Features / 31 December 2024 / Michael Taylor

17 new bakkies that launched in South Africa in 2024

A grand total of 17 bakkies made their debut in South Africa in 2024, ranging from affordable single cabs to luxury double cabs.

It was a good year for fans of the pickup body type with as many as 10 brands all launching new models, including heavy-hitters like Toyota, Ford, and Isuzu.

The Toyota Hilux received a facelift for the mid-range Raider series, as well as the new flagship GR-Sport III – the most robust version of the carmaker’s athletic double cab to date.

The Japanese automaker also updated the Land Cruiser 79, providing a no-frills alternative to its many Hilux options.

Ford, meanwhile, rolled out yet another two entries for the best-selling Ranger collection, taking the form of the Tremor and Platinum.

The Tremor is a special-edition version of the XLT, while the Platinum is the new flagship positioned above the Wildtrak.

As for Isuzu, it released an affordable LS version for the D-Max, welcomed back the X-Rider badge, and celebrated its 45th anniversary with the limited-edition LSE 45.

Nissan and JAC launched a cheaper entry for the Navara and T8, respectively, and the Peugeot Landtrek finally received several new wallet-friendly variants, including a single cab.

South Africa also witnessed the debut of two new brands – LDV and Foton – which brought in the T60 and Tunland G7.

Another Chinese automaker, GWM, has gone upmarket with the luxury P500, which happens to be the first full-hybrid bakkie in the country.

Finally, there’s Mitsubishi, which first launched the Triton Shogun this year as a final salute for the outgoing models, which was later followed by the arrival of the new-generation bakkie.