8 most powerful bakkies in SA in 2026

We have rounded up the eight most powerful bakkies available in South Africa in SA. See the full list below…

In the highly competitive local bakkie segment, there are several double-cabs producing significant power outputs. But who takes the crown as most powerful in South Africa? Well, we have compiled a list comprising the eight most powerful bakkies in SA in 2026.

7=. Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 4WD – 184 kW

ford,ranger,platinum

Image: Ford SA

The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 employed by the Ranger 3.0TD V6 4WD (seen here in Platinum guise) produces 184 kW, which is transferred to all four corners via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

7=. Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 4Motion – 184 kW

Volkswagen Amarok

Image: Volkswagen

Sharing the Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, the Amarok (seen here in Aventura spec) is also endowed with 184 kW, making it the second-most powerful model in VW’s local Amarok lineup.

6. Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon – 209 kW

2025 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon front

Image: Jeep

The Jeep Gladiator is powered by a naturally-aspirated V6 petrol motor, which churns out 209 kW. The 3.6-litre unit is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Updated in 2025, the Gladiator is also one of the most expensive bakkies in SA.

5. Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster – 210 kW

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster

Image: Ineos Automotive

The Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster, which we sampled at the local launch in 2024, employs a BMW-derived drivetrain comprising a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 27 kW more than its 3.0-litre diesel sibling, the petrol-powered model’s 210 kW secures its fifth place on this list. However, it is worth noting that the diesel motor produces 100 N.m more, 550 versus 450 N.m.

4. Volkswagen Amarok 2.3 TSI PanAmericana 4Motion – 222 kW

2025 Volkswagen Amarok 222 kW PanAmericana driving

Image: Volkswagen

Introduced to our market in October 2025, the 222 kW Volkswagen Amarok employs Ford’s EcoBoost 2.3-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine, exclusively coupled with a 10-speed self-shifter. Confirmed for SA, and as highlighted in our Every bakkie confirmed for SA in 2026 feature, the updated Ranger lineup will also gain this engine option in 2026.

3. GWM P500 2.0T HEV double cab Ultra Luxury 4×4 – 255 kW

2025 GWM P500 front

Image: GWM

The flagship variant in the GWM P500 model lineup is motivated by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain producing 255 kW, a 120 kW increase over what is produced by its 2.4-litre turbodiesel counterpart.

2. Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 double cab Raptor 4WD – 292 kW

Image: Ford

The Ford Ranger Raptor is equipped with the Blue Oval brand’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, which develops a healthy 292 kW – the latter delivered to all four corners via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

1. BYD Shark 6 double cab Premium AWD – 321 kW

BYD Shark 6

Image: Peet Mocke

Topping the list is the BYD Shark 6, which we evaluated for a road test in the August 2025 issue of CAR magazine. The cover star of that issue, the Shark 6’s plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) pairs a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine with a duo of electric motors – the latter fed by a 29.6 kWh ‘Blade’ battery. The Shark 6 is endowed with a peak power output of 321 kW – good for a tested 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.66 seconds.

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The post 8 most powerful bakkies in SA in 2026 appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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