Toyota Hilux : In South Africa’s increasingly competitive armoured vehicle market, a clear winner has emerged from the bakkie segment. Recent data from SVI Engineering, South Africa’s leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products, reveals that the Toyota Hilux has edged out the Ford Ranger as the most popular armoured bakkie among their customers.
This development represents more than just sales figures—it highlights the evolving dynamics of personal and commercial security solutions in a country where vehicle protection has become a necessity rather than a luxury.
The Current Armoured Vehicle Landscape
With more than 18,000 vehicle hijackings recorded annually in South Africa according to the South African Police Service Annual Crime Statistics, the demand for ballistic protection has created an entirely new automotive segment. SVI Engineering, established in 2004, has positioned itself at the forefront of this market, offering comprehensive armoured solutions that range from basic anti-hijack protection to military-grade security systems.
The company’s recent analysis of their customer preferences over the past few years paints a fascinating picture of market dynamics. The Toyota Hilux, which also holds the title of South Africa’s best-selling vehicle overall, has maintained its dominance in the armoured vehicle sector. This success stems from a combination of factors including local manufacturing, proven reliability, and comprehensive aftermarket support.
Understanding Protection Levels
Before examining why the Hilux outperforms the Ranger, it’s essential to understand the different levels of protection available. The armoured vehicle industry operates on standardized protection classifications that determine the level of threat each vehicle can withstand.
B2 Partial Armour serves as an entry-level solution, providing basic protection for specific areas of the vehicle. This cost-effective option appeals to customers seeking minimal protection without significant weight penalties or performance compromises.
B4 Discreet Protection represents the most popular civilian armour level. This specification offers bullet-resistant protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum and serves as the typical anti-hijack solution. The protection consists of 18-21mm armoured glass combined with Kevlar sheets for body protection. At only 280kg additional weight on a Ranger Double Cab, this option maintains minimal impact on vehicle acceleration, fuel consumption and dynamic performance.
B6 Discreet Protection provides the highest level of civilian protection allowed without special permits. This comprehensive system protects against assault rifle ammunition up to 7.62x51mm, including AK47, R1 and R5 rounds. The system incorporates 38mm armoured glass and specialized steel plates, though the additional 650kg weight requires suspension upgrades.
Toyota Hilux: The Armoured Market Leader
The Toyota Hilux’s dominance in the armoured vehicle sector reflects several key advantages that resonate with both civilian and commercial customers. The locally built model has become a favourite among civilians requiring both B4 and B6 discreet armour, as well as recipients of SVI’s industry-leading Stopgun V2.0 semi-discreet package.
Manufacturing and Support Advantages
Local manufacturing plays a crucial role in the Hilux’s success. Built in South Africa, the vehicle benefits from shorter supply chains, readily available parts, and comprehensive local support networks. This advantage becomes particularly important for armoured vehicles, where maintenance and repair capabilities directly impact operational effectiveness.
SVI’s status as an authorised converter in Toyota’s commercial-vehicle partner programme further strengthens the Hilux’s position. This official approval ensures that armoured conversions don’t void manufacturer warranties, providing customers with confidence in their investment.
Stopgun V2.0 Dominance
The Stopgun V2.0 package has become the preferred choice in South Africa’s security industry, with SVI Engineering reporting that it saves lives on a weekly basis. This semi-discreet B6 armoured solution offers several advantages over traditional fully discreet options, including faster installation times and cost-effectiveness.
The kit takes around four weeks to prepare and just three weeks to install, with the vehicle remaining serviceable at the agent. This rapid turnaround time addresses a critical need in the security industry, where vehicle downtime directly impacts operational capabilities.
Ford Ranger: Fighting Back with Innovation
Despite trailing the Hilux in overall armoured vehicle popularity, the Ford Ranger has made significant strides in challenging Toyota’s dominance. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s partnership with SVI Engineering represents a first for any original equipment manufacturer in South Africa, offering Ford-approved armoured protection.
Official OEM Support
SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme ensures that converted vehicles maintain their warranty and any selected service or maintenance plans. This official backing provides customers with the same confidence previously exclusive to Toyota’s offerings.
The Ranger’s armoured options mirror those available for the Hilux, including B2 partial armour, B4 and B6 discreet packages, and the specialized Stopgun V3.0 security kit. The upgraded Stopgun V3.0 package for the Ranger can be installed in just three weeks, with package prices starting at R295,293 (excluding VAT).
