Bakkies That Have Sunroofs in South Africa

For decades, the South African bakkie was primarily viewed as a practical workhorse. Buyers prioritised payload capacity, towing ability, durability and off-road performance rather than luxury features. However, the modern double-cab bakkie has evolved significantly. Today, many customers use their bakkies as family vehicles, daily commuters and lifestyle products, creating demand for features traditionally associated with SUVs and luxury cars.

One of the most unusual additions to the bakkie market is the sunroof. While sunroofs remain relatively uncommon in the segment, several bakkies available in South Africa now offer them. Most notably, Chinese manufacturers have embraced the feature as part of their strategy of offering high levels of standard equipment. AutoTrader recently highlighted the GWM P500, Jeep Gladiator and JAC T9 among the unusual bakkies featuring roof-opening or removable-roof solutions in South Africa.

GWM P500

The GWM P500 is arguably one of the most impressive examples of a luxury-oriented bakkie with a sunroof in South Africa. Positioned as a premium double cab, the P500 combines a large cabin with modern technology and a substantial list of comfort features.

One of its standout features is a large tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, which brings additional light into the cabin and gives occupants a more spacious feeling. According to AutoTrader, the feature is available across the flagship P500 variants, including the hybrid-electric model.

The P500 demonstrates how far the bakkie segment has moved from its traditional workhorse roots. Buyers can now choose a vehicle that offers the practicality of a load box while providing the kind of luxury equipment normally expected in a large SUV.

For families who use a bakkie for school runs, commuting and weekend adventures, the panoramic roof can make the cabin feel considerably more upmarket.

GWM P300

The smaller GWM P300 is another bakkie associated with sunroof-equipped specifications in South Africa. It has become particularly notable because it combines a relatively accessible price with a generous equipment list.

The P300 offers features such as leather upholstery on higher specifications, heated seats, a 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone connectivity and a sunroof on suitable variants. IOL Motoring specifically highlighted the sunroof as one of the features that helps distinguish the P300 from established competitors such as the Toyota Hilux.

This is an important trend in the South African market. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly competing not only on price but also on equipment. Features such as sunroofs, large infotainment screens, cameras and electrically adjustable seats can make these vehicles attractive to buyers who want maximum specification for their money.

JAC T9

The JAC T9 is another Chinese double-cab bakkie that brings a sunroof into the conversation. AutoTrader's current guide identifies the T9 2.0CTi Super Lux as a sunroof-equipped model in South Africa.

The T9 is aimed at buyers who want the practicality of a modern double cab without necessarily paying the prices associated with the most established premium bakkies.

The sunroof forms part of a broader package of comfort and convenience equipment. For buyers who spend considerable time inside their vehicles, these features can make the T9 feel more like a lifestyle SUV than a conventional commercial vehicle.

Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator takes a different approach to the idea of open-air motoring. Instead of simply offering a conventional glass sunroof, the Gladiator's roof can be removed, depending on the configuration and equipment.

This makes it particularly appealing to adventure-focused buyers. The removable roof is consistent with Jeep's traditional emphasis on open-air off-road driving and gives the Gladiator a character that is difficult to replicate with a conventional double-cab bakkie.

AutoTrader lists the Gladiator Rubicon among the rare bakkies available in South Africa with a removable roof or soft-top arrangement.

For owners who enjoy camping, beach trips and serious off-road adventures, this feature can be considerably more exciting than an ordinary sunroof.

Why Are Sunroofs So Rare on Bakkies?

There is a practical reason why manufacturers have historically avoided sunroofs on bakkies.

A bakkie's body needs to cope with significant structural stresses, particularly when driving over uneven terrain. Off-road articulation can place considerable torsional loads on the body, while owners may also fit roof racks, rooftop tents and other equipment.

Cutting a large opening into the roof can therefore create engineering challenges. Manufacturers must ensure that the vehicle retains the required structural strength and that the roof remains suitable for its intended use.

Roof-mounted accessories are another consideration. A buyer planning to install a rooftop tent or heavy overlanding equipment should carefully check the manufacturer's roof-load specifications and whether the equipment is compatible with a sunroof.

AutoTrader specifically recommends checking roof-rack and rooftop-tent compatibility before buying a bakkie fitted with a panoramic roof. 

Are Traditional Bakkies Catching Up?

The major South African bakkie players continue to focus heavily on capability, practicality and refinement. The 2026 Ford Ranger range, for example, offers 23 derivatives covering Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab configurations, with premium models such as the Wildtrak and Platinum aimed at customers looking for greater luxury.

However, the availability of a sunroof remains far less common than it is among passenger SUVs.

That makes the feature an interesting differentiator. Chinese brands have recognised that many modern bakkie buyers are not simply looking for a work vehicle. They want something capable of carrying equipment during the week but comfortable enough for long family trips at weekends.

Should You Buy a Bakkie With a Sunroof?

A sunroof is certainly not an essential feature on a bakkie. If your priority is heavy-duty work, towing, payload capacity or serious off-road use, there are other specifications that should take precedence.

However, for lifestyle buyers, it can add genuine appeal. A sunroof provides extra natural light and ventilation and can make the cabin feel more spacious. It can also contribute to the premium character of a vehicle.

The key is to consider how you use your bakkie. If you regularly carry heavy loads on the roof or use a rooftop tent, a conventional roof may be more practical. If your bakkie is primarily a family vehicle and weekend adventure machine, a sunroof could be an enjoyable addition.

The Future of Luxury Bakkies

The appearance of sunroofs on South African bakkies is another indication of how quickly the segment is changing. Buyers increasingly expect bakkies to combine rugged capability with SUV-like comfort, technology and styling.

The GWM P500, GWM P300, JAC T9 and Jeep Gladiator show that there are now different approaches to open-air driving in the local bakkie market.

As competition increases, more manufacturers may eventually introduce features that were once considered unusual on bakkies. For now, however, a sunroof remains something of a rarity—and that exclusivity is part of its appeal.