2026 JAC Hunter PHEV priced from under $50,000

JAC has followed through on its promise to offer its new electrified Hunter ute for "under $50,000", today announcing the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual-cab will be priced from $49,988 before on-road costs.

That makes the Hunter Australia's cheapest PHEV ute, undercutting the popular BYD Shark 6 Dynamic ($55,900 plus on-roads), the GWM Cannon Alpha Lux Hi-4T ($59,990 plus ORCs), and the Ford Ranger Hybrid XLT ($71,990 plus ORCs).

“This isn't a trade-off between price and capability. It's proof that premium performance, advanced hybrid technology and genuine capability don't have to come with a premium price tag," JAC Motors Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud said in a press release.

"We didn't build Hunter to undercut the market. We built it to disrupt it and reset what Australians should expect from a PHEV ute."

JAC says registrations of interest for the Hunter are now open, with test drives to commence imminently.

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Based on the diesel-powered JAC T9 dual-cab, the Hunter has undergone more than 100,000km of Australian testing involving "durability runs, towing, load-carrying, hot weather, and on- and off-road evaluation". That's up from the 50,000km of testing reported by the Chinese brand in May 2026.

The Hunter's local testing process is headed by former Holden engineer Michael Barber, and JAC says it has "implemented all of Michael's recommendations from the program" ahead of the model's showroom debut next month.

Powering the Hunter is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors, one for each of axle. Peak power and torque figures are quoted at 360kW and 1010Nm – higher than those of the flagship Shark 6 Performance.

Electrical energy comes from a 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, providing an electric-only driving range of "up to 100km" based on NEDC testing. The Hunter also offers a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, and a 915kg payload.

JAC's PHEV ute will be sold in two grades: the Hunter Pro and Hunter X. Standard equipment for the flagship grade include front and rear differential locks, a surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control, and leather-accented upholstery. A sunroof can be added as a $1500 option.

A 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital instrument display are also standard. While diff locks are fitted in the Hunter X, they can be optioned in the base Hunter Pro for an additional $1888.

JAC is also offering a launch deal for the first 1000 Hunter buyers, who can now reserve a vehicle for a refundable $1000 deposit.

Those customers will be given the choice of a free home vehicle charger or a $500 accessories voucher, though the latter will only cover minor accessories such as exterior protection and floor mats. Other items, such as a basic nudge bar and a tow bar, cost $1284 and $1453, respectively.

2026 JAC Hunter pricing:

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