The "Hunter" series by JAC Group (JAC Motors) serves as the flagship wide-body pick-up truck introduced amidst the JAC Pick-up brand’s strategic shift towards more premium and passenger-oriented offerings. Since making its official debut in 2021, the Hunter has rapidly established itself as the core pillar in JAC’s push into the high-end commercial and lifestyle 4x4 off-road segments, driven by its muscular design language, robust chassis architecture, and steadily upgraded smart technology suite.
Positioned as a mid-to-large wide-body pick-up truck, the Hunter aims to blend the rugged utilitarian nature of traditional pick-ups with the refined ride and handling dynamics of modern passenger vehicles.
Market labels: Premium passenger-oriented large pick-up, rugged mecha styling, wide-body architecture, intelligent digital cockpit, 1,000 Nm electric hybrid.
Design styling: The exterior draws aesthetic inspiration from a "charging bull" and the ancient Chinese "Ding" (cauldron), delivering immense road presence and visual identity. Inside, the cabin adopts a premium SUV-inspired layout, highlighted by a large portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen and a fully digital LCD instrument cluster, catering to buyers seeking a refined, upscale driving environment.
Core highlights: Its fundamental strength stems from its versatile wide-body platform, engineered to accommodate a variety of powertrains (including pure internal combustion engines, full battery-electric (BEV), range-extender (REEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setups). Offering extensive modularity and aftermarket customisation potential, it stands out as a prime benchmark in the dual-purpose commercial and lifestyle segment.
Brand inauguration (2020–2021): In October 2020, JAC Pick-up officially unveiled the "Hunter" moniker, marking a leap towards its third-generation dual-purpose passenger and commercial line-up. In March 2021, the inaugural Hunter model was officially launched in Luzhou, swiftly cementing its reputation as a premium pick-up truck contender.
Passenger-grade evolution (2023–2024): In April 2023, the all-new generation Hunter debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show, featuring comprehensive overhauls across its chassis, powertrain, and intelligent tech systems. Guided by its passenger-focused strategy, the Hunter integrated Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and rolled out bespoke factory-modified variants like the Mountain Cat and Green Demon tailored for specialised off-road scenarios.
Electrification transition (2026): In 2026, the Hunter completed its strategic shift from conventional internal combustion engines to electrified mobility with the rollout of the "Hunter PHEV" super hybrid model. In June 2026, the hybrid pick-up was introduced in regions like Tongliao, marking deeper penetration into diverse sectors ranging from agro-pastoral haulage to rugged open-terrain off-roading.
Competitive landscape: In the domestic mid-to-large pick-up truck arena, the Hunter goes head-to-head with mainstream premium rivals such as the GWM Poer series. Backed by JAC's well-established distribution network across government fleet procurement, municipal infrastructure, and export markets, the Hunter has maintained resilient sales traction through 2026.
Customer feedback: Owner reviews predominantly praise its "imposing road presence", "rigid chassis strength", and "monstrous hybrid torque". Its wide-track chassis stability under heavy payload hauling and unpaved off-road driving has garnered significant acclaim from commercial and industrial users. Furthermore, as hybrid adoption accelerates, its capability to deliver extended touring range alongside low running costs has made it increasingly appealing to private lifestyle buyers.
Intelligent wide-body chassis: Underpinned by JAC Pick-up’s bespoke mid-to-large passenger-grade architecture, it features a heavy-duty ladder frame chassis with 2 longitudinal beams and 9 crossmembers constructed from high-tensile steel, offering supreme torsional rigidity. The underpinnings integrate a BorgWarner electronically controlled part-time 4WD system alongside an Eaton mechanical rear differential lock, delivering formidable go-anywhere all-terrain capability.
Potent powertrain line-up:
Internal combustion (ICE): Powered by an Ankang-developed 2.0CTI turbodiesel engine or 2.0T/2.4T turbocharged petrol engines, providing robust low-end torque and ample power reserves.
Super Hybrid (PHEV): A signature technical highlight mated to an advanced 4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). In 4L (low-range 4WD) mode, the system's combined peak torque exceeds 1,000 Nm, effortlessly handling high-load demands in extreme operating environments.
Passenger-grade smart technology: Fitted with the Zhiling voice recognition and infotainment system supporting over 250 voice-controlled functions, complemented by a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assist suite (comprising forward-facing camera, Driver Monitoring System (DMS) camera, and multiple radar sensors), significantly enhancing safety and ease of handling in tight urban driving environments.
Moving past 2026, the strategic focus for the Hunter lineup includes:
All-out electrification strategy: Continued expansion of its PHEV hybrid technology, harnessing its four-digit "1,000 Nm-class" torque output to unlock broader utility in caravan towing, overland camping, and heavy-duty utility operations in extreme conditions.
Deepening global footprint: Leveraging JAC Motors' international export networks to accelerate market expansion across Southeast Asia, South America, and the Middle East, cementing its standing as a primary vanguard among Chinese pick-up exports.
Bespoke commercial and fleet customisation: Further driving collaborative co-creation programmes to deliver purpose-built customised vehicles tailored for the energy sector, emergency disaster rescue, and automated agricultural operations, preserving its competitive edge in specialised commercial vehicle segments.
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