{"id":497720,"date":"2026-02-22T23:56:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T23:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/497720\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T23:56:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T23:56:11","slug":"chery-ute-with-diesel-phev-power-set-for-2026-australian-launch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/497720\/","title":{"rendered":"Chery ute with diesel PHEV power set for 2026 Australian launch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chery has revealed its new dual-cab ute to launch in Australia in 2026. Focusing on towing, performance and efficiency, according to Chery<\/a>, the brand\u2019s ute will launch with a four-cylinder turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid drivetrain and will \u201creinvent the ute buying experience\u201d.<\/p>\n

Revealed at a recent local media event, the new Chery ute debuted a muscular and modern design that\u2019s quite different to the brand\u2019s models on sale in Australia such as the Tiggo 4<\/a> and Tiggo 8<\/a>. Previewed with an off-road model like a Ford Ranger Tremor<\/a>, the new Chery ute is quite large \u2013 Chery is yet to reveal dimensions \u2013 and features details such as grille lighting, pumped guards, off-road wheels with BF Goodrich off-road tyres and a configurable rack system for the tray.<\/p>\n

The Chery ute will use a new 2.5-litre turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which will be unique in the Australian market. Brands such as Mercedes-Benz<\/a> sell diesel PHEVs in some markets globally but this is the first time that one has been offered locally.<\/p>\n

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4<\/p>\n

According to Lucas Harris, the COO of Chery Australia, the local arm \u201cpartitioned the factory hard for a diesel PHEV\u201d. Considering diesel\u2019s popularity and the rise of hybrids in the Australian ute market, Harris\u2019 comments suggest that the new drivetrain was specifically developed for Australia.<\/p>\n

While Chery is yet to reveal full details about the drivetrain such as the battery size, range and performance figures, it\u2019s targeting 47 per cent thermal efficiency, 10 per cent greater fuel efficiency, a 10 per cent lighter weight and a 30 per cent reduction in noise compared with other utes. Importantly, the Chery ute has also been designed to tow 3500kg and carry a 1000kg payload to match utes like the Toyota HiLux<\/a> and Ford Ranger<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While the Chery ute will launch with the new diesel PHEV system in 2026, it will also launch a petrol PHEV drivetrain like in the BYD Shark in 2027<\/a>, though the company is yet to reveal any details about it.<\/p>\n

The prototype of the Chery ute did feature a luxurious-looking interior with plenty of suede and leather throughout, as well as a huge touchscreen and digital driver\u2019s display, though the company cautioned that the final interior design is yet to be decided on. Regardless, the rear seat is spacious for the segment, and the tray is large as well.<\/p>\n

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4<\/p>\n

According to local Chery staff, the new ute will target two main segments: family and business dual use lifestyle buyers and then off-road and leisure buyers, suggesting that there will be a variety of models, including the off-road themed model previewed at the reveal. However, a cab chassis variant is not planned, at least initially.<\/p>\n

Another detail we\u2019re not yet sure about is its name. At the reveal event, Chery executives referred to it as its \u2018KP31\u2019 codename, but are yet to confirm its actual name. Considering its Australian focus, we\u2019re expecting an Australian name like the Kia Tasman<\/a>. The Chery Great Barrier Reef, perhaps?<\/p>\n

The Chery ute will go on sale in Australia sometime later in 2026, with more details such as the interior design, drivetrain figures and pricing yet to be revealed.<\/p>\n


\n\"\"<\/p>\n

\nUOTY<\/p>\n

2025-26 Wheels Ute of the Year Winner: BYD Shark 6<\/p>\n

\nIn a first for Wheels, dual cabs get their own segment and new yearly award \u2013 with a razor sharp focus. And it\u2019s one of the newer brands taking out our first-ever Ute of the Year award, the BYD Shark 6.<\/p>\n

February 9, 2026\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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