The 2026 JAC T9 PHEV has arrived in New Zealand, bringing plug-in hybrid power to the ute segment at an impressive price point. In this first look and impression video, I take you through the exterior, interior, key features, practicality, and my initial thoughts on how this new PHEV ute could shake up the NZ market.
Check out Jerry’s first impressions video:
We’re talking 360kW of power, up to 1,005km of combined hybrid range, 100km of pure EV range, and the ability to tow 3,500kg of braked load. For context, that’s the kind of performance envelope that makes this New Zealand’s most powerful hybrid ute. Oh, and it scored five stars with ANCAP, making it our safest hybrid ute too. Not bad for a vehicle that still comes with a built-in pie warmer. Yes, that’s still a thing, and honestly, we’re here for it.
See the full write up using the button here:
The JAC (“Jack”) T9’s position as a reliable workhorse for Kiwi tradies has been further reinforced by the remarkable achievement of its South African stablemate, which recently shattered the country’s 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.
What began as a casual braai-side (aka a BBQ) challenge between a few mates filming content for South Africa’s motoring channel, turned into a serious headline-grabber for JAC. The brand’s flagship ute (or in South Africa a ‘bakkie’), the JAC T9, officially broke the South African 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles – clocking up an impressive 4,084 kilometres at an average speed of 170.1 km/h at the Gerotek Testing Facility just outside Pretoria.
Four seasoned racing drivers took shifts behind the wheel, completing more than 1,350 laps of the Gerotek track with a clear mission: to surpass the existing record set by Isuzu in 2010, which itself had bettered the Toyota Hilux benchmark from 2003.
The JAC team did more than just beat the record – they shattered it. Finishing over 20km ahead of Isuzu’s record, the T9 ran for 24 hours straight with an average fuel use of just 16.5L/100km.
Note: The South African JAC T9 2.0L CTi has some differences, but is very similar to the NZ JAC T9 top-of-the-like 4WD Auto ute.
Watch the video below:
“The T9’s unit, refined over four generations, is backed by reputable components like a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, Bosch electronics, a BorgWarner transfer case, Garrett turbocharger, and more.
All of this ensures buyers are getting tried-and-true durability and performance that inspires confidence.“
Check out the full review from Tarmac Life below.
Note: This article was written with a previous tow rating, the tow rating of the JAC T9 is 3.2T
“For someone wanting a well-priced, brand-new 4×4 ute with all the luxuries and a 200,000k/five-year warranty, a trip down to the local JAC dealer would be worthwhile
From pulling heavy trailers making site deliveries, to driving the rugged potholed streets of Auckland, I managed to give the JAC a good well-rounded workout to see how it compared to my normal daily drive.”
Check out the full review from Deals on Wheels below.
Note: This article was written with a previous tow rating, the tow rating of the JAC T9 is 3.2T
“Late last year JAC revealed its new entrant into the competitive but lucrative ute market, the T9. Instead of coming in guns blazing with some crazy range-topper boasting big power or massive suspension travel, it has attacked the other end of the market, the affordable workhorse, with a sticker price of $49,990 before on-roads.
We get one variant here in New Zealand, simply called T9. No ‘Premium’ or ‘Luxury’ grades or any references to famous off-road trails. It’s well specified though, with faux-leather seats (electrically adjustable up front), ambient lighting, a large portrait screen, two wireless charging ports, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 360-degree camera and a hot/cold box in the centre console to keep those pies warm or your drinks cold.”
The CarExpert team (from across the ditch) have put the JAC T9 through its paces in the ultimate Torture Test, comparing it to the Toyota Hilux.
Take a look at the results for yourself:
By Damien O’Carroll
The DRIVEN team put the JAC T9 through its paces comparing to the top utes on the NZ market.
The verdict: What kind of person would the JAC T9 suit?
“Anyone who wants a handsome, well-built ute with a close-to-class leading ride and isn’t keen on spending up to $20k more for a mainstream badge on the nose”
Read the full review using the button below:
