Image: GWM SA
For decades, anyone typing best double cab bakkies South Africa into Google saw the same three trucks dominate page one: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max. In 2025 that has changed dramatically.
The GWM P300 price South Africa now starts at an astonishing R414 950 for the workhorse derivatives and peaks at R699 900 for the flagship GWM P300 D-CAB 2.4TD LTD 4WD – instantly making it one of the top bakkies under R700 000 with specification that humiliates vehicles costing R200 000 more.
Search data tells the full story. Queries for GWM P300 2.4TD review have exploded by 240 % since the February 2025 launch, while Toyota Hilux vs GWM P300 now clocks over 6 200 monthly searches in South Africa alone.
Globally, the same truck (badged Poer or P-Series overseas) is riding the wave of best electric pickup trucks 2025, Chinese pickup trucks 2025, affordable pickup trucks global, hybrid pickup trucks for sale, and off-road pickup trends 2025 conversations.
The Engine That Changed Everything
The old (but still in use) 2.0-litre was the Achilles heel. The new GW4D24 2.4-litre turbodiesel solves that with 135 kW and a colossal 480 Nm from just 1 500 r/min – plenty of punch in the affordable 4×4 bakkies 2025 class. Paired with GWM’s in-house nine-speed automatic, real-world testers are recording 0-100 km/h in 10.1-10.4 seconds – which puts it on par with the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider and the Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo.
Off-Road Ability That Rewrites the Rules
Off-road, the GWM P300 2.4TD LT is a winner. Why? Factory-fitted front and rear differential locks, electronic low-range transfer case, Crawl Control, a genuine snorkel, segment-competitive ground clearance and full underbody plating. That arsenal costs R80 000–R120 000 to replicate on a Ranger or Hilux. Here it’s standard.
The confirmed GWM P300 towing capacity of 3 500 kg (braked) matches the Ranger Wildtrak and beats every double-cab Hilux below Legend grade, making it a favourite for farmers, contractors and adventure tour operators alike.
Luxury & Tech That Feels Two Classes Higher
Step inside and you’re greeted by ventilated Nappa leather, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist and seven airbags. Rear passengers get dedicated climate zones and USB-C ports – details still missing from many R900 000 rivals.
The Global Picture – Why the World Is Watching GWM
While South Africa enjoys the pure diesel, the same ladder-frame platform already underpins:
- Full-electric versions competing in best electric pickup trucks 2025 lists
- Plug-in hybrids pushing into hybrid pickup trucks for sale territories dominated by Ford and Toyota
- Export models stealing share in Australia, Middle East, and South America under the Chinese pickup trucks 2025 banner
Google Trends shows affordable pickup trucks global and off-road pickup trends 2025 spiking wherever the Poer lands, with reviewers repeatedly calling it “the Ranger rival we didn’t see coming”.
South African Market Reaction
- Used GWM P300 for sale listings are already flooding the used market – many 2024/2025 launch units with under 15 000 km
- GWM P300 LT 4WD specs are the most-requested brochure download at dealerships
- Waiting lists in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria now stretch 3-5 months for the range-topper
The Bottom Line
When South Africans search best double cab bakkies South Africa, affordable 4×4 bakkies 2025, or top bakkies under R700 000, the algorithm – and the market – is increasingly pointing to one name: GWM P300.
Globally, the truck is proof that Chinese pickup trucks 2025 have moved from budget alternatives to segment leaders, while feeding directly into the world’s hunger for best electric pickup trucks 2025, hybrid pickup trucks for sale, full-size pickup towing capacity debates, and the broader off-road pickup trends 2025.
In an era where value, capability and future-proofing matter more than ever, the GWM P300 D-CAB 2.4TD LTD 4WD isn’t just making waves – it’s rewriting the entire conversation.
