If you are looking for a vehicle that can do more than just take you from point A to B, but also be able to transverse a dirt road, cross deserts or simply manoeuvre around South Africa’s worst potholes,here is a top 5 list of the most popular bakkies in South Africa.

1. Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux bakkie has been a South African favourite ever since it was introduced back in 1969 and has undergone quite a few facelifts over the years as well as topping the monthly industry new vehicle sales countless times.

The Toyota Hilux is available in three body styles including the Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. A wide variety of engine options are available and prices range from R186 700 to R475 900, depending on the model.

The Toyota Hilux also offers a myriad of styling cues developed to enhance the vehicle’s modern design, emphasise its tough underpinnings and keep the vehicle truly appealing.

2. Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is offered in three body styles namely Double, Super and Regular and is available with the choice of two Duratorq TDCi engines and either as a 4X2 or a 4X4.

In 2012, the bakkie picked up the 2013 International Pick-Up Award, where it was praised for its engine line-up, payload capacity, towing capacity, safety and performance both on and off the road. Last year the model also gained two new single cab derivatives powered by Ford’s 3.2-litre diesel, which you can get from R315 200.

3. Isuzu KB

Down at number three is the tough-as-nails Isuzu KB. Both the single and double cab bakkies remain a popular choice for local buyers, as the vehicle sold 1 260 units in December 2013.

With a towing capacity of more than 3000 kg and engine performance of 380Nm, the latest Isuzu KB model is said to handle anything a South African driver can throw at it including traversing a dirt road to the most remote customer’s factory depot, climbing the Sani Pass into Lesotho or launching a boat into the Vaal River. Read a review of the Isuzu KB here.

Prices for the bakkie range from R229 300 for a single cab to R309 100 for a double cab.

4. Nissan NP200

The Nissan NP200 is an affordable and reliable bakkie that is available in three trim levels namely Base, Mid and High. It offers good basic spec, strong build quality and a spacious 800L load bay, coupled with a revised/improved warranty of six years/150 000km as opposed to the original three year/100 000km. The 1.6-litre base version is priced at R123 800 while the 1.6-litre High model retails for R175 800. Read our review of the Nissan NP200 here.

5. Chevrolet Utility

Much further down the pecking order is Chevrolet’s prize fighter, the Utility, which sold relatively well throughout 2013. Not only is it one of the top sellers in the LCV segment, but it’s also Chevrolet’s best-selling vehicle in South Africa.

The Chevrolet Utility is available in three well-equipped models offering both petrol and diesel options. Prices range from R119 900 for the Utility Base model to R142 700 for the Utility Club and R166 500 for the higher spec Utility Sport model. Read our review of the Chevrolet Utility here.