2026 Pickup Shakeup

New Entrants

So, here’s what’s been buzzing in the international auto scene – fresh off the production line, the JAC Hunter and Foton Tunland pickups are shaking things up! These trucks have debuted in Australia, setting the stage for some exciting competition in the global market. If some of these rigs ever made their way across the Pacific, they’d certainly raise some eyebrows, especially with what they’ve got under the hood.

JAC Hunter

JAC Motors has hit the ground running with the Hunter. It’s built on the company’s T9 platform, but think of it as the beefed-up version. The truck sports a sharp look with blacked-out accents and flared fenders, ready to rub shoulders with tough rivals such as the Ford Ranger Raptor. But it isn’t just about looks; there’s a hybrid heart pumping mighty power in there.

Hybrid Power

The Hunter packs a punch with a 2.0-liter turbo engine paired with dual electric motors, one on each axle. Combined, they deliver a hefty 516 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. To put that into perspective – the BYD Shark has 430 horsepower, and the Ford Ranger Raptor stands at 391 horsepower in Australia. So, what JAC offers here is no joke. It also features a 31.2 kWh battery allowing for about 62 miles of silent, all-electric cruising.

Foton Tunland

Foton is usually known for its big commercial trucks, but now it’s stepping into the pickup truck game with the Tunland V7 and V9. These full-size pickups aim to bring some serious grit to the mix, trying to blend everyday practicality with rugged capability.

Tunland Specs

Under the hood, these trucks carry a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. They give out 161 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which might seem modest but is enough to tackle most jobs thrown their way. The V7 is the straightforward workhorse, whereas the V9 adds a splash of comfort with more sophisticated suspension to smooth out those bumps.

Ride and Feel

From what’s been shared so far, the JAC Hunter seems aimed at those who want both performance and efficiency. It offers a seamless transition from electric to hybrid power, making everyday driving a cinch. The Tunland, with its no-nonsense ethos, seems like it would do well for those favoring robustness and simplicity, especially in commercial uses. If compared in a drag race, the JAC with its hybrid might take the lead, but the Tunland could outlast with its diesel persistence.

Overall, these new models from JAC and Foton represent an exciting shift toward broadening options in the truck market. They reflect the ambitions of Chinese manufacturers to make their mark on international shores, whether in Australia, South America, or one day perhaps closer to home. Whether they’d find fans on American roads is another story, given our long-standing love affairs with trucks like the Ford F-150.