We have rounded up the five most expensive bakkies you can buy in South Africa in 2024. Here’s what you can expect…
Over the years, the provisos manufacturers have set out for their bakkie offerings have become much more than just having to perform as a rugged workhorse. Indeed, bakkies, especially those of the double-cab variety, have evolved to become more leisure-oriented family vehicles, suitable for everyday use and off-road excursions.
However, as bakkies, with their improved driving dynamics and enhanced tech, have, in essence, become SUVs with load beds, modern iterations have become more expensive. Here are the five most expensive bakkies you can buy in South Africa…
1. Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster — from R1 717 100
A venerable 4×4 bakkie, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster takes the top spot as the most expensive bakkie in SA. Priced from R1 717 100, the British marque’s off-road-ready double cab is available with the choice of two BMW-sourced, 3.0-litre, inline-six turbocharged engine options, both driving the fore and aft axles via an eight-speed automatic transmission, replete with a low-range transfer case. The diesel unit churns out 183 kW and 550 N.m of torque, the latter available from a mere 1 250 r/min. The petrol powertrain produces 210 kW and 450 N.m. Customers have the option of three trim grades, standard, Fieldmaster, and Trialmaster.
Related: Review: Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition
2. Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon — from R1 364 900
Locally, Jeep offers only a single Gladiator derivative, the Rubicon. The sole model in the US automaker’s SA portfolio employs the firm’s familiar Pentastar powertrain, coupled with an eight-speed self-shifter. The 3.6-litre, naturally aspirated V6 petrol produces 209 kW and 347 N.m, available from 6 400 r/min and 4 100 r/min, respectively.
3. Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD — from R1 226 700
The most powerful bakkie in SA, the new-generation Ford Ranger Raptor ditches its forebear’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel in favour of a sonorous 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 petrol unit. The Blue Oval brand’s off-road-performance-focused double cab is endowed with a healthy 292 kW, which is available as soon as the rev needle edges the 5 650 r/min marker. Peak torque is rated at 583 N.m.
Related: Review: Revel in the Raptor revolution
4. Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion — from R1 206 400
The Aventura-spec Amarok is the fourth-most expensive double cab you can buy in SA. Volkswagen’s flagship double cab is exclusively equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, which churns out 184 kW and 600 N.m of torque. Power is sent to the road via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
5. Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD AT35 4×4 — from R1 170 339
The pinnacle model in Isuzu SA’s D-Max portfolio, the co-developed-with-Arctic Trucks AT35 boasts a host of 4×4 upgrades, the latter of which includes Bilstein off-road suspension and beefy 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres. The D-Max AT35 is equipped with the Japanese automaker’s well-known 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces 140 kW and 450 N.m.
Related: An Arctic Truck in Arniston: Driving the Isuzu D-Max AT35
