JAC Motors Australia has announced pricing for its upcoming Hunter PHEV ute, with the new plug-in hybrid dual-cab range set to start from $49,988 plus on-road costs. The Chinese brand claims the Hunter combines class-leading performance, strong towing capability and extensive Australian validation testing, while undercutting key rivals in the growing plug-in hybrid ute segment.
The JAC Hunter PHEV is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms later this year and will become one of the most affordable electrified dual-cab utes on sale.
JAC Hunter PHEV pricing in Australia
JAC has confirmed the Hunter PHEV range will kick off at $49,988 before on-road costs, positioning it aggressively against established competitors.
While the full model walk and variant pricing details are yet to be released, JAC says every Hunter PHEV will come with a 3,500kg braked towing capacity as standard.
The company also claims the Hunter delivers 360kW of combined power, making it one of the most powerful plug-in hybrid utes available in Australia.
Read more: JAC Hunter PHEV revealed with class-leading range
Performance and towing credentials
One of the Hunter’s headline figures is its 360kW power output, which JAC describes as class-leading within the Australian PHEV ute market.
Alongside its power advantage, the Hunter has been engineered to retain the practical capabilities expected from a dual-cab workhorse. Every variant will offer:
- Up to 360kW of combined power
- 3,500kg braked towing capacity
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain technology
- Dual-cab ute body style
JAC says the Hunter has been designed to appeal to both private buyers and business users looking to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing towing and load-carrying ability.
Over 100,000km of Australian testing completed
Before reaching customers, the JAC Hunter PHEV underwent more than 100,000km of local testing and development across Australia.
According to the company, the validation program included:
- Durability testing
- Towing assessments
- Load-carrying evaluations
- Hot-weather testing
- On-road and off-road development
The aim was to ensure the ute could cope with the demanding conditions faced by Australian owners, whether on construction sites, regional highways or off-road tracks.
Read more: Upcoming JAC Hunter PHEV finishes initial Lang Lang testing
Australian suspension and dynamics tuning
JAC also confirmed that local vehicle dynamics development was overseen by respected Australian engineer Michael Barber.
Barber has previously worked on several significant vehicle programs and was involved in refining the Hunter’s ride, handling and overall driving characteristics for local conditions.
The company says all recommendations from the Australian testing and tuning program were incorporated into the production vehicle before its launch.
Commenting on the announcement, JAC Motors Australia Managing Director Ahmed Mahmoud said the Hunter was developed to prove itself in Australian conditions rather than simply compete on price.
“In Australia, respect isn’t given to a ute. It’s earned. Hunter has been built, tested and proven, to earn that respect.”
Mahmoud added that the company wanted to offer premium performance, hybrid technology and genuine capability without the premium pricing often associated with electrified utes.
Growing competition in Australia’s PHEV ute market
The launch of the JAC Hunter comes as Australia’s plug-in hybrid ute segment continues to expand.
More buyers are considering electrified dual-cab utes as manufacturers introduce models that combine traditional towing and payload capabilities with improved efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
With a starting price below $50,000 before on-road costs, the Hunter could emerge as one of the most competitively priced options in the segment when deliveries begin.
Further details, including complete specifications, equipment levels and availability information, are expected closer to the model’s Australian launch.
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