SVI Engineering, specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, has revealed the five vehicles that proved most popular with SVI customers purchasing armoured protection in 2025.
“We’ve had another incredibly busy year here at SVI. We not only launched our groundbreaking new SVI LITE partial-armouring solution and commenced sales of our 12-seater MAX SWAT but also developed bespoke new B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages for several models,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
So, which nameplates were the most popular for armouring at SVI in 2025? Well, it’s interesting to note all models in the top 5 employ a robust ladder-frame platform, a configuration well suited to carrying the added weight of armouring components (particularly when it comes to full B6 protection). Furthermore, while the podium places are occupied by bakkies, SUVs take the final two positions.
1. Toyota Hilux – 90 units armoured
Considering it remains South Africa’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Hilux predictably takes the top spot, with as many as 90 units having been fitted with SVI armour in 2025. Equipped with the company’s Stopgun V2.0 package, the locally built bakkie is the default choice in SA’s security industry.
Additionally, the Stopgun V2.0 kit for specific versions of the Hilux single cab is fully approved by the Japanese brand, thanks to SVI’s status as an authorised converter in Toyota’s commercial-vehicle partner programme. However, the double-cab version is also a popular option among civilians who require B4 (handgun protection, up to .44 Magnum) and B6 (protecting against assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5) discreet armour.
2. FORD RANGER – 29 units armoured
The local market’s second most popular bakkie also takes the runner-up position on this list. Over the course of 2025, the Bashewa-based company has armoured 29 examples of the Ford Ranger, all of which retained their vehicle warranty (and any selected service or maintenance plans) thanks to SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme (previously known as the Qualified Vehicle Modifiers initiative).
Fascinatingly, the Thailand-sourced Raptor was easily the most popular Ranger derivative, accounting for 21 of the 29 units armoured (with locally built Ranger variants making up the balance). As recently as September 2025, SVI announced a new B6 discreet armouring option for the V6-powered Raptor, launching it as SA’s first Ford-approved assault-rifle protection package for this high-performance derivative.
3. Volkswagen Amarok – 22 units armoured
Since several other bakkies outsell the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok on the local new-vehicle market, it may surprise some that the German firm’s contender makes it onto the podium here. However, the latest Amarok – just like the original version – has fast become a favourite among SVI customers, with as many as 22 units armoured in 2025.
Since the Amarok shares its platform with the Ranger (and is indeed built by Ford alongside this model at the Blue Oval brand’s Silverton facility in Gauteng), SVI’s engineers were able to apply their knowledge of Ford’s bakkie to develop the required armouring packages for the VW version.
4. Ford Everest – 11 units armoured
The most popular SUV for armouring at SVI in 2025 was the Ford Everest. In the end, 11 units of this Thai-built model moved through the company’s armouring facility during the year, with both B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages applied.
As with the closely related Ranger bakkie, SVI’s approval under the Ford Pro Convertor programme means an Everest converted by the armouring company (including with SVI LITE partial armour) retains its full warranty as well as any selected service or maintenance plans.
5. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – 7 units armoured
The model that closes out the top 5 is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Like the previous-generation Prado, this latest J250-series model is an ideal candidate for both B4 discreet and B6 discreet armour, with 7 units having been converted by SVI in 2025.
SVI launched bespoke B4 and B6 protection packages for the new Prado – a model that remains in short supply on the local new-vehicle market, with customers continuing to face lengthy waiting lists – in the first quarter of the year. Should supply to South Africa improve, there’s every chance this model will climb the list in 2026.
