Is this the future of the ute in Australia? Chery reveals the KP31 plug-in hybrid diesel-electric dual cab. It will be on-sale here this year!

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 Bruce Newton 217 Views 0 Comments Chery, Chery KP31 dual cab ute concept, KP31

Australia has hosted the international debut of a Chery ute codenamed KP31 that will arrive here in late 2026 powered by a claimed ute-world-first diesel plug-in hybrid engine.

The yet-to-be-named dual cab ute line-up will then expand to include a plug-in petrol powertrain within 12 months.

Australia will be the first export market for KP31.

While the 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel is intended to be a workhorse with a 1000kg payload and 3500kg braked towing capacity, the petrol is understood to be more of a lifestyle ute.

The diesel PHEV is expected to feature both an e-motor and the diesel engine on the front axle driving to the rear axle via a mechanical linkage.

Off-road ability will be aided by three locking diffs and low range gearing.

2026 Chery KP31. Sydney reveal, February 2026.

At this stage, EV-only running and total combined ranges have not been offered.

As is the Chery way, the intention is to price the vehicle extremely sharply against the big guns of the category such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux and take sales from them.

“Our intention is to have a highly competitive, highly capable vehicle that looks good, has all the bells and whistles, can deliver what consumers expect at a great value price,” said Lucas Harris, Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer.

“We want to sell lots of them.”

Harris also stressed the vehicle would be tuned for Australian conditions.

“It will be designed around Australia’s needs and wants; so long distance driving, towing, good payload multi-terrain use with an added emphasis on efficiency and of course capability,” he said.

“We want a vehicle that’s built to work hard, built for lifestyle built-in capability, it’s got to be tough but most importantly, ready for an electrified and intelligent future, starting right here in Australia.”

The vehicle shown in Sydney was a non-running concept but is expected to line up closely in terms of exterior and interior design with the production car.

While we can show you the exterior today, Chery has imposed a further embargo on the interior.

“We’re incredibly excited to finally reveal the KP31 ute concept vehicle, and this marks the next step in bringing it to the Australian market,” said Harris.

“It’s also riveting to be the first brand to offer a diesel PHEV in the dual-cab ute class, which will be our key point of difference compared to the competition”.

PHEV technology is almost always linked with petrol ICE technology and Chery has admitted it had to overcome technical challenges including the higher compression ratio of diesel to bring the powertrain to production.

A big incentive to develop this powertrain is tightening emissions regulations, such as Australia’s own NVES, that are designed to gradually evict diesel engines from the market.

Chery promises the diesel hybrid engine in the PHEV will have a class-leading 47 per cent thermal efficiency rate, be 10 per cent more fuel efficient than average, offer a 10 per cent weight reduction, have a 30 per cent vibration reduction and will set a noise, vibration and harshness “benchmark” for hybrid utes.

Harris agreed better fuel economy and lower emissions mean the diesel PHEV could remain on-sale under the NVES regime longer than orthodox diesels, which start to be penalised more and more heavily from 2027.

This would be great news for off-road adventurers and towers in particular, who appreciate the pulling power and economy diesel delivers compared to petrol engines or EVs, the latter yet to make any meaningful headway in this part of the market.

“I think the obvious answer is yes, because hybrids and particularly plug-in hybrids are much better in terms of producing emissions,” said Harris. “So obviously it’s going to extend its life beyond ice diesel engines.

“NVES is not really a great consideration frankly speaking. The reason why we choose hybrid and plug-in hybrid for all of our models really – and some models will only be available with those powertrains – is it just simply delivers a much better driving experience.

“If we can have a reasonably priced vehicle with a superior driving experience, well why would we bother with an inferior experience?”

The KP31 concept measures 5610mm long, 1920mm wide and 1925mm tall, while the production ute will be slightly shorter with a length of 5450mm.

Visual features of the concept include large Chery lettering at the front and rear, a snorkel, chunky 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres, a tub rack with 4×4 recovery tracks and matte grey paint.

The accessories are more than just a dress-up for the concept, because Chery is guaranteeing the production KP31 will be launched with a full range of add-ons.

This is critical for novated lease buyers who want to package accessories into the purchase price.

Not being able to deliver a full range of accessories has hurt some other recent ute models launching in the Australian market.

A sub-one tonne version will so be available for novated lease purchases.

The ute is also designed so the tub cam be removed and replace dby otjher options such as drop-side tray, a flat deck or lockable tool chest. But a cab chassis variant is unlikely.

“Our product position is built around two key segments, the first being family and business dual purpose users,” said Harros.

“So that’s daily commuting family comfort, real cargo handling capability for work, a bit of a do-it-all vehicle.

“Off-road leisure users is the second, where off road adventure touring, camping where capability is really important and lifestyle also matters to them.

“So by combining electrification and intelligence we aim to reinvent the ute buyers experience.

“More efficient, smoother, quieter and at the same time stronger more controllable and more confident.

“This is what we mean by creating a new benchmark for new energy and intelligent utes.”