Four-wheel drive vehicles are highly sought after in South Africa, and the versatility of these vehicles is available from at least R310,000.
These vehicles are also considered safer, providing better traction on and off the road, especially in challenging conditions.
The strong sales of bakkies and SUVs in January 2024 indicate the admiration for these cars, with the Toyota Hilux being the most popular off-roader.
According to Naamsa, the Toyota Hilux sold 2,645 units in January 2024, contributing to ToyotaÔÇÖs total sales of 10,855 last month.
The popularity of 4?ù4 vehicles among South Africans is not surprising, given the vast farms, coastlines, and outdoor activities that South AfricaÔÇÖs landscape provides.
Owning a car that can take on rugged terrain can seem expensive, especially if you need the latest bakkies and SUVs with the newest 4?ù4 technology.
For instance, the Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4?ù4 costs nearly R733,100, while ToyotaÔÇÖs top SUV, the Land Cruiser 300, is priced at over R1.4 million.
However, thereÔÇÖs good news: spending that much money is unnecessary.
Several affordable vehicles that offer four-wheel drive are available in the market, enabling their owners to explore off-the-beaten paths without breaking the bank.
These include GWM, JAC, Mahindra, Renault, and fan-favourite Suzuki.
GWM offers a double cab, while Mahindra provides a single and double-cab bakkie. The most affordable option between the two brands costs R307,499. JAC has a double cab, the utilitarian T6, priced at R419,900.
Renault offers the frugal Duster in four-wheel drive specs for R465,999. Suzuki has the Jimny available in three-door and five-door styles starting from R429,900.
The nine 4?ù4 vehicles you can buy in South Africa under R500,000 are listed below, ranked by their starting prices.
Mahindra Pik Up Single Cab
- Starting price:?áR310,699
- Fuel consumption:?á7.9l/100km
Suzuki Jimny 3-door
- Starting price:?áR390,900
- Fuel consumption:?á6.3-6.8l/100km
GWM Steed 5 Double Cab
- Starting price:?áR423,350
- Fuel consumption:?á7.9l/100km
Suzuki Jimny 5-door
- Starting price:?áR429,900
- Fuel consumption:?á6.3-6.8l/100km
JAC T6
- Starting price:?áR429,900
- Fuel consumption:?á10.5l/100km
Mahindra Pik Up Double Cab
- Starting price:?áR438,199
- Fuel consumption:?á7.9-9.3l/100km
Renault Duster
- Starting price:?áR465,999
- Fuel consumption:?á5.2l/100km
GWM P-Series Single Cab
- Starting price:?áR469,150
- Fuel consumption:?á9.4l/100km
GWM P-Series Double Cab
- Starting price:?áR497,750
- Fuel consumption:?á9.4l/100km
Read:?áThese are the best-selling SUVs from every brand in South Africa ÔÇô with pricing
4 thoughts on “9 bakkies and SUVs you can buy for under R500,000 in South Africa right now”
I cannot believe Mahindra is even listed. It does look good but speak to those who have owned this vehicle and you hear a shocking story of its true off-road capability.
Mahindra at 210mm ground clearance if you wanting to go off-road you better off in the Suzuki at at 215mm 8.2inches. I suspect the Suzuki could also be improved slightly using bigger types. The Mahindra cannot. There is nothing you can do to the Mahindra
I agree with you. The Mahindra looks good in this photo. If only looking good meant it could go off-road. It has 210mm about the same clearance as the Suzuki Jimmy the difference is the Suzuki you can add bigger 50% off-road tires, put better spring/shocks whatever to give it more clearance. Already its a different vehicle. I guess it may cost R20 000.00 the problem with the Mahindra is you cannot increase the size of the tires by 1mm not 1mm bigger/higher no chance you cannot upgrade the springs/shocks you cannot. I think that says it all. That is why it is cheaper its actually worth much less than the lower price they charge the entire vehicle is a set about 20 years old you cannot change anything. You can add bulbar and those bars at the back but that is all. A local company in Pietermaritzburg makes the bars and there are two options but that is besides the point. In anything it reduces the clearance even if you increase the whatever its called. You end up with just under 200mm a huge vehicle like that you are 10 times better off if you cannot afford another brand with the Suzuki. Anyone who is honest and knows about 4×4 will tell you sure you can play around on a dirt road but if you want to go off-road you need more than 210mm. If you put slightly better tires and better springs suspension it will make a huge difference. The Mahindra you cannot upgrade it finished.
It does look good but I agree having owned the Mahindra Pikup 4×4 D/C 2.2 turbo it is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. It is not a 4×4 want to go off-road if you own a farm and you need to plant maize and you have a sand road without any potholes and without water just a flat dirt road without too many bumps what I mean is not a 4×4 dirt road a road on your plaas then lekker. Plus you know the road so no need for a GPS as Mahindra’s is one of those old fashioned GPS that work if you have the exact address and it will take the long way you cannot choose between highway or low way just one way then great otherwise bring your smart phone.