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.
Includes an archived model
Current and archived cars are compared side by side. Archived models keep their verified historical specs, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Engine Power
Not confirmed
184
Torque
Not confirmed
600
Engine Size
Not confirmed
2993
Claimed Mileage
Not confirmed
11.9
Ground Clearance
Not confirmed
237
Boot Space
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Airbags
Not confirmed
Dual front, front side, curtain and driver knee
Kerb Weight
Not confirmed
2345
Seating Capacity
Not confirmed
5
Warranty
Not confirmed
4 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Ranger Platinum dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Ranger Platinum
+41 pts
Efficiency
Ranger Platinum
+2 pts
Safety
Ranger Platinum
+56 pts
Practicality
Ranger Platinum
+35 pts
Ownership
Ranger Platinum
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
D-Max
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Ranger Platinum
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
D-Max
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Ranger Platinum
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
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Model Introduced Year
Not confirmed
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Not confirmed
Current South African Ranger Platinum listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Not confirmed
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
Not confirmed
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
Double Cab Pickup
Body Type Cab
Not confirmed
Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name
Color Note
Not confirmed
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
Not confirmed
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
Not confirmed
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Platinum 10AT 4x4
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
active
Segment
Not confirmed
Mid-size Bakkie
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
Pickup
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Ground Clearance
Not confirmed
237 mm
Wheelbase
Not confirmed
3270 mm
Length
Not confirmed
5350 mm
Width
Not confirmed
1918 mm
Height
Not confirmed
1886 mm
Kerb Weight
Not confirmed
2345 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not confirmed
3300 kg
Seating Capacity
Not confirmed
5
Boot Space
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
3500 kg
Front Track Width
Not confirmed
1620 mm
Rear Track Width
Not confirmed
1620 mm
Turning Radius
Not confirmed
12.9 m
Load Bed Length
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Not confirmed
1057 mm
Rear Legroom
Not confirmed
879 mm
Front Headroom
Not confirmed
1024 mm
Rear Headroom
Not confirmed
989 mm
Front Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
1450 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not confirmed
1440 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Number of Doors
Not confirmed
4
Max Payload
Not confirmed
955 kg
Boot Volume
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Doors
Not confirmed
4
Seats
Not confirmed
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
80 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not confirmed
3300 kg
Ground Clearance Max
Not confirmed
237 mm
Ground Clearance Min
Not confirmed
237 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
Not confirmed
237 mm
Height Mm
Not confirmed
1886 mm
Length Mm
Not confirmed
5350 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
Not confirmed
955 kg
Cargo Volume
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Tare Mass Kg
Not confirmed
2345 kg
Tracking System
Not confirmed
Vehicle locator via app
Turning Circle
Not confirmed
12.9 m
Turning Circle M
Not confirmed
12.9 m
Width Mm
Not confirmed
1918 mm
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Engine
Not confirmed
3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel
Engine Type
Not confirmed
V6 Turbo Diesel
Displacement
Not confirmed
2993 cc
Cylinders
Not confirmed
6
Valves per Cylinder
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Power
Not confirmed
184 kW
Power @ RPM
Not confirmed
3250
Torque
Not confirmed
600 Nm
Torque @ RPM
Not confirmed
1750-2250 10-
Fuel System
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Turbocharger
Not confirmed
Single Turbo
Top Speed
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
0-100 km/h
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Piston Stroke
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Engine Code
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Power
Not confirmed
247 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Not confirmed
Diesel
Cylinder Layout
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
Not confirmed
Single Turbo
Engine Type Config
Not confirmed
3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel
0–100 km/h
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Battery Capacity
Not confirmed
Not Available
Charging Port
Not confirmed
Not Available
AC Charging Time
Not confirmed
Not Available
Engine Displacement
Not confirmed
2993 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
Not confirmed
2.99 l
EV Range
Not confirmed
Not Available
Acceleration 0 100
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Combined System Power
Not confirmed
Not Available
Combined System Torque
Not confirmed
Not Available
Engine Config
Not confirmed
3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel
Engine Cylinders
Not confirmed
6
Engine Displacement Cc
Not confirmed
2993 cc
Engine Power kW
Not confirmed
184 kW
Engine Sump Guard
Not confirmed
Underbody protection
Engine Torque Nm
Not confirmed
600 Nm
Engine Valves
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Induction
Not confirmed
Single Turbo
Max Power kW
Not confirmed
184 kW
Max Torque Nm
Not confirmed
600 Nm
Maximum Power
Not confirmed
184 kW
Maximum Torque
Not confirmed
600 Nm
Motor Position
Not confirmed
Not Available
Motor Power
Not confirmed
Not Available
Motor Torque
Not confirmed
Not Available
Motor Type
Not confirmed
Not Available
Power kW Rpm
Not confirmed
3250
Active Exhaust
Not confirmed
Not Available
System Output
Not confirmed
Not Available
Torque Nm Rpm
