There are 10 different Chinese bakkies currently on sale in South Africa.
It’s no secret that pickups are one of the most popular vehicles in the country, but the segment has long been dominated by a handful of legacy automakers, such as Toyota, Ford, Isuzu, Nissan, and VW.
However, this is starting to change, as Chinese manufacturers are entering our market at a rapid pace, many of which are looking to compete the lucrative bakkie sector.
One big advantage that these vehicles have is the fact that they are often considerably cheaper than their mature rivals.
There are four different Chinese models that cost less than R400,000, including both single and double cabs.
The GWM Steed in particular is one of the most affordable bakkies in South Africa, and is only beaten by the Mahindra Bolero and Pik Up.
Consumers have started to catch on to this fact, too, as Chinese high-riders are now a regular appearance in each month’s best-seller lists.
In March 2025, the country’s top performers included the GWM P-Series, Foton Tunland G7, and GWM Steed, beating out more established brands like the Peugeot Landtrek and Mitsubishi Triton.
Bakkies from the People’s Republic are also breaking new ground in South Africa with new-energy powertrains that have yet to be seen on other makes.
The GWM P500 is the nation’s first hybrid bakkie, while the Maxus T90 is a fully-electric model meant for commercial fleets.
It’s not a trend that appears to be slowing down anytime soon, either, as the new BYD Shark is set to make an appearance on local roads before month-end, with its plug-in hybrid driveline lending it the highest power reading of any bakkie in South Africa.
Jetour has confirmed that it also plans to compete in the sector with its first model, the upcoming P5.
Similarly, Chery is working on its first bakkie, and given the success that the brand has already achieved in South Africa, it’s very likely that it will be bringing its new vehicle here as well.
Competition heating up
Below is a list of every Chinese bakkie currently on sale in South Africa with pricing, including both single- and double-cab variants.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
GWM Steed 5
Foton Tunland G7
JAC T6
Double cab starting price – R359,900
JAC T8
- Double cab starting price – R399,900
GWM P-Series
LDV T60
- Double cab starting price – R480,000
JAC T9
- Double cab starting price – R549,900
GWM P300
- Double cab starting price – R599,900
GWM P500
- Double cab starting price – R799,900
Maxus T90
- Double cab starting price – R1,100,000
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