SVI Engineering Reveals 2025’s Top 5 Armoured Vehicles
South Africa’s leading vehicle‑armouring specialist, SVI Engineering, just released the list of the most popular cars that customers have chosen to convert into armoured beasts this year. The figures come straight from SVI’s own records and show that, as always, the big‑bodied pick‑ups and SUVs continue to rule the battlefield of personal protection.
1. Toyota Hilux – 90 units
The Toyota Hilux tops the chart. It’s South Africa’s best‑selling pick‑up and it delivered a record 90 armoured conversions in 2025. SVI offers a range of protection kits for the eighth‑generation Hilux, including:
- B2 SVI Lite – a cost‑effective partial armour pack
- B4 & B6 Discreet – full 360° coverage from handguns to rifles (B4) and even AK‑47s and R5s (B6)
- Stopgun V2.0 – a rapid‑deployment semi‑discreet kit for high‑threat situations
The Hilux is expected to carry on its winning streak when the next generation rolls into South Africa next year.
2. Ford Ranger – 29 units
The double‑cab Ford Ranger secured 29 conversions in 2025. It’s a favourite among those who need a robust 4×4 that can keep a headroom of safety and cargo space. SVI’s armouring options for the Ranger are identical to those for the Hilux:
- B2 SVI Lite – partial coverage
- B4 & B6 Discreet – full‑round protection
- Stopgun V3.0 – compatible with all body styles, without voiding warranties or maintenance plans
The Ranger’s popularity proves that a versatile work‑horse still appeals to protection buyers.
3. Volkswagen Amarok – 22 units
Sharing a platform with the Ranger, the Amarok earned 22 conversions, rising to become SVI’s third most popular model. Protecting the Amarok is straightforward:
- B2 Partial Armour
- B4 & B6 Discreet – 360° coverage
The Amarok’s success underscores the appeal of German engineering combined with South African practicality.
4. Ford Everest – 11 units
The luxury‑styled, off‑road capable Ford Everest was the fourth favourite, with 11 cars modified to be armoured SUVs. SVI offers the standard armour packages:
- B2 Partial Armour
- B4 & B6 Discreet – 360° protection
The Everest’s blend of comfort and ruggedness makes it a solid choice for those who demand both.
5. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – 7 units
The latest version of the Land Cruiser Prado secured seven conversions, making it the fifth most popular vehicle for armouring at SVI in 2025. The Prado can be fitted with:
- B2 Partial Armour
- B4 & B6 Discreet – full 360° coverage
A proven icon on any terrain, the Prado offers reliable protection where it counts.
SVI’s “Business Development Director” Nicol Louw on the year’s success:
“We’ve had another incredibly busy year here at SVI. We not only launched our groundbreaking new SVI Lite partial‑armouring solution and began sales of our 12‑seater MAX SWAT, but we also developed bespoke new B4 discreet and B6 discreet packages for several models.”
Stay tuned for more updates on vehicle armouring and security solutions from South Africa’s top provider.
