The Ford Ranger Raptor has fallen from the first to the fifth most powerful bakkie in South Africa, losing its crown to a host of new Chinese rivals.
The halo model of the best-selling Ranger series, the Raptor is a high-performance double cab that can tackle challenging terrain while keeping up with a hot hatchback.
Given South Africa’s affinity for bakkies, the Raptor is understandably seen as one of the most aspirational vehicle purchases for many motorists.
However, it is no longer the most powerful bakkie in South Africa, and won’t even qualify in the top five once three new models arrive in showrooms.
This crown currently belongs to the BYD Shark 6 Performance, which is an even more powerful version of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Shark that dethroned the Raptor when it arrived last year.
BYD’s flagship double cab is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is assisted by two electric motors (one over each axle), resulting in a staggering combined output of 350kW and 700Nm,
In comparison, the Ford boasts a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol plant that develops 292kW and 583Nm.
Other Chinese bakkies also surpass this figure, including the BYD Shark 6 Premium, Riddara Apex RD6, and GWM P300 PHEV.
The Ranger’s stats are nothing to scoff at, of course, and there’s an argument to be made that it is still the most powerful ‘pure’ bakkie in South Africa, given that all its competitors have electrical assistance.
On the other hand, the Raptor also has its disadvantages, as it is considerably more expensive than its rivals at R1.3 million (the Shark is R1.15 million) and has the worst fuel consumption, given that the other models are all hybrids.
South Africa’s most powerful bakkies – with three more on the way
As things currently stand, the most powerful bakkies in the country are as follows:
- BYD Shark 6 Performance – 350kW/700Nm
- BYD Shark 6 Premium – 321kW/650Nm
- Geely Riddara Apex RD6 – 315kW/595Nm
- GWM P300 PHEV – 310kW/750Nm
- Ford Ranger Raptor – 292kW/583Nm
However, there are three new entries coming to South Africa in the near future that will push the Raptor even further down the list.
The first is the Foton Tunland V9 PHEV, which was showcased at an event in Gqeberha earlier this month and is expected to launch in early 2027.
It features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and two e-motors, which combine to generate a whopping 350kW and 800Nm.
The next incoming model is the JAC T9 PHEV, which has been in the works for our market for years and is finally set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Cars.co.za reported that the T9 will cost R869,900 and that it will pair a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill with a pair of e-motors, giving it an output of 360kW and 674Nm.
Last up is the Chery Grootman, which sports a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and two e-motors, delivering a total of 350kW and 800Nm.
Something else worth noting about the Grootman is that it will be built in South Africa, as Chery acquired Nissan’s factory in Gauteng earlier this year.
The Grootman is one of several Chery Group cars that will be built at the plant, alongside the Jetour T1 and T2, Chery Tiggo Cross, Omoda C4, and Jaecoo J5.
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