South Africa now has six different car brands with at least one bakkie that costs more than R1 million.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class grabbed headlines as the country’s first seven-figure high-rider, but the segment has since seen a surge in popularity thanks in large part to a range of compelling new models from various names.
This includes the Ford Ranger Raptor and Isuzu D-Max Arctic, specially-modified versions of their respective line-ups designed to push the boundaries of what a 4×4 can do.
VW and Toyota have also expanded their high-end line-up with new entrants like the next-gen Amarok and updated Hilux, respectively, while Jeep has a rather unique offering in the Gladiator, which can detach its roof and door panels.
The newest player in the field is Ineos, a chemical company turned carmaker, which has produced the Quartermaster as a spiritual successor to the legendary Land Rover Defender, borrowing tried-and-trusted engines from BMW while offering bespoke kit aimed at making it the best 4×4 in the world.
Ultimate off-roaders
This is how the six most expensive bakkies in South Africa compare in the most important categories.
Click on the underlined names for more information.
Power
| Model | Power |
|---|---|
| Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost double cab Raptor 4WD | 292kW/583Nm |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster double cab | 210kW/450Nm |
| Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon double cab | 209kW/347Nm |
| VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Aventura 4Motion | 184kW/600Nm |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Quartermaster double cab | 183kW/550Nm |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto | 150kW/500Nm |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4×4 | 140kW/450Nm |
Towing capacity
| Model | Towing capacity |
|---|---|
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster double cab | 3,500kg |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Quartermaster double cab | 3,500kg |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4×4 | 3,500kg |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto | 3,500kg |
| VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Aventura 4Motion | 3,500kg |
| Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon double cab | 2,721kg |
| Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost double cab Raptor 4WD | 2,500kg |
Payload capacity
| Model | Load capacity |
|---|---|
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4×4 | 970kg |
| VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Aventura 4Motion | 942kg |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster double cab | 857kg |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Quartermaster double cab | 782kg |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto | 775kg |
| Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon double cab | 693kg |
| Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost double cab Raptor 4WD | 667kg |
Ground clearance
| Model | Ground clearance |
|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto | 286mm |
| Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost double cab Raptor 4WD | 272mm |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4×4 | 266mm |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster double cab | 264mm |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Quartermaster double cab | 264mm |
| Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon double cab | 249mm |
| VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Aventura 4Motion | 234mm |
Wading depth
| Model | Wading depth |
|---|---|
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4×4 | 865mm |
| Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost double cab Raptor 4WD | 850mm |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster double cab | 800mm |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Quartermaster double cab | 800mm |
| Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon double cab | 800mm |
| VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Aventura 4Motion | 800mm |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto | 700mm |
Pricing
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster double cab | R1,717,100 |
| Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Quartermaster double cab | R1,717,100 |
| Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon double cab | R1,329,900 |
| Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost double cab Raptor 4WD | R1,184,100 |
| VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Aventura 4Motion | R1,161,000 |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4×4 | R1,120,620 |
| Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto | R1,003,000 |
Keyword: The six R1-million bakkies in South Africa – How they compare