We have rounded up the nine 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 nine most powerful bakkies in SA in 2026.
Image: Ford SA
The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 employed by the Ranger 3.0TD V6 4WD (pictured here in Platinum guise) produces 184 kW, which is transferred to all four corners via a ten-speed automatic transmission.
Image: Volkswagen
Sharing the Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, the Amarok V6 (pictured here in Aventura spec) is also endowed with 184 kW, making it the second-most powerful model in VW’s local Amarok lineup.
Image: Changan
Introduced to South Africa in October 2025, the Changan Hunter REEV’s (range-extended electric vehicle) powertrain pairs a duo of electric motors, fed by a 31.18 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine – the latter acting as a generator for the former. The REEV arrangement produces a total system output of 200 kW.
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.
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 it a fifth place on this list. However, it is worth noting that the diesel motor produces 100 N.m more, 550 versus 450 N.m.
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.
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 a combined power output of 255 kW, a 120 kW increase over what is produced by its 2.4-litre turbodiesel counterpart.
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.
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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