Buying Used: GWM Steed 5 (2011-2026)

The Steed 5 has been a staple in GWM’s local bakkie portfolio since arriving here in 2011. Now that it’s been discontinued, is it worth considering as a used buy?

gwm,steed,5

Image: GWM SA

The GWM Steed 5 served as the backbone of Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) success in South Africa for over a decade, establishing the brand as a formidable player in our bakkie-obsessed market. Discontinued in 2026 as the automaker solidifies the P-Series as its workhorse, the Steed 5 carved out a niche as an unapologetic, value-driven bakkie. It appealed to small business owners, farmers, and fleet managers who required a one-tonne load capacity without the high-end price tag associated with established rivals. Built on a traditional ladder-frame chassis, its design was simple and functional. It was a bakkie that prioritised utility over lifestyle flair in every sense of the word.

Despite being a budget-oriented offering, the Steed 5 played a crucial role in shifting South Africans’ perceptions of Chinese vehicles from scepticism to acceptance. It proved that a no-frills bakkie could endure the harsh local climate and what our drivers could throw at it, and it was all backed an ever-growing GWM dealer network and competitive pricing.

gwm,steed,5

Image: GWM SA

A rundown on the GWM Steed 5

The Steed 5’s exterior design was conservative yet robust, featuring a masculine silhouette with distinctively flared wheel arches and a prominent chrome-trimmed grille on later, facelifted models. It was available in both single-cab and double-cab configurations, with the double-cab offering a practical 1 380 mm-long loading bay. Inside, the cabin was remarkably spacious for its class, offering generous legroom and a high-set seating position. While early models featured fabric upholstery and a somewhat dated “mobile-phone”-style button layout, the facelifted model introduced synthetic leather, improved plastics, and more modern infotainment options, including USB support, and improved air-conditioning units.

South Africans were offered a choice between tried-and-tested petrol and diesel powertrains. The entry-level 2.2-litre MPI petrol engine produced 73 kW of power at 4600 r/min and 180 N.m of torque. This engine was valued for its mechanical simplicity, though its efficiency was modest, with a claimed average of 10.2 L/100 km. For those requiring more pulling power, the 2.0-litre VGT turbodiesel was the standout choice, delivering 110 kW and 320 N.m of torque. This unit was paired with a six-speed manual transmission and was significantly more efficient, returning a claimed 8.3 L/100 km.

In our 2015 road test on the Steed 5E, we noted:

“Dynamically, the Steed 5E dishes up few surprises. The hydraulically assisted steering is fairly direct, though a touch too light and devoid of self-centring, and it doesn’t feel too floaty in bends. The ride, however, is punishing at times due to a firmly sprung live rear axle that needs the (below average) payload to be filled in order to smoothen out. Try before you buy, because it might just be too firm for daily urban use.”

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Image: GWM SA

What to look out for when buying a used GWM Steed 5

  • Cooling System & Overheating: On 2.2-litre petrol models, inspect the radiator seams and hoses for leaks. These engines are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
  • Diesel Injector & Turbo Health: For 2.0 VGT models, check for excessive smoke under acceleration or rough idling, which may indicate clogged injectors or a tired turbocharger.
  • Load Bay Corrosion & Dents: The metal used in the Steed 5’s bed is thinner than some rivals’. Check for rust bubbles under the paint or significant dents in the floor, which can compromise structural integrity.
  • Manual Gearbox & Clutch Wear: Test the gear shifts for grinding or difficulty engaging first and reverse. The manual transmissions and clutch master cylinders can show wear early if the vehicle was frequently used for heavy towing or overloaded.
  • 4WD Actuator Seizure: On 4×4 derivatives, ensure the electronic selector engages and disengages smoothly. In vehicles that rarely left the tarmac, the electronic transfer case actuator can seize, making it difficult to shift into 4H or 4L.
    gwm,steed,5

    Image: GWM SA

Which one to get

For most buyers, the 2.0-litre VGT SX Double Cab (post-2019 facelift) represents the most sensible purchase. While the 2.2 petrol is simpler to repair, the diesel engine’s 320 N.m of torque is essential for a vehicle of this size, especially when carrying a full load or driving at higher altitudes. The SX trim level stands out because it includes essential safety and comfort features like ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, and alloy wheels, which were often missing from the base “workhorse” models. Plus, opting for a later facelift model ensures you get the more refined interior and the updated front-end styling. If you can find a well-maintained diesel model with a verified service history, it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to own a double-cab in South Africa – backed by GWM’s extensive dealer network.

Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post Buying Used: GWM Steed 5 (2011-2026) appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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