The Changan Hunter K50 is an all-new upgraded model introduced under Changan Auto's new energy pick-up truck brand. Positioned as the "world's first super extended-range digital intelligent pick-up", it made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2025 and was officially launched at the Chengdu Motor Show on 29 August the same year. The new model comes in six variants, including the Deluxe, Pilot, and Flagship grades, spanning a versatile line-up of 2WD and 4WD, as well as standard-bed and long-bed configurations, priced between RM127,900 and RM192,900.
Standing out as a unique range-extended new energy pick-up truck among Chinese marques, the Hunter K50 features two core technical pillars: Blue Core super range-extender technology (utilising the JL486ZQ6 2.0T engine) and the Tianshu intelligent system, built around three core user value propositions: "energy freedom, smart symbiosis, and boundless versatility". The vehicle inherits the original Changan Hunter's core product DNA of being "punchy, fuel-efficient, and electrified", with comprehensive upgrades throughout. In terms of aftersales packages, first-hand non-commercial owners enjoy a lifetime warranty on the battery, motor, electronic control, and range-extender systems. Its primary rivals include the Geely Radar RD6, GWM Poer new energy pick-up, and hybrid variants of the Ford Ranger. In its home segment, the Changan Hunter has previously topped the new energy pick-up sales charts on multiple occasions, and the launch of the Hunter K50 aims to further cement its market leadership.
The Changan Hunter K50 adopts an all-new design language dubbed "Hunting Aesthetics", designed to break away from the utilitarian, rough-and-tumble stereotype of conventional pick-ups by capturing the instantaneous dynamic posture of a predator on the prowl. The front fascia is its most distinctive highlight, featuring a body-coloured "shark-nose" borderless parametric grille spanning almost the entire front end, flanked by signature "7"-shaped hunter's eye LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and projector headlamp clusters, delivering a sharp, modern, and visually striking presence.
The side profile is defined by chiseled, muscular lines, fitted standard with 18-inch all-terrain (A/T) tyres, black wheel arch mouldings, and a sports bar to reinforce its off-road character. The roof comes standard with four factory-fitted auxiliary lights (two high beams and two camping lights), significantly expanding nighttime illumination coverage in outdoor environments. At the rear, it features a split tailgate with a two-stage opening mechanism and an integrated fold-out step to facilitate easy access to the cargo bed. The new pick-up comes standard in Olive Green, alongside several exterior paint options including Heatwave Orange.
Inside, the cabin benchmarks high-end SUVs, with soft-touch materials covering up to 80% of contact surfaces. A dual-tone theme combining Heatwave Orange contrast accents with brushed silver trim pairs with full-width air-conditioning vents and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, creating a high-tech yet sporty driving environment. The rear seat cushions have also been lengthened and the backrest ergonomics optimised to enhance long-distance seating comfort for rear passengers.
The Changan Hunter K50 is powered by a 2.0T Blue Core super range-extender system. The JL486ZQ6 petrol engine produces a maximum output of 140 kW (around 190 hp) and 340 Nm of peak torque, functioning purely as an on-board generator to charge the traction battery. Propulsion is handled by permanent magnet synchronous electric motors: 2WD variants feature a 130 kW rear-mounted drive motor, while 4WD variants pack a dual-motor system with 70 kW up front and 130 kW at the rear, delivering a combined system output of 200 kW and 470 Nm. The 4WD version completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.9 seconds, with an instant launch throttle response of only 0.4 seconds.
For energy storage, two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack options are available: standard models feature a 31.18 kWh pack delivering an NEDC pure electric range of 131 km, while the 2026 Deluxe large-battery long-bed 2WD model is fitted with a CATL-sourced 43.47 kWh LFP pack, increasing the NEDC pure electric range to 192 km. With a full tank and a full charge, the vehicle achieves a combined cruising range of up to 1,031 km (CLTC). On DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge can be reached in approximately 30 minutes. Top speed is rated at 160 km/h. In pure electric mode, running costs drop to as low as 7 sen per kilometre, saving users over RM15,600 annually compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) pick-ups.
