2026 JAC Hunter PHEV Detailed: Australia’s Cheapest Plug-In Hybrid Ute Arrives with 360kW, 3.5T Towing from $49,988
JAC Motors Australia has officially confirmed local pricing and final specifications for its landmark plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute, the 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV.
Fulfilling the brand's earlier pledge to launch under the psychological fifty-thousand-dollar barrier, the range officially opens at $49,988 before on-road costs for the entry-level Hunter Pro, climbing to $54,844 plus on-roads for the flagship Hunter X. Customer test drives are commencing immediately, with first showroom deliveries scheduled for August 2026.
Powertrain & Performance: 360kW Grunt and 3.5-Tonne Towing
Based on the robust ladder chassis of the diesel-powered JAC T9 ute, the Hunter combines internal combustion with dual electric motors to create an electrified all-wheel-drive system:
- Combustion Engine: A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (2.0TGDI) delivering 370Nm of torque.
- Dual Electric Motors: A front-mounted P2.5 electric motor generating 300Nm, teamed with a dedicated rear-axle P4 motor kicking out 340Nm.
- System Outputs: Total combined performance stands at a massive 360kW of power and 1,010Nm of combined driveline torque—surpassing the output figures of the flagship BYD Shark 6 Performance.
Battery, Efficiency & Real-World Range Logic
The Hunter utilizes a 31.2kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. Under official ADR/NEDC test cycles, JAC quotes a pure-electric driving range of up to 100km, a combined total range of 1,005km, and a combined fuel efficiency rating of 1.6L/100km.
As with all plug-in hybrids, fuel consumption will rise significantly once the 31.2kWh battery is depleted, operating as a conventional hybrid under heavy highway cruising.
Crucially for trades and caravanners, the Hunter preserves full commercial utility, matching market standards with a 3,500kg braked towing capacity and an impressive 915kg payload.
Local Engineering: 100,000km Aussie Development Program
To ensure the chassis withstands harsh local terrain, the Hunter underwent over 100,000km of rigorous testing across Australia—up from the 50,000km reported earlier in the year.
The program covered high-speed corrugated dirt roads, heavy-duty 3.5-tonne towing validation, maximum payload evaluation, and extreme hot-weather endurance.
The vehicle dynamics program was led from day one by respected Australian suspension tuning engineer Michael Barber (whose past portfolio includes chassis development at Holden). JAC confirmed that all of Barber’s damper valving, steering weight, and spring-rate recommendations were incorporated into the production model ahead of launch.
Variant Walk-Up: Hunter Pro vs Hunter X
The 2026 Hunter is offered in two well-equipped 4x4 dual-cab specifications:
- Hunter Pro ($49,988): Standard equipment includes a 10.4-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, and leatherette interior upholstery.
- Hunter X ($54,844): The $4,856 step-up adds heavy-duty off-road and luxury equipment:
- Standard front and rear electronic differential locks (a major off-road advantage).
- 360-degree panoramic surround-view camera.
- Front parking sensors.
- Heated front seats and 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat.
- Power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps.
- Gloss-black exterior styling pack, black roof rails, and rear privacy glass.
- Rear 220V power accessory socket in the cabin.
2026 JAC Hunter Full Australian Pricing & Options
Registrations of interest and refundable $1,000 reservations are open now.
(Note: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices [MSRP] listed below strictly exclude dealer delivery charges and state-based statutory on-road costs.)
| Model Grade | Powertrain / Drivetrain | MSRP (Before On-Roads) |
| 2026 JAC Hunter Pro 4x4 | 2.0T Dual-Motor PHEV / 31.2kWh LFP | $49,988 |
| 2026 JAC Hunter X 4x4 | 2.0T Dual-Motor PHEV / 31.2kWh LFP | $54,844 |
Factory Options
- Front & Rear Differential Locks (Hunter Pro only): $1,888
- Power Glass Sunroof (Hunter X only): $1,500
Launch Reservation Promotion & Accessories Reality
The first 1,000 customers who place a $1,000 refundable reservation and take delivery before 31 December 2026 can choose between a complimentary 7kW home EV charger (hardware only, installation excluded) or a $500 JAC Genuine Accessories voucher.
Prospective buyers should note that the $500 voucher will primarily cover minor protection items like all-weather floor mats. Heavy touring essentials command extra investment: a basic front nudge bar costs $1,284, while the heavy-duty tow bar assembly is priced at $1,453.
Drivetrain & Performance Specification Table
| Specification / Metric | 2026 JAC Hunter Pro 4x4 | 2026 JAC Hunter X 4x4 |
| Combustion Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Petrol (2.0TGDI) | 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Petrol (2.0TGDI) |
| Combustion Torque Output | 370 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Front Electric Motor (P2.5) | 300 Nm Torque | 300 Nm Torque |
| Rear Electric Motor (P4) | 340 Nm Torque | 340 Nm Torque |
| Combined System Power | 360 kW | 360 kW |
| Combined Driveline Torque | 1,010 Nm | 1,010 Nm |
| Battery Chemistry / Size | Liquid-Cooled LFP / 31.2 kWh | Liquid-Cooled LFP / 31.2 kWh |
| Pure EV Range (Claimed) | Up to 100 km (NEDC) | Up to 100 km (NEDC) |
| Combined Total Range | Up to 1,005 km (NEDC) | Up to 1,005 km (NEDC) |
| Fuel Economy (ADR/NEDC) | 1.6 L / 100km | 1.6 L / 100km |
| Braked Towing Capacity | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Payload Rating | 915 kg | 915 kg |
| Front & Rear Diff Locks | Optional ($1,888) | Standard Equipment |
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