GWM P300 vs JAC T9 vs Mahindra Pik Up vs LDV T60: The alternatives compared
Looking for a reasonably priced alternative bakkie in South Africa? Here are four relatively left-field options: the GWM P300, JAC T9, Mahindra Pik Up, and LDV T60. Let's compare them and help you decide if one suits your needs.
The South African bakkie market is fiercely competitive. The long-standing titans dominate the segment, with the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max taking the lion's share of the market. However, a new wave of alternative bakkies, primarily from Chinese and Indian manufacturers, is making substantial inroads by offering compelling value, extensive features, and competitive pricing.
This comparison focuses on four alternatives: the GWM P300, JAC T9, Mahindra Pik Up, and LDV T60. We will also briefly discuss how they compare to the market leaders.
Related: Toyota Hilux vs. Ford Ranger: Which costs more to own?
The South African Bakkie Market Landscape
The bakkie segment in South Africa is not just about utility; it's deeply ingrained in the culture, serving as workhorses, family vehicles, and adventure companions. Brand loyalty runs deep for the established players.
Toyota Hilux: This is consistently the best-selling bakkie in South Africa, renowned for its legendary reliability, substantial resale value, and extensive service network. It offers many models, from basic workhorses to luxurious leisure vehicles. However, its replacement is imminent, and the current model feels aged in 2025.
Ford Ranger: A strong contender, often trading blows with the Hilux for the top spot. The Ranger is SA's best-selling double cab, a segment leader in technology, but with a new Hilux on the horizon.
Isuzu D-Max: A dependable and robust option, often favoured for its durability and strong commercial appeal. It offers a no-nonsense approach to bakkie ownership.
These leaders typically command higher price points and benefit from well-established dealer networks, a strong reputation for parts availability, and after-sales support.
The Alternatives
The four alternative bakkies presented all fall into a similar price bracket, offering double-cab, 4x4 configurations. They aim to attract buyers by providing a rich feature set and competitive performance at a more accessible price than established leaders.
GWM P300 2.4T Double Cab LT 4x4 (R 649 900)
The GWM P300 (formerly P-Series in SA, now re-badged and updated with a new engine) has quickly gained traction in South Africa. This model features a new 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Strengths: Modern interior with a large touchscreen and digital cluster, good power and torque figures, 3.5-ton towing capacity, comprehensive safety features (including advanced driver-assist systems), and a strong 7-year/200,000 km warranty and 7-year/75,000 km service plan. It aims to offer a refined and feature-rich experience.
Considerations: While improved, GWM's brand perception is still growing compared to Toyota and Ford. While impressive in many areas, the P300 still needs some refinement to make it a true Ranger rival.
JAC T9 2.0CTI Double Cab 4WD Super Lux (R 659 900)
The JAC T9 is a newcomer that impressed many with its Americanised design and surprising level of interior luxury and technology for its price.
Strengths: It has a striking design, a premium-feeling interior with faux leather, a large 10.4-inch portrait infotainment screen, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, and a strong 3.5-ton towing capacity. It offers good value for money with a 5-year service plan and warranty.
Considerations: Brand recognition is still building, and during our time with the model, there was notable turbo lag. Ground clearance and off-road angles might not be as aggressive as those of some dedicated off-road rivals.
Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe Double Cab 4x4 S11 Karoo Dew (R 650 149)
The Mahindra Pik Up has a strong reputation as a rugged and no-nonsense workhorse in South Africa. The Karoo Dew edition adds more comfort and style.
Strengths: Proven durability and robustness, good fuel efficiency, a capable 2.2-litre mHawk turbodiesel engine, and a decent level of interior comfort and features for its price point. Strong value proposition for a capable 4x4.
Considerations: The design might be considered less modern than its Chinese counterparts. While interior quality has improved, it might not feel as "premium" as the GWM or JAC. The residual value, while improving, will not match the Hilux, Ranger and D-Max.
LDV T60 2.0D Bi-Turbo Double Cab Max Pro 4x4 Manual (R 670 000)
Another Chinese entrant, the LDV T60, offers a powerful bi-turbo diesel engine and a focus on strong performance. The Max Pro is a higher-spec manual variant.
Strengths: Impressive power and torque figures from its 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, 3.0-ton towing capacity, and a solid list of features, including a reversing camera, smartphone connectivity, and safety features like six airbags and TPMS. The manual transmission will appeal to some traditional bakkie enthusiasts.
Considerations: As a newer brand, its long-term reliability and after-sales support network are still to be fully proven in SA. Fuel consumption figures might be on the higher side compared to some rivals. Manual transmission might be a deterrent for those who prefer automatics.
Comparative Table
Note: Specifications can vary by model year and specific trim levels. Prices are indicative at the time of writing (July 2025) and may change.
How do they stack up?
When comparing these alternatives to the market leaders, several key aspects stand out:
Price: The most significant advantage of the GWM, JAC, Mahindra, and LDV is their price point. They offer similar, and often more, features for a significantly lower price than comparably priced Hilux, Ranger, or D-Max models. For example, a mid-range Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4x4 Raider or Ford Ranger 2.0D SiT 4x4 XLT would likely be in a similar price bracket or higher, often with fewer luxury features.
Features & Technology: The alternative brands often pack in more advanced technology and luxury features as standard, such as larger infotainment screens, 360-degree cameras, and comprehensive safety suites, which might be optional or only available on top-tier models of the established brands.
Performance: In terms of raw power and torque, the GWM P300 and LDV T60 are highly competitive, surpassing some entry-to-mid-level offerings from the market leaders. The JAC T9 and Mahindra Pik Up offer respectable performance suitable for most tasks.
Brand Perception & Resale Value: The established leaders still hold a strong advantage in this area. The Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max have proven track records for reliability, extensive dealer networks, and excellent resale value in South Africa. The newer entrants are still building this reputation, which can impact long-term ownership costs and ease of selling.
After-Sales Support: While the alternative brands are expanding their dealer networks and improving their after-sales support, they generally can't match the sheer breadth and depth of service centres offered by Toyota, Ford, and Isuzu across South Africa.
Market Share: As of June 2025, the Hilux, Ranger, and D-Max firmly hold the top three spots in South African bakkie sales. GWM P-Series (P300) is typically the best-selling Chinese bakkie, followed by the JAC T-Series. Mahindra Pik Up also consistently performs well.
Conclusion
For South African buyers on a budget who prioritise features, modern technology, and strong performance without the premium price tag of the market leaders, these alternative bakkies present compelling options:
GWM P300: The latest bakkie from GWM offers a fantastic balance of power, features, and an impressive warranty, aiming for a refined and value-packed option.
JAC T9 stands out with its design and surprisingly luxurious interior. It is perfect for those looking for a well-specified but affordable lifestyle double cab.
Mahindra Pik Up: It remains a solid, affordable, dependable choice for those prioritising proven reliability, a no-frills workhorse capability, with added lifestyle elements in the Karoo-spec derivatives.
LDV T60: This model appeals to those seeking strong power and torque figures, particularly in a manual 4x4 setup, but it is the most expensive in this company, and opting for the automatic will have to spent R40 000 more.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities. If maximum resale value and an extensive, proven mechanicals and long-proven dealer network are paramount, the Hilux, Ranger, or D-Max reign supreme. However, if features, competitive performance, and cost savings are the drivers, the GWM P300, JAC T9, Mahindra Pik Up, and LDV T60 are worth serious consideration in the dynamic South African bakkie market.