The Hunter K50 is built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis with a 220 kg structural frame featuring a 2:5:2 variable cross-section design, offering 9% more structural rigidity redundancy than standard industry benchmarks. The suspension setup pairs front double-wishbone independent suspension with a rear five-link solid axle non-independent suspension. The front double wishbones maintain excellent tyre contact on uneven terrain, while the rear five-link layout delivers significantly improved passenger ride comfort compared to traditional leaf-spring setups. The steering relies on an electric power steering (EPS) system with an ultra-responsive 20-millisecond reaction time. The 4WD model comes standard with an intelligent electric 4WD system, generating up to 5,000 Nm of wheel-end torque.
In terms of off-road clearance credentials, the pick-up features an approach angle of 29°, a departure angle of 26°, an unladen ground clearance of 220 mm, and a water-wading depth of up to 600 mm, delivering solid OR2-grade off-road capability. It is also fitted with underbody protection plates and triple differential locks as standard. The vehicle has a rated payload of 1.1 tonnes, a structural payload limit of 2 tonnes, and a maximum braked towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes. The braking system uses disc brakes all round (ventilated discs in front, solid discs at the rear) paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB), riding on 245/70 R17 tyres. The 4WD model also offers 10 selectable all-terrain drive modes, including Snow, Rock, and Mud, seamlessly catering to both urban tarmac and challenging off-road trails.
In-cabin technology is a standout highlight of the Hunter K50. The cockpit adopts a dual-screen digital layout combining a digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen (entry- and mid-spec variants feature a 7.5-inch instrument cluster paired with the 12.3-inch centre screen), with the centre console subtly angled towards the driver for a wraparound feel. The entire line-up runs on Huawei's HMS for Car intelligent operating system, supporting smart voice interaction (covering over 70 languages), Petal Maps navigation, and Huawei ecosystem app integration, with future support for AI large-language-model voice upgrades via over-the-air (OTA) updates.
On the comfort and convenience front, high-spec grades come equipped with a heated driver's seat, Qi wireless smartphone charger, in-car KTV, and mobile app-based remote vehicle telematics. The driver's seat features 6-way manual adjustment, while the front passenger seat offers 4-way manual adjustment; the rear seat bases flip upward to expand cargo storage space. The audio system supports various external media inputs via Bluetooth and USB. Additionally, the new model comes equipped with driver assistance aids such as a 360-degree surround-view camera system and an integrated dashcam.
In terms of intelligent safety, the Hunter K50 marks the debut of Level 2 (L2) advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the pick-up segment. Key functions include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), with dedicated software calibration tailored for long-distance touring and trailer towing scenarios. By fusing inputs from multiple radars and cameras, the system provides real-time situational monitoring and active driving intervention around the vehicle.
On the passive safety side, the Hunter K50 features a high-strength safety cage body structure and comes standard with dual front airbags across the range. Standard active safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Since its launch, the Changan Hunter K50 has established strong market competitiveness in the domestic new energy pick-up segment, driven by its range-extended powertrain, class-leading "30 kW super vehicle-to-load (V2L) external power supply", and Huawei-powered smart cockpit. At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the refreshed range brought its entry price down to RM127,900, disrupting the pick-up market's traditionally rigid pricing structure and substantially lowering the barrier of entry for electrified pick-up trucks. Motoring media noted that the Hunter K50, through its 2.0T Blue Core range extender and dual electric motors, achieves over 1,000 km of combined range, effectively eliminating the charging infrastructure limitations associated with pure electric pick-ups while encouraging adoption thanks to its exceptionally low running cost of just 7 sen per kilometre.
On the international front, the Hunter K50 serves as a core model in Changan Pick-up's global export strategy. With Changan Kaicene pick-ups established across 12 countries, the Hunter K50 was launched simultaneously in Mexico on 29 August 2025. At the Manila International Auto Show in the Philippines, the HUNTER K50 pick-up was officially unveiled, quickly catching the attention of local car buyers with its strong product packaging. In 2024, Changan Pick-up recorded global sales of 52,012 units (a year-on-year surge of 138%), with overseas exports contributing 44,514 units (up 163.5% year-on-year); the arrival of the Hunter K50 is expected to further drive the brand's export share. The initial batch of export models, marketed under the DEEPAL HUNTER K50 REEV nameplate, has already gone on sale in markets such as South Africa. Comprehensive automotive reviews widely consider the Hunter K50—grounded in "range extension as the base and intelligent connectivity as the wings"—to have redefined "technology equality" and "lifestyle versatility" for new energy pick-up trucks, standing out as a highly formidable Chinese contender in the pick-up arena.
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