Benefit In Kind Changes For Double Cab Pickups: What You Need To Know

Last Updated: 25th March 2026

What Are The Benefit In Kind Changes For Double Cab Pickups?

From April 2025, most double cab pickups are now treated as cars for tax purposes, rather than vans.

Previously, pickups that met certain payload requirements were taxed using a fixed, lower BIK rate. Under the current rules, they are taxed like company cars, meaning the BIK is based on:

• The vehicle’s list price
• Its CO₂ emissions

This change has resulted in higher tax liabilities for many drivers.

Why Have BIK Changes Increased Costs For Pickups?

The main reason costs have increased is due to how company car tax is calculated.

Diesel pickups typically have higher CO₂ emissions, which places them into higher BIK bands under the new rules.

As a result:

• Monthly tax payments for drivers have increased
• The overall cost of running a diesel pickup has gone up
• Many drivers are now reassessing whether a pickup still makes sense

Are Double Cab Pickups Still Worth It?

Despite the changes, double cab pickups are still a practical option for many businesses.

However, the key difference is that the type of pickup you choose now matters more than ever.

While traditional diesel models may now be less cost-effective, newer alternatives can offer a better balance of:

• Tax efficiency
• Running costs
• Practicality

How Does the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Compare Under The New BIK Rules?

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak has long been a popular double cab pickup.

Under the current BIK rules, the diesel version now falls into a higher tax bracket, resulting in significantly increased monthly costs compared to previous years.

This is one of the main reasons many drivers are now reconsidering diesel pickups.

The table below shows how benefit in kind changes have increased monthly costs for the diesel Ranger Wildtrak.

Is There A More Tax-Efficient Pickup Option?

One alternative is the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Petrol  PHEV (plug-in hybrid).

Because plug-in hybrid vehicles typically produce lower CO₂ emissions, they fall into lower BIK brackets compared to diesel models.

This can result in:

• Lower monthly tax costs
• Improved overall affordability
• A more tax-efficient option under the new rules

The table below compares the current BIK costs of the diesel Ranger Wildtrak with the Ranger Wildtrak Petrol PHEV.

Do You Need To Charge A PHEV Pickup To Benefit?

A common concern with plug-in hybrids is the need to charge them regularly.

However, this isn’t always necessary.

Even when running on petrol alone, a PHEV pickup can still offer:

• Competitive running costs
• Lower emissions compared to diesel
• Greater flexibility for business use

Charging simply allows drivers to unlock even greater efficiency and lower emissions.

What Are The Benefits Of Choosing A PHEV Pickup?

In addition to lower benefit in kind, PHEV pickups offer several practical advantages:

• Lower CO₂ emissions
• Improved fuel economy
• Electric driving capability for shorter journeys
• The flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips

This makes them a strong option for businesses looking to balance cost, performance, and emissions.

We’ve also explored how PHEVs compare to diesel vehicles in more detail in our PHEV vs diesel vans blog.
 

Benefit in kind changes have clearly impacted double cab pickups, particularly diesel models.

However, they haven’t removed them as an option, they’ve simply changed which vehicles are most suitable.

For many drivers, plug-in hybrid pickups such as the Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV now offer a more cost-effective and practical solution under the new rules.

Still Need A Pickup?

Discover the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Petrol PHEV or speak to our team about the best options for your business.

For businesses reviewing their fleet options following recent BIK changes, our EV consultancy service can help identify the most suitable vehicles.

Benefit in kind values shown are examples based on applicable rates and may vary