JAC Group Hunter

Model Overview

Hunter is a premium rugged pick-up truck brand under JAC Group (JAC Motors). In October 2020, JAC Pickup officially launched the Hunter brand targeting the high-end pick-up truck segment, followed by the market launch of its maiden model in Luzhou, Sichuan, in March 2021. Positioned for premium commercial use and leisure off-roading, Hunter is a new-generation wide-body pick-up truck engineered by JAC Pickup to cater to all-scenario lifestyle and utility demands. Over years of development, Hunter has established two core product line-ups: internal combustion engine (ICE) variants (Commercial Edition, Passenger Edition, Lynx Edition, Green Demon Edition, etc.) and new energy vehicle (NEV) variants (Hunter PHEV and Hunter EV). The ICE range is priced from approximately RM129,800 to RM187,800; at the August 2025 Chengdu Motor Show, the Hunter PHEV and Hunter EV made their global debut, with recommended retail prices starting from RM159,800 and RM199,800 respectively.

Design Language

Penned by the JAC Italy Design Centre, Hunter’s exterior styling draws inspiration from the "Charging Bull". The exterior blends "oriental aesthetics" with "futuristic high-tech styling", fusing traditional Chinese Ding vessel cues into a futuristic mecha-mask front profile. Up front, it features Hunter Sky Eye split headlamps with sequential turn signals, complemented by aggressive bonnet power bulges and a sharp, continuous swooping character line running along the flanks. The rear is fitted with full-width vertical LED tail lamps. The truck is offered in standard and extended wheelbase configurations: the standard wheelbase variant measures 5,330 × 1,965 × 1,920 mm (L × W × H) with a 3,110 mm wheelbase, while the extended wheelbase variant measures 5,620 × 1,965 × 1,920 mm with a 3,400 mm wheelbase. For the cargo bed, the standard bed measures 1,520 × 1,590 × 470 mm, whereas the long bed measures 1,810 × 1,590 × 470 mm. Its generous 1,965 mm body width gives it a notable shoulder room advantage over its class rivals. The interior design takes inspiration from the Forbidden City, utilising a balanced, symmetrical T-shaped dashboard layout to create an expansive, commanding cabin ambience. Two interior colourways are available—Black-Beige and Black-Brown—accented by brushed camel-grey trim inserts, Chinese-lattice-inspired piano black air vents, and chrome centre console garnishes. In addition, Hunter offers an array of exterior paint choices including Cool Black, Lafite Red, Sky Blue, and Audi Silver.

Powertrain and Performance

Hunter is offered with both petrol and turbodiesel powertrain options. The volume-selling diesel variant is powered by the Ankang Power 2.0CTI inline-four turbodiesel engine—a recipient of the prestigious "China Heart" Top Ten Engines award—delivering 125 kW (170 PS) and 420 Nm of peak torque. Thanks to a 4th-generation Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT), the engine churns out 260 Nm at just 1,000 rpm, hitting its peak torque band from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. The petrol version is equipped with a Dongan Power 2.0TGDI turbocharged petrol engine pushing 170 kW (231 PS) and 380 Nm of torque. Alternative powertrain options also include a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.4T petrol engine (155 kW / 320 Nm) and a VM Motori 2.5T turbodiesel engine (110 kW / 360 Nm). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission for the diesel models, while petrol models are paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic. In the electrified line-up, the Hunter PHEV is built on the "H-Power Super Hybrid Architecture", pushing out a massive combined system output of 523 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds, with a pure EV range of 100 km and a total cruising range exceeding 1,000 km; the all-electric Hunter EV delivers a pure electric driving range of up to 505 km.

