Best Chinese double cab bakkies under R600k in South Africa

The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger may be South Africa’s most popular double cabs, but the Chinese are catching up fast. From Foton to GWM, JAC, JMC, LDV and Changan, we break down the best Chinese bakkies for less than R600k to see which one fits your budget and lifestyle.

In an ideal world, each South African supper would comprise the nutrition-rich combination of flame-grilled ribeye along with an on-tap supply of cognac-and-cola. Yet, sometimes, budget constraints mean you have to settle for a boerewors roll and Klippies and Coke.

It’s no different in the world of South Africa’s favourite transport: the double-cab bakkie. It’s a genre dominated by the boulder-busting dynasties of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu, yet their products are priced increasingly out of range for most middle-class buyers.

Enter the Chinese, who, in mirroring their passenger car portfolio, are now offering better value than the Hilux, Ranger or D-Max for cash-strapped adventure seekers. So park that boerie, grab your chopsticks and a can of Tsingtao beer instead, and let’s make sense of the double-cab alphabet soup offered by GWM, JMC, JAC, LDV, Changan and Foton.

Top Chinese bakkies under R600k in SA: Prices & Specs

Although there are even more expensive derivatives available, we’ve capped the list of Chinese bakkies at R600k, which sits at the upper end of the middle-class car price band in South Africa.

As all of its rivals are driven by less powerful 2.0-litre motors, the GWM P300 2.4T in LS trim provides the most torque-per-rand at R529 900 (available in 4×4 at R579 900). In several instances, its torque figure exceeds that of its rivals’ by more than 100 Nm courtesy of its additional 400 cubic centimetres. It’s an awful lot of bakkie for under R600k…

By comparison, the least expensive Hilux double-cab 2.4 SR produces 110 kW/400 Nm and costs R572 000 (RWD) and R657 000 (4×4).

Did you know?

• The Foton Tunland will be locally assembled at the BAIC plant in Gqeberha for this year onwards.

• By sheer coincidence, both the Changan and JAC lineups have a derivative called Hunter, although in the latter case pricing exceeds the Chinese-bakkie-under-R600k cutoff. 

• Changan also offers a plug-in range-extender version of the Hunter.

• More bizarrely, the Changan Hunter shares its platform with the Peugeot Landtrek.

Buy a new or used Changan Hunter on Cars.co.za

Does Chery sell a double cab bakkie in SA? (Everything we know about the Himla)

GWM’s same-sized arch-rival in South Africa is Chery, and if there’s market share to be had – or not – they’ll come for it.

As a result, Chery will launch its own chunky-styled double cab, first seen at last year’s Shanghai Auto Show, closer to the end of the year. All types of propulsion – from petrol, diesel, hybrid and full electric – are on the cards, although the final powertrain line-up is still under consideration for SA.

A 1-tonne payload and 3-tonne towing capacity has been confirmed.

Buy a new or used Foton double cab on Cars.co.za

Maintenance & resale: Is buying a Chinese bakkie under R600k a smart long-term move?

Reliability, economy and performance aside, an equally pertinent value metric of any vehicle is its aftersales proposition. In their mission to establish trust in their products and brands at levels comparable to established market leaders, Chinese car companies now provide warranties that far exceed those of established players. 

For example, the respective warranty periods for the Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max are 3 years/100 000 km, 4 years/120 000 km, and 5 years/120 000 km.

Buy a new or used GWM P300 on Cars.co.za

The verdict: Which Chinese bakkie under R600k fits your life?

With the head-scratching no different in intensity than having to choose between Wimpy, Steers or McDonald’s, the Chinese bakkies under R600k discussed in this article are all comparatively priced and similarly specced. And yet, even in their shared basic functionality of work, play and pray from Monday to Sunday, each is also unique in its flavouring.

Buy a new or used LDV T60 Elite on Cars.co.za

For the best price and refinement, the Foton Tunland G7 with its 8-speed ZF gearbox is the one to go for.

The GWM P300 is the most powerful in the sub-R600k category and provides the most peace of mind with the most extensive aftersales arrangement supported by the largest dealer network. And all this from the longest-standing Chinese brand in the country.

For trailerists, boatists and caravanistas, the JAC T9 (and, as of 2026, the GWM P300) with its class-leading 3 500 kg towing ability is the go-to choice. Vigus (3 000 kg) aside, all other contenders here are in the 2 000-2 250 kg towing range.

Buy a new or used JAC T9 on Cars.co.za

Sporting the most capable approach (28 degrees) and departure (27 degrees) angles, on paper the Changan Hunter is the best off-roader.

LDV T60 Review (2024) New Player Has Entered the Game

With its marginally more compact dimensions and corresponding tighter turning circle, the LDV T60 with its best-braking-rating is the most urban-friendly choice.

Buy a new or used JMC Vigus on Cars.co.za

And finally, for sheer freakish nostalgia and maintenance familiarity, the JMC Vigus has the most interesting backstory. The Jiangling Motors Corporation’s relationship with Ford runs over three decades – a contemporary example of that partnership is the Territory SUV being a rebadged Yusheng S330 built in China.

So, because the Vigus’ engine is based on the Ford Puma engine family, which powered the previous-gen Ranger, Transit, and of the old Land Rover Defender and Mazda BT-50, there’s an abundance of spares and know-how. Think of it as a poor man’s Ranger, just without the badge: ideal for DIY tinkerers and fleet buyers alike.

Who’d have thought?

Read more:

Changan Hunter Specs & Prices in South Africa

Foton Tunland-G7 Specs & Prices in South Africa

JMC Vigus (2025) Price & Specs

GWM P300 Specs & Prices in South Africa

LDV T60 Specs & Prices in South Africa

JAC T9 Specs & Prices in South Africa