Are you looking for the most affordable automatic double-cab bakkies available in South Africa? Take a look at this list…
The automatic trend is easily understood when you consider that many double-cab bakkies are used for leisure purposes and are often put to use in built-up urban areas where automatic transmissions make driving easier and less stressful.
More than this, towing and venturing into the wild with an automatic transmission is so much easier too, making it a sensible purchase for those with active lifestyles.
Considering the popularity of automatic double-cab bakkies, we have compiled a list of the 5 cheapest automatic double-cab bakkies currently on sale in South Africa.
Prices are accurate as of December 2025.
Here they are…
Cheapest Automatic Double-Cab Bakkies in South Africa
1. Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 CRDe S6 Automatic – From R434 999
In 2021, Mahindra added automatic derivatives to its Pik Up range and the Pik Up S6 4×2 6-speed automatic is the cheapest automatic double-cab bakkie in South Africa. More so, the Pik Up S6 Karoo 4×2 is priced from R466 349 while the Pik Up S6 4×4 automatic is priced from R479 449.
For those looking for higher feature specifications, Mahindra also offers a range of uniquely equipped special edition Pik Up’s such as the Pik Up Karoo Dusk, Karoo Dew, Karoo Dawn and Karoo Storm, all powered by Mahindra’s tried and tested 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque.
With a solid axle rear, 17-inch wheels, and all-terrain tyres, the Mahindra bakkie range is great for budget overlanding. For South Africans who want a rugged platform for exploring Namibia for a few weeks.
Take a look at the specification details for the Mahindra Pik Up here!
Buy a used Mahindra Pik Up on Cars.co.za
2. Foton Tunland G7 2.0TD TL Automatic – From R469 900
Chinese brand, Foton, made its return to South Africa earlier in 2024 with the introduction of the Tunland G7 double-cab bakkie.
With 5 double-cab derivatives to choose from, the Tunland G7 2.0 TL is the cheapest automatic double-cab bakkie in the range with a starting price of R469 900. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 120 kW and 390 Nm and paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission.
All Tunland G7s have 210mm of ground clearance, which is average but enough to handle most potholes, ruts, and some rugged dirt roads. The base spec and most affordable Tunland G7 auto rolls on 265/65/17 tyres, which means lots of sidewall and air volume to absorb bumps and pothole strikes without damaging the wheels.
Foton’s Tunland G7 has a decent tow rating of 3000 kg. That’s more than some Chinese double-cab automatic rivals.
Take a look at specification details for the Foton Tunland G7 here!
Buy a used Foton Tunland G7 on Cars.co.za
3. GWM P 300 SX Automatic – R489 550
GWM’s P Series has proven to be quite popular in South Africa. These bakkies are some of the best selling models, proving the value that Chinese bakkies can bring to South African buyers who want tech and advanced automatic drivetrains. The bargain version of P Series is the P300 SX range, which targets commercial bakkie buyers, not lifestyle double-cab buyers.
The cheapest automatic double cab P300 SX double-cab auto is listed at R489 950. GWM’s P 300 SX range is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine rated at 120 kW and 400 Nm, driving through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
GWM has upgraded its P-Series premium range to an in-house-developed 9-speed automatic, which offers an extra gear but doesn’t quite match the shift pattern smoothness of the proven ZF 8-speed auto. And that is the 8-speed auto used in the P300 SX.
Something to note about the P300 SX double-cab automatic 4×2 is that it has a low tow rating of only 2250 kg.
Read our review of the GWM P Series
Take a look at specification details for the GWM P Series 2.0TD SX Automatic here!
Buy a used GWM P Series on Cars.co.za
4. LDV T60 2.0TD Elite Auto – R520 000
The LDV T60 range of double-cab bakkies officially arrived in South Africa in May 2024 with the local line-up comprising 10 derivatives at launch.
The T60 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine generating 120 kW and 375 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
LDV’s T60 has reasonable rough road capabilities, with 215mm of ground clearance. But the core needs for any bakkie are loadability and towing.
LDV’s most affordable automotive double-cab has a load capacity of 932 kg and is legally rated for two 3000 kg, which is good. But not class-leading, with most of the legacy double-cab automatic bakkies rated to tow a braked load of 3500 kg.
See specification details for the LDV T60 here!
Buy a used LDV T60 on Cars.co.za
5. JAC T9 2.0TCI Lux – R549 900
The JAC T9 arrived in South Africa in May 2024 to take on competitors in the leisure double-cab bakkie segment.
The T9 is powered by JAC’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces peak outputs of 125 kW and 410 Nm and is paired with a shift-by-wire 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
A global benchmark for automatic transmission excellence, the ZF 8-speed auto is proven. And because it has been used on many luxury SUVs and bakkies in South Africa for more than a decade (Amarok being an example), there’s a lot of aftermarket service experience with the ZF 8-speed.
The T9 doesn’t have an ultra-rugged leaf-sprung rear axle. It uses a semi-independent multi-link rear suspension configuration, which enhances ride quality. But it does sag the rear of the T9 a lot, when fully loaded. Tow capacity is up with class leaders from Ranger and Hilux, at 3500 kg.
See specification details for the JAC T9 here!