Not confirmed
1750-2250 10-
Turbo Type
Not confirmed
Single Turbo
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Transmission
Not confirmed
Automatic
Drive Type
Not confirmed
4WD / AWD
Drivetrain Layout
Not confirmed
Four Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not confirmed
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
Not confirmed
10 km/h
Transmission Type
Not confirmed
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
Not confirmed
4WD / AWD
Transmission
Not confirmed
Automatic
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Available
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Available
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
Not confirmed
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Not confirmed
Automatic
Low Range
Not confirmed
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
4WD / AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not confirmed
10 km/h
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Claimed Mileage
Not confirmed
11.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not confirmed
9.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not confirmed
13.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
80 l
Emission Standard
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
8.4 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
8.4 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
Not confirmed
8.4 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
Not confirmed
11.9 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
Not confirmed
8.4 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not confirmed
8.4 l/100km
DC Charging Power
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
Not confirmed
8.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
Not confirmed
80 l
Fuel Type
Not confirmed
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Wltp
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Airbags
Not confirmed
Dual front, front side, curtain and driver knee
ABS
Not confirmed
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not confirmed
Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control
Not confirmed
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not confirmed
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Hill Start Assist
Not confirmed
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not confirmed
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Not confirmed
Standard
Brake Assist
Not confirmed
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not confirmed
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Standard
Alarm System
Not confirmed
Perimeter alarm
Central Locking
Not confirmed
Power door dead locks
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not confirmed
All positions
Front Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
AEB
Not confirmed
Not Available
BA
Not confirmed
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not confirmed
Standard
EBD
Not confirmed
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Standard
Hill Hold
Not confirmed
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not confirmed
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Standard
TCS
Not confirmed
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Driver knee
ABS EBD
Not confirmed
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Not confirmed
Perimeter alarm
Height Adjustable Seatbelts
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Cruise Control
Not confirmed
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not confirmed
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not confirmed
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not confirmed
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not confirmed
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not confirmed
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not confirmed
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not confirmed
Not Available
Drive Modes
Not confirmed
Not Available
EV Mode
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not confirmed
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not confirmed
Not Available
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not confirmed
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not confirmed
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
D-Max
Ranger Platinum
Seat Material
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Heated Seats
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Front Armrest
Not confirmed
Centre console
Cup Holders
Not confirmed
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Not confirmed
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
Not confirmed
3
Door Map Pockets
Not confirmed
Underseat stowage
60 40 Split Seat
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Cargo Space
Not confirmed
Underseat stowage
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Not confirmed
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Ranger Platinum grade before assuming a feature is included.
🏆Ford Ranger Platinum
wins with 70 pts
vs 39 pts for D-Max
In structured scoring, Ranger Platinum emerges as the stronger overall package. However, D-Max 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 Platinum 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 50 vs Ranger Platinum 52. 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 0, Ranger Platinum 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 50, Ranger Platinum 54. 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 50, Ranger Platinum 85. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: D-Max 50, Ranger Platinum 91. 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 Platinum edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Ranger Platinum 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 and Ranger Platinum in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: D-Max scores 50 vs 91.
Efficiency: D-Max scores 50 vs 52.
Safety: D-Max scores 0 vs 56.
Practicality: D-Max scores 50 vs 85.
Ownership: D-Max scores 50 vs 54.
Final structured scoring gives Ranger Platinum
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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