South Africans bought 61,890 new vehicles in October 2026, 10.4% more than in October 2025, The Citizen reports using naamsa figures. It was also the highest monthly total of the year so far, according to Business Day.
So which models were people driving off showroom floors? Here are October's 10 best sellers, how each one moved since September, and what to keep in mind if one of them is parked in your driveway.
October 2026 at a glance
Passenger cars drove most of the growth, while bakkie and minibus sales held steady:
- Passenger cars: 45,084 sold, up 13.6% on October 2025.
- Light commercial vehicles, such as bakkies and minibuses: 13,689 sold, up 2.2%.
- Rental companies: 16.5% of all new vehicle sales, up from 13.8% in September, Business Day reports.
- Top brand: Toyota, with 14,495 new vehicles sold, according to The Citizen.
The 10 best selling vehicles in October 2026
The Toyota Hilux was South Africa's best selling vehicle again, with 3,820 sold. Three of the top 10 are bakkies, and small cars and compact SUVs fill the other seven spots.
| Position | Model | Units sold in October 2026 | Change from September |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Hilux | 3,820 | Up 51 |
| 2 | Volkswagen Polo Vivo | 2,695 | Up 142 |
| 3 | Ford Ranger | 2,381 | Down 121 |
| 4 | Suzuki Swift | 2,344 | Up 332 |
| 5 | Chery Tiggo 4 Cross | 1,924 | Down 327 |
| 6 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 1,723 | Down 241 |
| 7 | Isuzu D-Max | 1,644 | Down 907 |
| 8 | Toyota Starlet Cross | 1,611 | Up 133 |
| 9 | Hyundai Grand i10 | 1,430 | Down 63 |
| 10 | Haval Jolion | 1,343 | Down 8 |
Figures are naamsa data, as reported by Business Day for October and September. Polo Vivo figures include the Xpress panel van.
What stood out in October
A few shifts since September are worth a closer look:
- Bakkies moved in different directions. The Hilux added 51 units to stay on top, and the Ford Ranger moved up to third. The Isuzu D-Max went from second place in September to seventh.
- Small cars and compact SUVs kept their hold on the list. The Suzuki Swift had the biggest gain in the top 10, up 332 units to fourth place, and the Toyota Starlet Cross climbed from tenth to eighth.
- Rental fleets bought more. Rental companies bought 21.4% of all new passenger cars in October, CAR magazine reports.
- Sales grew despite higher rates. October was the first full month after September's interest rate increase, yet sales still grew, Business Day notes.
Driving one of these? Plan for when the manufacturer plan ends
Most new cars in South Africa come with a Service or Maintenance plan from the manufacturer, but it only lasts for a set number of years or kilometres. After that, every service comes out of your own pocket.
If you own one of October's best sellers, or you're about to buy one, it's worth knowing exactly when that cover ends. Your service book, digital service record or dealer can tell you.
A Service Plan through MotorHappy can pick up where the manufacturer left off, covering your scheduled services with genuine OEM parts for a fixed monthly amount. For extra peace of mind, a Maintenance Plan also covers wear and tear items such as brake pads, wiper blades and batteries.
Still weighing up your options? Our guide to Service Plans, Maintenance Plans and Extended Warranties explains what each one covers.
Frequently asked questions
What was the best selling vehicle in South Africa in October 2026?
The Toyota Hilux, with 3,820 units sold, according to naamsa figures. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo came second with 2,695, followed by the Ford Ranger with 2,381. The Hilux was also the country's best selling vehicle in September, when 3,769 were sold.
How many new vehicles were sold in South Africa in October 2026?
South Africans bought 61,890 new vehicles in October 2026, up 10.4% from 56,051 in October 2025. Passenger cars made up 45,084 of those sales, an increase of 13.6%, while light commercial vehicles such as bakkies accounted for 13,689.
Which car brand sold the most in October 2026?
Toyota, with 14,495 new vehicles sold, down from 15,366 in September. Suzuki came second with 7,292, its first month above 7,000 units, and Volkswagen was third with 6,515, according to naamsa figures.
Can I get a Service Plan once my manufacturer plan has ended?
Yes. MotorHappy offers Service and Maintenance Plans for both new and used vehicles, so you can keep your servicing costs fixed after the manufacturer plan runs out. What your car qualifies for depends on its age and mileage, and an online quote takes just a few minutes.
The bottom line
October 2026 was a busy month on showroom floors, with the Hilux, Polo Vivo and Ranger leading the way. Whichever model you drive, a little planning now keeps your servicing costs predictable long after the manufacturer plan ends.
Driving one of October's best sellers? Get a Service Plan quote online in just a few minutes.
Sources & Further Reading:
- Business Day: These were SA's best-selling cars and bakkies in October
- Business Day: These are South Africa's top selling new cars and bakkies
- The Citizen: New high for Suzuki as vehicle sales hit all-time record in October
- CAR magazine: Top 10 best-selling passenger cars in South Africa in October 2026
- CAR magazine: Top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in October 2026
Sales figures are naamsa data as reported by the publications above and may be revised. This article is general information and not financial advice. Plan benefits, terms, limits and exclusions apply and vary by vehicle. MotorHappy (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider, FSP 46123.
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