranger XLT edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: D-Max Double Cab 49 vs Ranger XLT 55. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: D-Max Double Cab 38, Ranger XLT 56. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: D-Max Double Cab 48, Ranger XLT 34. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: D-Max Double Cab 85, Ranger XLT 87. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: D-Max Double Cab 62, Ranger XLT 69. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Ranger XLT edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Ranger XLT scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between D-Max Double Cab and Ranger XLT in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: D-Max Double Cab scores 62 vs 69.
Efficiency: D-Max Double Cab scores 49 vs 55.
Safety: D-Max Double Cab scores 38 vs 56.
Practicality: D-Max Double Cab scores 85 vs 87.
Ownership: D-Max Double Cab scores 48 vs 34.
Final structured scoring gives Ranger XLT
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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