Technical Advantages
The current-generation Ranger offers several technical advantages that translate well to armoured applications. Its more modern platform provides better integration possibilities for armoured components, while advanced electronic systems enhance overall vehicle capability.
The B6-rated Stopgun V3.0 package comprises 40mm ballistic glass and 5-6mm armoured steel plates integrated throughout the vehicle’s structure, with upgraded door hinges and front suspension enhancement ensuring both security and performance.
Market Dynamics and Customer Preferences
Sales Performance Comparison
Recent NAAMSA figures reveal interesting market dynamics, with the Hilux selling 10,943 units compared to the Ranger’s 7,933 in the first four months of 2025. However, these overall sales figures don’t tell the complete story of the armoured vehicle segment.
Looking deeper into body styles shows that Ford Ranger leads in double cabs with approximately 6,600 units (83.2% of its sales), compared to the Hilux’s 5,184 units (47.4% of its sales). This demographic preference for double-cab Rangers creates a strong foundation for armoured conversions, as this body style typically represents the primary target market for security applications.
Industry Applications
The armoured bakkie market serves diverse applications across multiple sectors. Security companies utilize these vehicles for cash-in-transit operations, escort services, and high-risk area patrols. Mining companies deploy armoured bakkies for site security and personnel protection in volatile areas. Private individuals increasingly view armoured vehicles as essential family protection, particularly in high-crime areas.
According to Nicol Louw, Business Development Manager at SVI, damaged and attacked armoured security vehicles come in for repairs on a weekly basis after having saved the lives of their occupants. This sobering reality underscores the critical importance of these vehicles beyond mere statistics.
The Competitive Landscape
Supporting Cast of Contenders
While the Hilux and Ranger dominate armoured bakkie conversations, other manufacturers play supporting roles in this specialized market. The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok, sharing its platform with the Ranger and built by Ford at their Silverton plant, has quickly become a staple among SVI customers.
Using their intricate knowledge of the Ranger, SVI’s experienced engineers were able to swiftly develop 360-degree B4 and B6 discreet packages for the German automaker’s bakkie, along with B2 partial armour. This platform sharing demonstrates how technical expertise can rapidly expand across related vehicle lines.
Future Outlook and Implications
The armoured bakkie battle reflects broader trends in South African society and automotive markets. As security concerns continue influencing vehicle purchasing decisions, manufacturers must balance traditional automotive priorities with protection capabilities.
The Hilux’s continued dominance suggests that customers prioritize proven reliability and local support over cutting-edge features when security is paramount. However, Ford’s innovative approach to OEM-approved armour solutions indicates that technical advancement and manufacturer backing remain important competitive factors.
Comparison Table: Hilux vs Ranger Armoured Specifications
| Feature | Toyota Hilux | Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Most Popular Protection | Stopgun V2.0 | Stopgun V3.0 |
| B4 Weight Addition | ~280kg | ~280kg |
| B6 Weight Addition | ~650kg | ~650kg |
| Installation Time (B4) | 8-12 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Installation Time (Stopgun) | 3 weeks | 3 weeks |
| OEM Approval | Toyota Commercial Programme | Ford Pro Convertor |
| Local Manufacturing | Yes (Durban) | Yes (Silverton) |
| Market Share | #1 Armoured Vehicle | #2 Armoured Vehicle |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the Toyota Hilux more popular for armoured conversions than the Ford Ranger? A: The Hilux benefits from being South Africa’s best-selling vehicle overall, offering proven reliability, local manufacturing, and extensive aftermarket support. Its established presence in security and commercial sectors, combined with Toyota’s commercial vehicle converter programme approval, gives customers confidence in long-term support.
Q: How much does it cost to armour a bakkie in South Africa? A: Armoured bakkie costs vary significantly by protection level. B4 discreet packages start around R426,000, while B6 protection begins at approximately R665,000 (excluding VAT and base vehicle cost). The semi-discreet Stopgun packages offer more affordable alternatives starting around R295,000.
Q: Does armouring void the vehicle warranty? A: No, both Toyota and Ford offer official converter programmes that maintain manufacturer warranties when armour is installed by approved companies like SVI Engineering. This includes retention of service plans and roadside assistance coverage.