Chery is poised to enter Australia’s fiercely competitive ute segment with a new dual-cab model, aiming to challenge the dominance of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. This vehicle, developed jointly by Australian and Chinese engineers, is expected to arrive in showrooms late in 2026.
A Collaborative Project with Global Reach
The new ute is closely related to the Chery Rely KP3X, another model from within the Chery automotive group. Crucially, it will be built on a new ladder-frame platform, a robust design commonly used for utes and trucks. This collaborative effort sees significant Australian input from the outset, with local tuning and validation planned before production begins. According to Chery Australia’s chief operating officer, Lucas Harris, Australia and China will be among the first markets to receive this new model.
A Diverse Powertrain Lineup
CarExpert anticipates that the ute will initially launch in China with a variety of engine options, including petrol, diesel, petrol plug-in hybrid, and diesel plug-in hybrid configurations. Australia is strongly expected to prioritize the diesel plug-in hybrid, combining the strength of a diesel engine with increased fuel efficiency. This focus on hybrid technology highlights Chery’s commitment to offering environmentally conscious options.
Targeting the Heart of the Ute Market
The upcoming Chery ute is designed to be a serious contender in the Australian market. It’s expected to deliver a substantial 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and a payload of around one tonne, putting it directly in line with the towing and hauling capabilities of the leading utes.
A Key Component of Chery’s Growth Strategy
Chery views this ute as a cornerstone of its future growth in Australia. The company aims to achieve monthly sales of around 1,000 units—a target that would firmly establish the ute as a core model and a direct competitor to established brands.
Rising Tide of Chinese Utes in Australia
The arrival of the Chery ute comes amidst a broader shift in the Australian automotive market. Chinese-branded utes now account for roughly one in six utes sold in the country this year. This represents a significant presence in what has historically been a conservative segment. The increasing popularity of Chinese utes demonstrates evolving consumer preferences for value, features, and increasingly, hybrid technology.
The Sales Picture (January – October 2025)
Below is a table illustrating ute sales year to date (January-October 2025), with offerings from China highlighted. The competitive landscape shows the rise of Chinese manufacturers and their challenge to established players.
[Insert Ute Sales Table Here: Chinese Ute models would be bolded.]
The introduction of the new Chery ute signals a pivotal moment for the brand and the Australian ute market, promising increased competition, a wider range of powertrain options, and potentially, more affordable workhorse vehicles.