Chassis and Handling

Hunter is underpinned by a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis based on a brand-new wide-body architecture platform, constructed with hydroformed two-longitudinal and nine-crossmember box sections using high-tensile steel supplied by Baosteel. For the ICE variants, the front suspension features a double-wishbone independent setup with coil springs, while the rear suspension offers a choice between heavy-duty leaf springs (Commercial Edition) and a multi-link rigid axle setup (Passenger Edition). The electrified Hunter EV utilises a double-wishbone front independent suspension paired with a 5-leaf spring rear suspension. The 4WD variants are equipped with a BorgWarner electronically selectable part-time 4WD system, with an optional Eaton mechanical rear differential lock. In terms of off-road geometry, Hunter boasts an approach angle of 30°, a departure angle of 23°, a ramp breakover angle of 26°, a minimum ground clearance of 230 mm, and a maximum wading depth of up to 1,200 mm. The hardcore Hunter Lynx Edition further adds factory-fitted off-road upgrades including nitrogen dampers, an air intake snorkel, an integrated front electric winch, heavy-duty steel off-road front and rear bumpers, and a 3D high-strength radiator skid plate.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the Hunter features a 10.4-inch portrait-oriented HD infotainment touchscreen alongside a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The system integrates Migu Video, Kuwo Music, smart GPS navigation, and smartphone connectivity; it also comes standard with the new Zhiling voice command system supporting up to 253 voice functions; mobile app connectivity enables remote vehicle telematics (including remote power windows, door locking/unlocking, vehicle locator, vehicle health check, remote engine start, and climate pre-conditioning) alongside over-the-air (OTA) software updates. For comfort and convenience, all variants come standard with PEPS keyless entry with push-start ignition, electronic parking brake (EPB), cruise control, automatic climate control, auto headlamps, puddle lamps, and ambient cabin lighting. The front seats feature automatic heating elements; the front centre armrest features a cool box function doubling as an on-board mini-fridge; a 50W high-speed wireless charging pad is also fitted. The all-new Hunter Passenger Edition incorporates 59 core NVH soundproofing technologies, reducing idling noise levels down to a whisper-quiet 39 dB.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Hunter features a high-rigidity "birdcage" safety cell construction, with ultra-high-strength steel making up over 43% of the body structure, alongside side-impact beams in all four doors. The all-new Hunter Passenger Edition increases high-strength steel content to over 48%, boasting a roof crush resistance of 4.1 tonnes. Passive safety includes 4 airbags on base fuel models, while the Passenger Edition upgrades to 6 airbags (dual front, front side, and 1.72-metre full-length curtain airbags). Hunter is also among the first wave of Chinese pick-up trucks to meet Australasia's stringent ANCAP 5-star crash safety standards. On the Hunter PHEV, the traction battery is protected by a 6-layer armoured casing, offering 8 times the impact resistance of standard industry benchmarks. Active safety comes courtesy of a Bosch 9.3 Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), integrating ABS, EBD, Traction Control (TCS), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Hill Start Assist (HAS), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA); also fitted are front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree high-definition surround-view camera, EPB with Auto Hold, four-wheel disc brakes, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). For advanced driving aids, the Hunter Passenger Edition is equipped with a forward-facing monocular camera, a DMS driver monitoring camera, 2 millimetre-wave radars, 4 surround fisheye cameras, and 8 front and rear ultrasonic sensors, delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance with 18 distinct active safety features across 3 major categories.

Market Performance and Reception

Hunter has achieved strong sales traction across both domestic and global export markets. In 2025, JAC Pickup recorded global annual sales of 61,000 units, defending its second-place position industry-wide, with international export market share firmly holding second place. Hunter has since established a strong footprint across major markets including North America, Latin America, Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. In Mexico, JAC Pickup has developed a network of over 130 sales and service centres, with cumulative exports surpassing 27,000 units; total vehicle population across Latin America exceeds 50,000 units. In the first half of 2025, JAC Pickup recorded cumulative global deliveries of 32,900 units, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth. In terms of customer feedback, owners widely praise the Hunter for its rugged and commanding road presence, cavernous cabin dimensions, and punchy engine outputs; the Passenger Edition’s multi-link rear coil suspension and refined NVH insulation have also garnered positive reviews for ride comfort. However, some owners have reported teething issues, including frequent DPF regeneration cycles, engine warning lights, chassis knocks, and occasional roof water seepage. On the whole, with its distinct wide-body stance, versatile powertrain portfolio, capable 4x4 hardware, and a progressive shift towards passenger-car-like refinement and tech features, Hunter has established itself as a formidable contender in the premium Chinese pick-up truck segment.