JMC VIGUS 2.5TD R459,900
An incredibly affordable full-size double cab bakkie with many cabin features. The JMC is bigger than a Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger. That means it can be a bit intimidating in mall parking areas or underground parking garages, but there are benefits to its size.
The cabin is absolutely massive, with much more rear passenger room than a Hilux. Like all Chinese vehicles, the JMC Vigus might be affordable, but doesn ' t come with a sparse specification. Standard features include cruise control, auto lights and wipers, reverse camera, parking sensors, and a huge 12.8-inch infotainment screen.
Powering the Vigus double cab is a 2,5-litre turbodiesel engine with decent outputs of 123 kW and 430 Nm. German gearbox specialist ZF supplies the eight-speed automatic transmission, giving this Chinese bargain bakkie a smooth drivetrain experience, regardless of load. Considering its affordability, the only real issue for local bakkie buyers with the Vigus is its open rear differential, which doesn ' t feature a locking or limited-slip function.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ VX R761,400
Built on a Hilux frame, so a bit disingenuous to badge it as a Land Cruiser. But the Land Cruiser FJ ' s Tonka toy styling looks terrific, and that IVM platform is proven for demanding off-road use. Think of the Land Cruiser FJ as a bigger, better Suzuki Jimny 5-door, and you understand Toyota ' s marketing vision for it.
The Land Cruiser FJ ' s weakness is its very aged powertrain. There will be turbodiesel engine options in the near future, but the current engine option is a 2.7 four-cylinder petrol. An engine designed in the early 2000s. It is very durable, but also very fuel-hungry and loses a lot of power at
Gauteng altitudes, unlike turbodiesel or PHEV powertrains, that power several of the Land Cruiser FJ ' s rivals.
For South African buyers seeking something with enough space for a family and the ability to do real all-terrain touring, the Land Cruiser FJ makes a lot of sense. Traction is excellent because Toyota sensibly spec ' d the Land Cruiser FJ with 17-inch wheels and large 265 / 65 tyres, choosing function over form. The Land Cruiser FJ ' s IVM platform and suspension geometry make it very capable off-road.
JULY | AUGUST 2026 33 WORDS IN ACTION