JAC Motors Australia has opened reservations for the 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV, confirming a starting price below $50,000 before on-road costs.

The plug-in hybrid 4X4 ute will be positioned below the 2026 BYD Shark 6 on entry price, based on current list pricing for BYD’s electrified ute range.

JAC says the Hunter PHEV will offer 360kW of total system output, 3500kg braked towing capacity and a 915kg payload across the range.

Those figures put it directly into the growing plug-in hybrid ute segment, where the 2026 BYD Shark 6, 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T (PHEV) and 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV are part of the broader competitive set.

The 2026 BYD Shark 6 range starts at $55,900 before on-road costs for the Dynamic Cab Chassis, while the upcoming Shark 6 Performance is listed at $62,900 before on-road costs and brings a 3500kg braked towing rating.

The 2026 GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, or from $61,490 driveaway depending on state, with a 3500kg braked towing rating and 685kg payload listed in available reference material.

JAC’s announcement follows the local reveal covered in JAC Electric, Plug-In Hybrid Utes Debut in Melbourne, where the Hunter was shown alongside an electric JAC T9 ute.

The Hunter PHEV uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with dual electric motors.

JAC has also confirmed a 31.2kWh LFP battery, 4WD, front and rear differential locks and vehicle-to-load capability.

Claimed combined range is up to 1005km, based on NEDC fuel and energy consumption testing.

Claimed combined fuel consumption is 1.6L/100km on the NEDC cycle.

As with all plug-in hybrid fuel consumption claims, real-world use will depend heavily on charging habits, load, towing and driving conditions.

The JAC Hunter PHEV has also achieved a 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating.

Reservations open at 5pm AEST on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 via the JAC website.

JAC says the first 1000 customers who reserve and take delivery of a Hunter PHEV will receive an exclusive offer, though full offer details were not included in the supplied announcement.

The company says the Hunter completed a 50,000km local validation program under its Project: No Shortcuts testing program.

JAC says that testing included extreme heat, heavy rain, rough unsealed roads and long-distance touring in Australia.

"Our focus was simple, deliver a truly work ready ute with class leading power, serious towing capability and outstanding efficiency, without the premium price tag," said Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director, JAC Motors Australia.

"With Hunter, we’re giving Australian buyers everything they’ve been asking for and more, at a price point that changes the conversation."

Further Australian details, including full grade walk, equipment lists, delivery timing and final driveaway pricing, are still to be confirmed.

2026 JAC Hunter Pricing

JAC has announced the Hunter PHEV will start from under $50,000 MSRP.

This is not a driveaway price and excludes on-road costs.

Full grade-by-grade pricing has not yet been released.

• 2026 JAC Hunter PHEV 4X4 - under $50,000 MSRP, excluding on-road costs
• Reservations open - 5pm AEST, Tuesday 5 May 2026
• First 1000 reservation holders who take delivery - exclusive offer confirmed, details not yet specified

2026 JAC Hunter Specifications

Hunter PHEV 4X4

• Starts from under $50,000 MSRP, excluding on-road costs
• 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine
• Dual electric motors
• 360kW total system output
• 31.2kWh LFP battery
• 4WD
• Front and rear differential locks
• 3500kg braked towing capacity
• 915kg payload
• Up to 1005km claimed combined range, NEDC
• 1.6L/100km claimed combined fuel use, NEDC
• Vehicle-to-load capability
• 50,000km Australian validation program completed