The premium double-cab bakkie segment in South Africa has never been more exciting, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of power, luxury, and technology. Here's our rundown of the most desirable bakkies currently dominating the market.
1. Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD - R1 270 000
The performance icon
The Ranger Raptor continues its reign as South Africa's ultimate performance bakkie. Its 292kW twin-turbo V6 petrol engine delivers a massive 583Nm of torque, it's built for those who want supercar-like acceleration in a bakkie format.
Standout features:
- Matrix LED adaptive headlights with high-beam assist
- Fox Racing shock absorbers with position-sensitive damping
- Selectable drive modes, including Baja mode for extreme off-roading
- 272mm ground clearance and 850mm wading depth
- Partial suede and leather sports seats
The Raptor isn't just about raw power – its 10-speed automatic transmission, advanced 4WD system, and front and rear differential locks make it unstoppable in virtually any terrain.
Fancy a bulletproof Ford Raptor to keep you out of harm's way? Read about SVI's treatment of the Raptor for this purpose.
2. Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion - R1 252 200
The premium sophisticate
The new-generation Amarok has elevated the luxury bakkie experience with German precision. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel produces 184kW and a class-leading 600Nm of torque, offering the perfect balance of refinement and capability.
Standout features:
- Premium leather upholstery with heated front seats
- 21-inch alloy wheels with road-focused 275/45 profile tires
- 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- 952km fuel range from its efficient diesel engine
- Advanced driver assistance, including park assist
The Amarok Aventura sets the benchmark for sophistication for the executive who needs genuine off-road capability without sacrificing on-road comfort.
Watch our video review of the Aventura model here!
3. Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD Double Cab AT35 4x4 - R1 182 100
The extreme expedition specialist
For those who find ordinary 4x4s limiting, Isuzu's collaboration with Arctic Trucks delivers the ultimate off-road machine. The AT35 combines Isuzu's proven 3.0-litre turbodiesel (140kW/450Nm) with specialised modifications that transform it into an unstoppable expedition vehicle.
Standout features:
- Massive 35x12.50 R17 specialised off-road tires
- Exceptional 266mm ground clearance and 865mm wading depth
- Impressive approach (33°), break-over (34°) and departure (23°) angles
- Full digital instrument cluster with comprehensive driver assistance
- 8 airbags, including front centre airbag, for enhanced safety
The AT35's Arctic Trucks modifications aren't merely cosmetic; they're engineered for serious capability in the most challenging terrain. While commanding the highest price in our lineup, it offers unmatched expedition credentials with the support of Isuzu's 5-year/120,000km warranty and comprehensive dealer network. For adventurers who need to reach places ordinary vehicles can't access, the AT35 represents the pinnacle of factory-backed off-road engineering.
Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III vs Ford Ranger Wildtrak X vs Isuzu D-Max AT35: Here's our winner!
4. Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 Double Cab 4x4 GR-Sport - R999,000
The established champion
Toyota's legendary Hilux gets the Gazoo Racing treatment with the GR-Sport edition, blending proven reliability with sportier styling and enhanced capabilities. The 2.8-litre turbodiesel delivers a robust 165kW and 550Nm of torque – class-competitive power with Toyota's renowned durability.
Standout features:
- Limited-slip differential plus standard diff lock for superior traction
- Partial suede and leather sports upholstery
- Distinctive GR styling with gloss black sports bar and black accents
- Paddle shifters for the 6-speed automatic transmission
- 920km range from an 80-litre fuel tank
The GR-Sport represents the pinnacle of Toyota's bakkie heritage, offering additional driver engagement and visual presence while maintaining the Hilux's legendary reliability and impressive 3,500kg towing capacity. With Toyota's extensive dealer network and industry-leading resale value, it remains the benchmark against which all challengers must measure themselves.
Read our latest review of this Hilux here.
5. GWM P500 2.0T HEV Double Cab Ultra Luxury 4x4 - R999 900
The luxury innovator
GWM has made a bold statement with the P500 hybrid, combining impressive performance with unmatched luxury features in the segment. Its hybrid powertrain delivers 255kW combined power and a remarkable 648Nm of torque.
Standout features:
- Heated and ventilated front AND rear seats
- Massaging front seats with driver memory function
- Panoramic sunroof
- 7-year/200 000km vehicle warranty
- Electronic front and rear differential locks
The P500 redefines bakkie luxury with features previously only found in premium SUVs – including electric rear seat adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a comprehensive driver assistance package including self-parking technology.
Read our GWM P500 Review (2025) here!
6. BYD Shark 6 Double Cab Premium AWD - R959 900
The tech pioneer
China's BYD has disrupted the bakkie market with the Shark 6 – South Africa's first plug-in hybrid double cab. With a combined 321kW from its hybrid powertrain and a massive 650Nm of torque, it delivers performance that rivals V8 competitors.
Standout features:
- 85km pure electric driving range
- Rotating touchscreen
- 5.7-second 0-100km/h acceleration
- Head-up display and 360-degree camera system
- Ventilated and heated front seats
- Traffic sign recognition and a full suite of driver aids
The Shark 6 represents the future, offering V6-beating performance with 2.0L/100km fuel consumption when the battery is charged, plus zero emissions for daily commuting.
Watch our drag race of the Shark 6 vs the Ford Ranger Raptor here! Who wins?
7. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Double Cab Pro-4X 4x4 Warrior - R924 000
The rugged adventurer
The Navara Pro-4X Warrior is the ultimate expression of Nissan's off-road heritage, explicitly tuned for challenging South African conditions. With 140kW and 450Nm from its proven 2.5-litre turbodiesel, it delivers reliable power where it counts.
Standout features:
- Impressive 232mm ground clearance with 35° approach angle
- 360-degree surround view camera system
- Black styling elements including roll bar, side steps and roof rails
- Rear limited-slip differential plus electronic rear diff lock
- Exceptional 988km range from its 80-litre fuel tank
The Warrior edition enhances the already capable Navara Pro-4X with specialised equipment for serious off-road enthusiasts. Its generous 6-year/150,000km warranty and 6-year/90,000km service plan demonstrate Nissan's confidence in its durability.
The Stealth variant has been reintroduced with a variety of updates. Read about it here.
8. Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D Double Cab Xtreme 4x4 - R849 990
The value proposition
The all-new Triton offers a compelling package at a more accessible price point. The 2.4-litre turbodiesel produces 135kW and 430Nm – modest on paper but renowned for its real-world drivability and reliability.
Standout features:
- Super Select II 4WD system with rear differential lock
- GLS trim plus Xtreme styling package
- Leather upholstery and keyless access
- 7 airbags and a comprehensive safety suite
- 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty
For those seeking Japanese reliability with distinctive styling at a more accessible price point, the Triton Xtreme delivers exceptional value.
Read all about our first drive of the new Mitsubishi Triton here.
Did you know?
The launch of the Kia Tasman bakkie is imminent.
As Kia's first global pickup, the Tasman arrives with high expectations and the potential to disrupt the established bakkie hierarchy with the same success the Korean brand has achieved in the passenger car and SUV segments. The Tasman offers an intriguing alternative for those considering a premium double cab but willing to wait for something different. Since we don't know exactly how much it will cost, we expect Ranger/Hilux pricing. We will update this article as soon as we know more.
