We have rounded up the nine most powerful bakkies available in South Africa. See the full list below…
In the highly competitive local bakkie segment, there are several double cabs producing a significant amount of power. 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.
8. Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster – 210 kW
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 inline-six turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 27 kW more than its 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbodiesel sibling, the petrol-powered model’s 210 kW secures it sixth place on this list. However, it is worth noting that the diesel motor produces 100 N.m more torque, 550 versus 450 N.m.
7=. Ford Ranger 2.3T EcoBoost – 222 kW
Launched in SA in May 2026, the updated Ford Ranger lineup gained the Blue Oval brand’s EcoBoost 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The second most powerful engine available with the Ranger locally, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost unit produces 222 kW – the latter exclusively delivered to the road via the rear wheels.
7=. Volkswagen Amarok 2.3 TSI PanAmericana 4Motion – 222 kW
Introduced to our market in October 2025, the 222 kW Volkswagen Amarok employs the same powertrain as the Ranger 2.3T EcoBoost. However, while its Blue Oval step-cousin is exclusively available with a rear-wheel drivetrain, the Amarok is equipped with four-wheel drive.
6. GWM P500 2.0T HEV double cab Ultra Luxury 4×4 – 255 kW
The flagship variant in the GWM P500 model lineup is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain producing a combined power output of 255 kW.
5. Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 double cab Raptor 4WD – 292 kW
The Ford Ranger Raptor is equipped with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine developing 292 kW – the latter delivered to all four corners via a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
4. GWM P300 2.0T Pioneer Hi4-T PHEV – 310 kW
Introduced to SA in October 2026, GWM’s new flagship P300’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain pairs a 180 kW/380 N.m 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 130 kW/495 N.m electric motor for combined power and torque outputs of 310 kW and 750 N.m. The P300 PHEV delivers power to all four corners via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
3. Geely Riddara RD6 4WD Apex – 315 kW
Placing third on the podium, the Geely Riddara RD6 in 4WD Apex format is the sole all-electric bakkie on this list. The flagship Riddara’s dual electric-motor arrangement produces a combined power output of 315 kW.
2. BYD Shark 6 double cab Premium DMO AWD – 321 kW
The BYD Shark 6 Premium, which we evaluated for a road test in the August 2025 issue of CAR magazine, previously topped this list. The Shark 6 Premium’s PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine with a duo of electric motors – the latter fed by a 29.6 kWh battery. The Shark 6 Premium is endowed with a combined power output of 321 kW – good for a tested 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.66 seconds.
1. BYD Shark 6 double cab Performance DMO AWD – 350 kW
Topping the list, the BYD Shark 6 Performance was introduced to our market in July 2026. Compared to the Shark 6 Premium’s 1.5-litre internal combustion engine (ICE), the Performance model pairs its dual electric motors with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol ICE for a combined power output of 350 kW.
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