If you are looking for the most capable , most hardcore 4×4 bakkies in South Africa, then this list is for you!
Are you looking for the most hardcore 4×4 bakkies available in Mzansi?
In South Africa, double-cab bakkies fulfil many roles. They are workhorses, family carriers and weekend 4×4 warriors, all in one. The versatility of the typical double-cab bakkie has helped make it one of the most sought-after body shapes in South Africa.
The sales success of offerings such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger is evidence of this popularity as is the fervent demand for these vehicles in the used car market . But what about buyers looking for the most hardcore 4×4 bakkies?
Well, while most double-cab 4×4 bakkies offer more than enough off-road capability to meet the needs of most buyers, there’s a handful of products that take 4×4 performance to a whole new level.
These high-performance off-road bakkies are niche vehicles, but they are popular not only with hardened 4×4 enthusiasts who often venture to wild places. No, they also attract those seeking to boost their social image by driving the biggest and most bad-ass bakkie money can buy .
In this article, we will highlight the high-performance, hardcore 4×4 bakkies that are currently available to local buyers.
Note that pricing is accurate as of July 2024.
SA’s Most Hardcore 4×4 Bakkies
Ford Ranger Raptor: The Power Champ
While the previous Ford Ranger Raptor was powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine with a middling 157 kW and 500 Nm, the new version has upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine generating a whopping 292 kW and 583 Nm! As before, it stands higher and wider than a standard Ranger, and those flared wheel arches are a not-so-subtle hint at its intent.
Moreover, the FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers offer position-sensitive damping capability, helping set the Raptor apart but also enabling high-speed off-road driving. This new Raptor (which is imported from Thailand rather than built at Silverton) furthermore features a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 2-speed transfer case, front and rear locking differentials and up to 7 driving modes as well as an electronically controlled active exhaust system.
Pricing on the new market currently starts at R1 226 700 . Of course, Cars.co.za has a wide range of used Ranger Raptors for sale too and you’d be wise to check them out!
Buy a used Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za
Toyota Hilux GR-Sport: Dakar-Inspired Performer
For the Hilux fans, Toyota recently launched the Hilux GR-Sport III in South Africa , drawing inspiration from the Japanese firm’s resounding success at the Dakar Rally.
Apart from the obligatory GR badging and beefy widebody kit, the Hilux GR-Sport III is more than a cosmetic exercise and its 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine produces a heady 165 kW and useful 550 Nm, making it the torquiest series-produced Hilux ever offered in South Africa. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.
The Hilux GR-Sport is also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with high-profile 265/65 R17 BFGoodrich rubber to “offer enhanced off-road performance” as well as GR-inspired suspension comprising new monotube shock absorbers with stiffer coil springs which are said to improve off-road handling and comfort.
Pricing for the Hilux GR-Sport III currently starts from R999 000 and there are a few examples worth considering on the used market too .
Buy a used Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster : The new-age Defender
The new Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster recently launched in South Africa and its off-road credentials are impressive with 264 mm of ground clearance; 800 mm wading depth; and approach, departure and breakover angles (36.2, 22.6 and 26.2 degrees, respectively) that the British brand claims are “unrivalled by any other series pick-up”. A centre differential lock and a 2-speed transfer case are fitted as standard while front and rear diff locks are optional on the base model and standard on the Trialmaster and Fieldmaster derivatives.
Engines are sourced from BMW, with customers offered a 3.0-litre inline-6 in either petrol or diesel flavour, with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission standard in each case. The petrol mill makes 210 kW and 450 Nm, while the oil-burner offers 183 kW and 550 Nm.
While the Quartermaster is mechanically identical to the Grenadier Station Wagon , the chassis is some 305 mm longer. The load-bay measures 1 564 mm long and 1 619 mm wide, which is enough to handle a standard Euro pallet. The payload rating comes in at 760 kg and the braked towing capacity at 3 500 kg.
Pricing starts from R1 717 100!
Buy an Ineos Grenadier on Cars.co.za
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon: Large and in Charge
Everything about the Gladiator is large! It’s currently the largest double-cab bakkie on sale in South Africa, with a length of well over 5 metres. It’s also the 3rd-most powerful (behind the Raptor and Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster) with its naturally aspirated 3.6-litre, V6 petrol engine (paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission) producing 209 kW and 347 Nm of torque. Its asking price is also rather large at R1 364 900 , making it South Africa’s second-most-expensive bakkie .
While it’s almost certainly too cumbersome for regular use in a city environment, the Gladiator is most at home in the wild and this is where it showcases its tremendous 4×4 prowess.
The Gladiator’s arsenal of off-road assistance systems is exhaustive – the 4×4 setup features 2WD, part-time 4WD, permanent 4WD and low-range functionality, while there are multiple locking differentials, an off-road traction mode, plus a sway bar that can be disconnected. The only thing limiting the Gladiator is your bravery…
Browse for a used Jeep Gladiator on Cars.co.za!
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35: Beefed Up
The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 launched in South Africa in July 2023. It sits at the summit of the d-Max range and is priced from R1 170 339 .
Based on the D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4×4, the beefed-up contender is again locally assembled at Isuzu’s plant in Struandale, Gqeberha. The D-Max AT35 features a host of enhancements to make it more capable off the beaten path. For starters, it wears chunky 35-inch BFGoodrich off-road tyres (hence its name) as standard on 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels framed by flared wheel arches. The suspension has been overhauled with an “optimised and elevated” tailored Bilstein performance set-up featuring front springs and dampers, rear dampers and an additional front and rear body lift.
The “purpose-designed” lift kit and tyres increase the ground clearance from the standard figure of 232 mm to 266 mm, while also boosting the bakkie’s overall height from 1 810 mm to 1 875 mm. The claimed wading depth of 800 mm climbs to 865 mm, while the approach angle improves to 33 degrees, the departure angle to 23 degrees and the break-over angle to 34 degrees. As for the engine, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is fitted with Isuzu’s 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which produces 140 kW and 450 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, you can also consider used examples of the previous-generation D-Max Arctic AT35!
Buy a used Isuzu D-Max on Cars.co.za
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