2024 JAC T9 ute tow rating slashed ahead of delayed release: Cut price Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux rival has major specs adjusted prior to market launch

JAC confirmed its re-entry into the Australian market with the T9 ute in March 2024.  

Priced from an enticing $42,662 before on-road costs, the China-built ute boasted a benchmark 3.5-tonne braked towing capability and 1000kg payload. 

Now, ahead of the JAC (pronounced “Jack”) T9’s official release, those figures have been revised to 3.0 tonnes, losing out to the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.

Towball weight (now 300kg, down 50kg) and wading depth (650mm, down from 800mm) have also been subject to drops. The T9’s payload has increased by 45kg, though, to an impressive 1045kg. 

Additionally, the JAC T9 – which was originally expected to hit dealerships in April – has had its release pushed back to the third quarter of this year. 

“The decision to adjust the towing capacity underscores JAC’s dedication to providing accurate and reliable information to our customers and stakeholders,” says Deputy Managing Director Danny Lenartic. 

“Local testing continues and it’s pleasing to see the T9 payload capacity increase as we continue to take steps to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance meets the needs of our customers,” he added.

Compared to benchmark rivals, the JAC T9’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder is down on grunt, producing 125kW and 410Nm so it is little surprise that the 3.5-tonne figure was unrealistic. 

A close Chinese competitor, the LDV T60 Max Plus, features a twin-turbo powertrain developing 160kW and 500Nm and is still limited at 3000kg braked towing capacity. It costs $50,516 drive-away in auto guise. 

The brand also says that the extra time brought about by the delay has allowed improvements to the JAC T9’s software, dealer network expansion (apparently over 60 sites) and collaboration with aftermarket accessory manufacturers. 

In March, JAC Group Chairman Xiang Xingchu told CarsGuide the brand has spent  “100 million Australian dollars” on the T9’s Australian launch. 

This marks the second time JAC has made inroads in Australia, the first unsuccessful attempt being based on commercial vehicles, in which the brand has 60 years experience.

The JAC T9 will be available in two trims at launch both marketed as costing from less than $50,000 drive-away. The entry-level Oasis lists at $42,662 and the slightly more up-spec Haven starts at $45,630. Both are backed by a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

The diesel T9 is the first step for JAC, with local executives promising more models in the future. Some of which include an electric ute, as well as SUVs, plug-in hybrid models and even passenger cars. The goal? To become a mainstream player in the Australian market.