Chery confirm PHEV diesel ute for NZ launch in 2027

Chery has officially confirmed its first dual-cab ute will be launched in New Zealand, with the Chinese brand targeting a local arrival during the first quarter of 2027.

Currently known by its KP31 codename, the production ute was first previewed by a concept revealed at Chery's hybrid showcase event in Sydney earlier this year.

The newcomer will become the first production ute globally to offer a diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, giving Chery a unique point of difference in an increasingly crowded ute segment.

PHEV utes currently on offer in New Zealand, including the Ford Ranger Hybrid, GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6, pair a petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) teamed with electric motor/s and a battery.

Chery have confirmed the diesel-electric system will pair a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with plug-in hybrid technology, with the powertrain delivering a claimed thermal efficiency of 47 per cent.

According to the automaker, the setup will be 10 per cent more fuel-efficient than a conventional diesel powertrain while retaining the capability expected by ute buyers.

Payload is targeted at 1000kg, while braked towing capacity is expected to be 3500kg.

The company also claims the production ute will deliver a 30 per cent reduction in vibration levels compared with a conventional diesel powertrain, addressing one of the traditional drawbacks of diesel-powered vehicles.

"We're incredibly excited to confirm our ute will be coming to the New Zealand market," said Chery Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer Lucas Harris.

"It's 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."

The production model is expected to closely resemble the rugged concept shown in Sydney, which featured prominent Chery lettering front and rear, a snorkel, 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres, a tub rack, recovery tracks and a matte grey finish.

While the concept measured 5610mm long, 1920mm wide and 1925mm tall, Chery says the production version will be slightly shorter at 5450mm long.

The ute will enter a segment that is rapidly embracing electrification. Chery previously told CarExpert NZ its diesel PHEV system would offer advantages over petrol plug-in hybrid rivals, particularly for towing and long-distance driving, while avoiding some of the fuel consumption penalties often associated with petrol-electric ute powertrains.

A petrol plug-in hybrid variant is also planned, though it won't join the lineup until later in 2027.

The official name of the ute remains under wraps, though Chery recently narrowed a public naming competition to nine finalists.

More than 20,000 entries were submitted in Australia, with the shortlist comprising Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Stockman, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate.

Chery has previously confirmed the winning name will be adopted across both Australia and New Zealand, with an announcement expected in the coming months.

The KP31 will become Chery's first ute globally and is expected to play a key role in the brand's expansion across New Zealand and Australia, where dual-cab utes remain among the market's most popular vehicle types.