Although modern desirable double-cab pickups often cost around one million rand, allowing them to compete with luxury SUVs, there are more budget-friendly options for the working class in South Africa. Chinese and Indian manufacturers have filled the niche left by traditional Japanese players, offering models with minimal features at lower prices.
It is possible to purchase a double-cab pickup for significantly less than R500,000. Below is a review of five of the most affordable options, listed in descending order of price.
Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 CRDe S6 manual
This reliable vehicle from India is widely used in rural South Africa. The Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly is done locally, and the Mahindra Pik Up model has existed for about 20 years. It is expected to remain a budget option after the new Mahindra Lifestyler model is released in 2027.
The Pik Up is known for its simplicity and durability. Its well-known 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine handles city traffic and secondary roads, despite modest power output of 103 kW and torque of 320 Nm. Various trims are available, including S6 and S11, as well as special versions such as Karoo, Dusk, Dew, Storm, Mist, and Pestilence.
Automatic versions start from R445,299, and four-wheel-drive versions start from R454,249. The pickup boasts the best payload in its price segment—1095 kg, and towing capacity of 2500 kg. The stated fuel consumption is 7.7 liters per 100 km, although actual figures may be higher.
The interior of the S6 version is quite basic: it comes standard with a radio station with USB connectivity but lacks a touchscreen or Bluetooth; these features require upgrading to the S11 version. Nevertheless, it includes manual air conditioning, cruise control, and electric windows and mirrors. Safety is provided by two front airbags and ABS, but a stability control system is absent.
All models come with a four-year or 120,000 km warranty, and the service plan is considered best-in-class, valid for five years or 90,000 km. Mahindra has 106 dealerships across the country.
JMC Vigus 2.5 TD – From R399,900
Unlike its price competitors, the JMC Vigus features an entirely new design, launched at the beginning of this year to disrupt the double-cab pickup market in South Africa. This new JMC Vigus model is a contemporary pickup at a moderate price point.
It has a clean exterior without excessive ornamentation, and the cabin is designed in a modern and digital style. The Vigus is available in one specification: the manual version costs R399,900, the automatic R459,900, and the four-wheel-drive R499,900.
The cabin, while solidly built, feels less austere than many 'workhorses' in this price range. The automatic model is equipped with a large 12.8-inch floating touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 9.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The manual version includes a standard radio with Bluetooth.
All versions feature manual air conditioning, as well as electric windows and mirrors, rear distance control, and a multifunction steering wheel. Models with automatic transmissions also include cruise control for long journeys. Safety systems include two airbags, ABS, hill descent control, and tire pressure monitoring, but the manual version lacks stability control.
The Vigus is powered by a new 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 123 kW of power and 410 Nm of torque, paired either with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. It provides very comfortable driving, and the tested automatic transmission is intuitive and shifts smoothly.
The official fuel consumption is stated at 7.0 L/100 km, but slightly more should be expected in real-world conditions. The Vigus has a payload capacity of 915 kg, and JMC boasts a chassis made of Grade 420 steel with a bending stiffness of 1150 N/mm. The warranty on the Vigus is five years or 200,000 km, and the price also includes a service plan for four years or 65,000 km. JMC currently has 34 dealerships in South Africa.
Foton Tunland G7 2.0 TD – From R399,900
The Foton Tunland G7 is the latest version of the Tunland, not a previous generation Toyota Hilux. The Tunland G7 is well-equipped for its price range.
While the Tunland V7 and V9 models are characterized by their massive size and American styling, the G7 is a variation of the original Tunland and targets the lower segment of the pickup market. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine producing 120 kW and 390 Nm, with a stated combined fuel consumption of 9.0 liters per 100 km.
The vehicle is available in TL, TLX, and Limited trims, starting from R399,900. The automatic version with an eight-speed gearbox costs R469,900, and the four-wheel-drive version is R559,900. It offers a wide selection yet is well-equipped from the outset: all versions feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and CarPlay, a rearview camera, cruise control, and automatic air conditioning.
Safety systems include two airbags, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring. At the work level, the Tunland G7 has a payload of one ton and can tow up to three tons (with brakes). After-sales service includes a five-year or 200,000 km warranty and a three-year/50,000 km service plan. Foton has 64 dealers across South Africa.
LDV T60 2.0 TD – From R389,900
The LDV T60 is the second most affordable double-cab pickup and also belongs to a Chinese brand with British roots. Automotive information specialist Duoporta reported on a new base version of the T60, which, according to unannounced LDV data, will cost R389,900, which is R90,000 cheaper than the T60 Elite model.
Like its JMC counterpart, the new T60 Utility features steel wheels and does not have a touchscreen in the cabin. However, it comes with a standard radio with Bluetooth, manual air conditioning, remote central locking, and electric windows. Safety provisions include two airbags and ABS, but stability control is absent.
The base version is fitted with sturdy steel wheels. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that delivers 120 kW and 410 Nm to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The vehicle can tow three tons (with brakes) and has a payload of exactly one ton. The warranty is valid for five years or 100,000 km, and the service plan is not included in the price. The dealer network is quite limited, with only 17 locations.
JAC T8 – From R349,900
The JAC T8 is the cheapest double-cab pickup in South Africa, starting from R349,900 for the recently introduced 'Comfort' base model and reaching R449,900 for the 4WD Lux version. The T8 is positioned as the most affordable pickup in South Africa.
The T8 belongs to an older generation but maintains its role as the price leader in the JAC lineup, which now also includes the more expensive T9 model starting from R599,900. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that delivers 104 kW and 320 Nm to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. JAC claims a combined fuel consumption of 7.8 liters per 100 km, but this may be higher in real-world conditions.
The payload is listed as 900 kg, and the towing capacity with a trailer is two tons. As expected for this price segment, the equipment is relatively simple: externally, the T8 looks rugged and utilitarian thanks to painted steel wheels, and the cabin has a standard radio with Bluetooth. A touchscreen upgrade requires moving to the Lux version.
Furthermore, the cabin is well-appointed: standard features include manual air conditioning, electric windows, and cruise control, and the safety package includes two front airbags and traction control. The JAC T8 Comfort model comes with a five-year or 100,000 km warranty, and the service plan must be purchased separately. JAC has over 70 dealerships across South Africa.
If the budget for a pickup can be increased to R500,000, there are many other options on the market. The most advanced of these is the GWM P300 SX, which costs R446,950 in the manual version and R489,950 in the automatic. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine producing 120 kW and 400 Nm of torque, and the standard equipment is generous: it includes an infotainment touchscreen and cruise control. Overall, it is a very reliable option.
The SX is the entry model of the P300 line and features a unique design. Another Chinese contender worth noting is the Changan Hunter 1.9 TD, which has a similar specification to the GWM but is equipped with a less powerful 1.9-liter engine producing 110 kW and 350 Nm.
If you prefer a European brand, the Peugeot Landtrek is an entry point at R463,900. It is based on the Changan but lacks features like a touchscreen and cruise control, and it looks quite utilitarian due to its unpainted black bumpers.