- The powerful JAC Hunter comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid engine producing 516 horsepower.
- Foton is also introducing two full-sized pickup trucks called the Tunland V7 and V9.
- Foton's truck sales began in South America at the end of 2024.
Two new pickup trucks from Chinese car manufacturers have arrived. Australia Last week saw another chapter in the continuous struggle to capture a piece of one of the nation’s toughest automotive market sectors. Both new entries, the JAC Hunter PHEV and the Foton Tunland, come with distinct strategies for functionality and power.
Read: China's JAC Motors Introduces Budget-Friendly T9 Pickup to Australia
Although these two new models won't make it stateside, they underscore how seriously Chinese manufacturers are taking their expansion into international pickup truck sectors.
The JAC The Hunter represents an elevated version of the brand’s current T9 lineup, serving as their top-tier offering designed directly against competitors such as the BYD Shark 6 and, somewhat optimistically, the Ford Ranger Raptor. This model boasts a striking new aesthetic featuring darkened elements, widened wheel arches, and a sporty roll-bar at the back, giving it the look to compete with both the BYD and the Ford models. Additionally, it offers significant power and performance capabilities.
Boost Efficiency with Matching Numerical Strength
The Hunter is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor on both the front and rear axles. Together, they produce a remarkable output of 516 horsepower (385 kilowatts) and 737 pound-feet (1,000 newton-meters) of torque. For comparison, the BYD Shark 6 generates 430 horsepower (321 kilowatts) and 479 pound-feet (650 newton-meters). Meanwhile, the older-style Ranger Raptor delivers 391 horsepower (282 kilowatts) and 430 pound-feet (583 newton-meters) under Australian specifications.
JAC says the 31.2 kWh battery offers up to 100 km (62 miles) of all-electric driving, and there’s a vehicle-to-load function, a handy feature that turns the truck into a mobile power source. What we don’t yet know: payload, towing capacity, or pricing, three figures that could make or break its appeal in a market that still prioritizes workhorse credentials.
2026 JAC Hunter
Foton Joins the Competition
Entering Australia's expanding pickup truck segment alongside the JAC Hunter are the Tunland V7 and Tunland V9 models. Foton The business is primarily recognized for manufacturing commercial trucks; however, they believe they have the capabilities needed to rival top brands in the market of full-sized pickup trucks.
Although detailed specifics regarding the two Tunland variants are yet undisclosed, it’s clear that the base model V7 is positioned as a "practical workhorse," whereas the upgraded V9 enhances this concept with superior suspension technology and enhanced luxury features, thus excelling in road handling capabilities. The sales launch for both the V7 and V9 commenced across various international markets, particularly in South America, towards the end of last year.
Each model from Tunland comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel motor paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. These engines produce 161 horsepower (120 kilowatts) along with 332 pound-feet (450 newton-meters) of torque. Although official Australian specifications have not yet been finalized, these numbers are expected to be very close to what has been provided.
2026 Foton Tunland
