For the two successors of the Sandking appearing in Grand Theft Auto V, see Sandking XL and Sandking SWB.
The Sandking is an off-road utility vehicle appearing in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.
Design[]
3D Universe[]
The Sandking is a high-performance, rally raid car. Similarly to the Rancher, the Sandking appears to be based on a 1985 Mitsubishi Pajero Rally Raid Car with customizations similar to a Bowler Wildcat.
In all of its appearances, the Sandking is depicted with myriad modifications commonly associated with off-road car racing. The Sandking boasts large off-road wheels, a large spoiler, and several air scoops on the hood and roof. It has the words "Sand Masters Cup" written on the side and rear, and racing liveries, similar to the decals available in Wheel Arch Angels. The space for the racing number, however, is blank.
Although mostly based on the Rancher, the headlights on the Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories renditions are in a single unit per side, opposed to the two units seen on the base model, and the tail lights are more reminiscent of those found on the Bobcat than on the Rancher itself. These differences are barely noticeable in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, as the Rancher assumes its appearance with single headlamps and the tail lights of the Sandking are completely different from the Bobcat ones. This rendition has MMT-branded tires.
Performance[]
3D Universe[]
The Sandking seems to be mechanically related to the Rancher, and shares its off-road credibility. Its acceleration is above par and is an improvement on the rather quick Rancher. The suspension is stiffer than the Rancher, sacrificing some of the ride, but it still has enough travel to go over rocks and other obstructions without rolling over easily. It does have a high center of gravity, which makes it prone to tipping over at high speeds, however. Its handling is a big improvement over the Rancher, but the suspension is still pretty soft, so it rolls and pitches respectively. However, it is still very impressive for a vehicle at this size and height.
In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, it is sometimes available with hydraulics common in lowriders to further improve its off-roading capabilities. It fares well on road, but it is not the best due to its soft suspension and height, but is still competitive. Like the Rancher, it only seats two. The GTA Vice City and GTA Vice City Stories renditions have the same engine sound as the Cartel Cruiser, while the GTA San Andreas rendition has the same engine sound as the Rancher. The Sandking is a great choice for picking up girlfriends, as it boosts the player's sex appeal to about a 75% level, only when undamaged however.
In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, the Sandking has different properties in comparison to its other counterparts. It is now powered by a diesel engine, it only has 4 gears instead of 5, and it weighs more.
3D Universe Overview[]
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 106 / 170 | 5 (GTA Vice City & GTA San Andreas)
4 (GTA Vice City Stories) |
Petrol (GTA Vice City & GTA San Andreas)
Diesel (GTA Vice City Stories) |
AWD | 2000 / 4409 (GTA Vice City & GTA San Andreas)
2500 / 5512 (GTA Vice City Stories) |
| N/A | N/A | 5 (GTA Vice City & GTA San Andreas)
4 (GTA Vice City Stories) |
N/A | AWD | Cannot be observed |
Modifications[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
This vehicle cannot be modded.
Gallery[]
Design[]
Version History[]
Prominent Appearances in Gameplay[]
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[]
- Sunshine Autos third list completion cutscene - The Sandking is forced to spawn at the beginning of the cutscene by the mission script. Even though it spawns in the same coordinates and heading as the Sandking that spawns in free roam, it is technically a separate entity created specifically by the cutscene.
Locations[]
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[]
- One is parked on the second floor of Sunshine Autos after completing the third list for the import garage.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- One is parked next to The Big Ear, under the satellite in the fenced area.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories[]
- One is parked on Ocean Drive, across the street from the Ocean View Hotel.
Radio Stations[]
- In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the Sandking plays K-DST.
Trivia[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- Due to missing alpha textures, the PC version of the GTA San Andreas Sandking features white squares in place of sponsorship stickers.
- Like the PC versions of the Sadler, Dodo and Super GT, the Sandking is missing a sheen.
See Also[]
- Cartel Cruiser - 3D Universe counterpart of the HD Universe Sandking.
- Sandking SWB and Sandking XL - Two pickup trucks with similar names, appearing in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online.