Discover Chery’s new diesel plug‑in hybrid pickup, set to hit Australian showrooms in late 2026 and take on the Ford Ranger. Learn more now!
Chinese automaker Chery is preparing a full‑scale assault on the midsize pickup market with a brand‑new, body‑on‑frame model slated for an Australian debut in the fourth quarter of 2026. Codenamed KP31, the concept combines a rugged aesthetic with a first‑in‑segment diesel plug‑in hybrid powertrain, positioning it directly against the long‑standing leader, the Ford Ranger.
Bold Design Built for the Toughest Jobs
The KP31 adopts a square, muscular language that echoes the styling of the Jetour Traveller while borrowing the bold stance of the Ford Bronco and the durable presence of the Land Cruiser. A classic round LED headlamp sits alongside a three‑point LED daytime running light cluster embedded in the grille, and a protective front bumper is dedicated to off‑road use.
From certain angles the upright body proportions and angular surfaces give the truck a commanding silhouette. An eye‑catching concept version showcases beadlock wheels wrapped in 285/70 R17 tires, finished in a sleek matte‑gray paint. The vehicle is also pre‑fitted with a snorkel, roof rack, and integrated rescue bars, although production models are expected to adopt a slightly toned‑down look to suit broader market needs.
Plug‑in Diesel Powertrain – A First for the Segment
The centerpiece of the KP31 is its plug‑in hybrid diesel system. At its heart sits a turbocharged 2.5‑litre diesel engine paired with an electric motor and a modest battery pack. Chery claims the hybridization will boost power output by roughly 10 % over conventional diesel rivals while cutting vibration levels by up to 30 %.
The system allows the truck to operate in pure‑electric mode over short distances, delivering silent, zero‑emission driving in urban environments without sacrificing the torque and low‑end punch diesel engines are known for.
Capability and Off‑Road Features
Chery targets a payload capacity of 1 000 kg and a maximum towing rating of 3.5 tonnes—figures that match or exceed those of traditional diesel pickups and outstrip most current PHEV trucks. To conquer challenging terrain, the KP31 will be equipped with a permanent four‑wheel‑drive system featuring front, centre and rear differential locks, plus multiple selectable driving modes for sand, mud, rock and snow.
Market Launch and Future Variants
While the initial launch focuses on the diesel‑plug‑in hybrid, Chery has already hinted at a gasoline‑plug‑in hybrid version slated for 2027. That variant will aim at competitors such as BYD’s Shark 6 and GWM’s Cannon Alpha, expanding the brand’s footprint across the rapidly evolving electrified pickup segment.
Global Strategy and Adaptation
Peter Matkin, Chery’s chief engineer for international programmes, explains that the chassis will be fine‑tuned for each target market. The Australian rollout serves as a testbed, with lessons learned expected to inform adaptations for South America, South Africa and other regions where off‑road capability is paramount.
With its aggressive styling, pioneering diesel‑hybrid technology and solid performance credentials, the KP31 could reshape perceptions of Chinese pickups and give the Ford Ranger a formidable new challenger.
