Bakkie fans have a lot to look forward to over the next few months, as there are at least four new models in the pipeline for South Africa.
This includes two electrified entries from China, a brand-new pickup from Kia, and a highly anticipated special-edition model for the fan-favourite Hilux.
JAC T9 PHEV
First up is the JAC T9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which is scheduled to appear in local showrooms before the end of Q2.
The T9 made its debut back in late 2023 and is currently available in four specifications – all of which feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel block with 125kW and 410Nm.
At the time, JAC announced that the bakkie would eventually receive both a PHEV and a battery-electric model, though it is still unclear when the latter will show its face.
Thankfully, the carmaker recently confirmed that the PHEV is indeed on its way, giving us our first look at its electrified powertrain.
The PHEV uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine as its base, which is mated to a pair of electric motors placed over each axle.
By itself, the petrol engine generates 160kW and 370Nm, but the electrical assistance means the bakkie has a combined total of 290kW and 670Nm at its disposal.
This gives it one of the highest torque figures of any bakkie currently on the market, only rivalled by another hybrid model – the BYD Shark.
The other benefit of the PHEV system is that the T9 has a 31.2kWh battery pack that allows the bakkie to function as an electric vehicle (EV) for short distances, though the company has yet to reveal its official range.
Riddara RD6
Another model coming from the People’s Republic is the new Riddara RD6, which hails the arrival of another Chinese brand in South Africa.
Geely is set to return to our market before the end of the year; however, its “electric lifestyle” sub-brand Riddara will appear this May with its first product – the RD6.
The RD6 is an all-electric midsize pickup sold in both 4×2 and 4×4 specifications, which determine its powertrain.
The 4×2 version features a single 200kW e-motor over the rear axle, while the 4×4 has a second e-motor over the front for a combined total of 315kW and 595Nm.
Riddara claims the 4×4 version can sprint to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, making it even faster than the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Regardless of the version you go for, the RD6 will include a 73kWh battery that can do 424km between trips to a charging station.
Toyota Hilux Legend 55
A bakkie list wouldn’t be complete without mention of a new Toyota Hilux, in this case the new Legend 55.
The 55 is likely to be one of, if not the last special-edition units for the current-gen bakkie which is nearing the end of its lifespan.
The next-gen Hilux is expected to break cover this year with a launch window to follow in 2026, which means the new Legend may act as a swan song for the version we are all accustomed to now.
The 55 is another wide-body take on the high-rider, similar to the GR-Sport III, and will offer a number of exclusive cosmetics and features meant to set it apart from the crowd.
While Toyota has not officially confirmed which engine the Legend will receive, it’s all but certain that it will use the same uprated 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel mill as the GR-Sport.
This version of the brand’s familiar 2.8GD-6 plant generates 165kW and 550Nm – 15kW and 50Nm more than the standard units.
It also uses a six-speed automatic gearbox, which sends power down to all four wheels.
A few of the exclusive fitments confirmed for the 55 include a bespoke body styling kit with a new sports bar, an underbody bash plate, a rubberized load area, a roller shutter, and a tow bar.
Kia Tasman
Last but not least is the Kia Tasman, marking the Korean automaker’s first attempt at breaking into the bakkie market.
While Kia didn’t definitively state that its new bakkie will arrive before the end of 2025, it did say that it’s working on securing an early launch date for South Africa.
In the best-case scenario, the vehicle will launch around the middle of the year, the company said, but this remains to be confirmed.
The Tasman is another midsize pickup similar to the Hilux, but its distinctively large and blocky appearance has managed to catch the eyes of motorists ever since its initial unveiling.
In South Africa, the Tasman will run on the same 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel mill as the Sorento and Carnival, which develops 148kW and 440Nm.
This is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and an electric four-wheel-drive system with a 4A mode that automatically distributes power to each wheel to suit the situation.
Kia has made no mention of the price, but an early preview of the car suggests it will be a premium entry in our market.
Case in point is the Tasman’s spec sheet, which includes items like automatic climate control, electronically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, synthetic leather upholstery, two wireless chargers, and an extended 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch widescreen monitor on the dashboard.
Loading ...
