JAC Hunter PHEV out-powers the Ranger Raptor for under $50,000

Key takeaways

• 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV priced from $49,988 before on-roads
• 360kW output beats every PHEV ute and the Ranger Raptor
• Showroom arrivals from August 2026, 3,500kg braked towing

JAC Motors Australia has confirmed pricing for the 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV, and the numbers are hard to ignore. The plug-in hybrid dual-cab starts at $49,988 before on-road costs, which makes it the cheapest PHEV ute on sale in Australia. It also happens to be the most powerful new car you can buy for under $50,000.

That sub-$50,000 sticker undercuts the BYD Shark 6 Dynamic ($55,900 plus on-roads), the GWM Cannon Alpha Lux Hi-4T ($59,990 plus on-roads) and the Ford Ranger Hybrid XLT ($71,990 plus on-roads).

2026 JAC Hunter PHEV pricing

The range spans two grades, both running the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The most powerful new car under $50,000

JAC quotes a combined 360kW and 1010Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors, one on each axle. That tops the 350kW BYD Shark 6 Performance, the 300kW GWM Cannon Alpha and even the 292kW Ford Ranger Raptor, making the Hunter the most potent dual-cab in Australia on paper.

Energy comes from a 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, rated at up to 100km of EV-only range and a combined 1005km, both on the older NEDC standard. JAC has not quoted a 0-100km/h time yet.

Braked towing is pegged at 3,500kg, payload at 915kg, and combined fuel use at 1.6L/100km on the NEDC cycle.

Hunter Pro vs Hunter X

Both grades share the full 360kW/1010Nm drivetrain, plus a 10.4-inch touchscreen, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display and adaptive cruise control.

Stepping up to the Hunter X adds front and rear differential locks, a black styling pack, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass and a 220V rear socket. Pro buyers can option the diff locks for $1,888, while the X can add a powered sunroof for $1,500.

Tuned in Australia

Based on the diesel JAC T9, the Hunter has completed more than 100,000km of local testing covering durability, towing, load-carrying and hot-weather running. Vehicle dynamics were signed off by former Holden engineer Michael Barber, and JAC says every one of his recommendations has been built into the production car.

JAC's diesel-parity pricing gamble

The telling number is not $49,988, it is roughly $2,900. That is the gap between the Hunter Pro and the top-spec T9 Osprey X diesel it is based on, which means JAC is charging almost nothing for the move to plug-in hybrid. If JAC holds that discipline, it puts direct pressure on BYD to sharpen entry Shark 6 pricing before year's end, and it signals JAC intends to use the T9 platform to attack the segment on cost rather than badge appeal.

Reservations are open now for a refundable $1,000 deposit, with the first 1,000 buyers choosing a free home EV charger or a $500 accessories voucher. Cars reach showrooms from August 2026.

The Hunter's real test starts in August, when the first utes reach driveways and JAC's local tuning meets Australian conditions for real. Buyers holding out for a verified 0-100km/h time and independent range figures will want to see how those NEDC claims hold up on the road before signing.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV?

The Hunter Pro starts at $49,988 before on-road costs, and the Hunter X is $54,844 before on-road costs.

Is the JAC Hunter cheaper than the BYD Shark 6?

Yes. At $49,988 before on-roads, the Hunter undercuts the BYD Shark 6 Dynamic, which starts at $55,900 plus on-roads.

When does the JAC Hunter PHEV arrive in Australia?

Reservations are open now, with showroom arrivals expected from August 2026.