Chery KP31 ute interior revealed: premium cabin targets top of the segment

Key takeaways

• The Chery KP31 is Australia's first diesel plug-in hybrid ute, due to launch in late 2026
• Interior highlights include suede dash trim, locking differentials, crawl control and a panoramic sunroof
• A naming competition attracted more than 20,000 entries, with a shortlist coming soon

Chery has revealed the interior of its KP31 ute and it's making a strong case to shake up the dual-cab segment when it lands in Australia later this year.

The pre-production prototype shows a large central touchscreen flanked by shortcut buttons for climate and audio controls. Below the gear selector, dedicated off-road controls include high and low-range selectors, individual front, centre and rear diff locks, crawl control and a tight-turn assist function that drags the inside wheel through hairpins on loose ground.

Premium materials run throughout. Suede covers the dashboard, upper door cards and roof lining, leather wraps the seats front and rear, and green ambient lighting adds to the upmarket feel. Heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof and a premium sound system with stainless steel speaker grilles round out the feature set on what appears to be a range-topping configuration.

Chery KP31 ute rear seat and practicality

The rear cabin looks to have a genuine edge over the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, with a flat floor and what appears to be more legroom than either rival. The panoramic sunroof is an unusual inclusion for a ute and adds to the SUV-like premium positioning Chery is clearly chasing.

What we know about the KP31's powertrain

Chery hasn't confirmed full powertrain specs yet, but the diesel plug-in hybrid drivetrain uses a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine. Unverified reports from China suggest strong performance figures and up to 170km of electric-only range, though nothing is official. Confirmed figures include up to 1000kg payload and 3500kg braked towing capacity.

A petrol plug-in hybrid variant is also planned for 2027, taking aim at the BYD Shark 6.

Chery's naming competition for the KP31 closed with more than 20,000 entries. A shortlist will be announced soon, with the winner receiving the first ute delivered in Australia.

With this interior, Chery isn't just targeting a segment entry point - it's going straight for the top.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Chery KP31 ute coming to Australia?

The Chery KP31 is expected to launch in Australia in late 2026. Pricing and final specifications haven't been confirmed yet.

What makes the Chery KP31 ute unique?

It's the first ute in Australia to use a diesel plug-in hybrid drivetrain, potentially offering up to 170km of electric-only range alongside 3500kg towing capacity.

How does the Chery KP31 compare to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux?

Based on the pre-production interior reveal, the KP31 appears to offer more rear cabin space and a higher-grade interior than both the Ranger and HiLux.