The Vapid Sandking XL is a four-door, lifted off-road pickup truck manufactured by Vapid. Featured in both Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, it is confirmed to return in Grand Theft Auto VI. It is easily distinguished by its towering ride height and oversized frame and is widely recognized for its heavy-duty build and strong off-road performance, making it a staple among utility vehicles in the series.
Overview / Description
The Vapid Sandking XL is a workhorse vehicle characterized by its substantial lift kit, large wheels, and extended four-door cab. As part of the Vapid line-up, which serves as a fictional counterpart to the real-world Ford Motor Company1, the Sandking XL embodies the design philosophy of large, powerful American pickup trucks. Its general reputation in the series is that of a highly capable off-road vehicle, often found in rural and coastal areas of the game world. Its appearance in the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI suggests it will continue its role as a common civilian utility vehicle in the new setting of Leonida.
Design and Appearance
The design of the Vapid Sandking XL is primarily based on the Ford Super Duty2, drawing elements from the first, second, and third generations of the real-world truck. Its large, blocky frame, prominent grille, and extended wheelbase give it a dominant presence on and off the road. The truck features an aftermarket-style lift kit with exposed suspension components, including blue shock absorbers and large springs, which contribute to its ground clearance. The tires are extremely knobby, further contributing to its off-road purpose.
Performance
While the exact performance of the Sandking XL in Grand Theft Auto VI has yet to be confirmed, its history in earlier titles offers a clear picture of what to expect. Traditionally powered by a large V8 engine, the truck delivers strong torque, making it well-suited for climbing steep terrain and powering through off-road environments. Its sheer size and lifted suspension come at the cost of on-road manners, with sluggish cornering, pronounced body roll, and a wide turning radius being common drawbacks. Despite this, the Sandking XL has long stood out as one of the most capable off-road trucks in the series. In Grand Theft Auto V, a later update improved its drivetrain to enable proper four-wheel drive (AWD), cementing its reputation as a go-to choice for players tackling rugged terrain.
When the Vapid Sandking XL is fully upgraded in GTA Online, it can reach the maximum speed of 160.53 km/h (99.75 mph)3.
Acquisition / Locations
In Grand Theft Auto VI, the vehicle was spotted in the first trailer driving past the camera during what appeared to be a police chase in Leonard County.
Acquisition / Locations
In Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, the Sandking XL is a familiar sight in rural and off-road areas such as Blaine County, Sandy Shores, and Del Perro Beach. It can also be purchased from the Southern San Andreas Super Autos website for $45,000.
In GTA Online, players can also take advantage of a unique money-making opportunity involving pre-modified Sandking XLs that spawn in the Sandy Shores area. These trucks can be sold at Los Santos Customs for around $17,000 to $19,000 each, making them a reliable way to earn cash in the early stages of the game.
Gallery
Trivia
- The Sandking XL model in Grand Theft Auto V lacks B-pillars, which would mean the rear doors are attached without a central support frame.
- In Grand Theft Auto Online, the vehicle's drivetrain was unintentionally changed from All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in Patch 1.13, negatively affecting its off-road ability. This was reverted back to AWD in the subsequent Patch 1.14.
