Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4x4 AT: The Bakkie That Never Quits

The Toyota Hilux Raider 4x4 sits at the sweet spot of the Hilux range — loaded with enough equipment to feel premium but not so expensive that the price becomes eye-watering. At R699,900, it undercuts the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and comes with Toyota's legendarily reliable 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel. Power delivery from the 150kW, 500Nm engine is characteristically smooth and torquey — there's always power available from very low in the rev range, and the 6-speed automatic manages it with unhurried precision. On gravel, the Hilux's combination of solid rear axle, mechanical rear locker and raised ground clearance means it's at home whether crossing a sandy pan or navigating a rocky mountain pass. The interior has been updated but still trails the Ranger in perceived quality. The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive enough but lacks the resolution and usability of Ford's portrait unit. Leather seats and a leather steering wheel add comfort; ambient lighting creates a premium feel at night. Ride quality on tar is firm — the rear leaf spring suspension feels notably underdamped over sharp bumps at low speed. It improves on the highway and excels on gravel, where the long-travel suspension absorbs surface irregularities well.