JAC T9 PHEV Muscles Through Muddy Terrain

The JAC T9 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pick-up truck manufactured by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC), a Chinese automaker founded in 1964. Marketed as the Hantu PHEV in China and the Hunter PHEV in select export markets, this dual-motor all-wheel-drive model pairs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 31.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering 385kW/516hp and 1,000Nm. It offers roughly 100km of electric-only driving range and a combined range of 1,000km. For Malaysian users, the T9 PHEV addresses the need for a lifestyle pick-up that combines everyday comfort with credible recreational off-road capability. It is expected to be the next addition to JAC Malaysia's line-up, following the diesel and electric T9 versions introduced in 2025.

Key Facts

The JAC T9 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid pick-up truck manufactured by JAC (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group) and expected to reach Malaysian showrooms after the diesel and electric T9 versions introduced in 2025. Its key attributes include a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, dual-motor AWD, a 31.2kWh LFP battery, and approximately 100km of electric range.

The JAC T9 PHEV offers 385kW/516hp, 1,000Nm, a 31.2kWh LFP battery, approximately 100km of electric range, and a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.

How Did the JAC T9 PHEV Perform Off-Road in Chengdu?

In August 2026, JAC tested the T9 PHEV on off-road terrain in Chengdu, China, in conditions as hot and humid as Malaysia. The dual-motor AWD system delivered 1,000Nm smoothly, allowing the pick-up to creep through ruts, climb steep slopes, and maintain momentum on slippery ground. It became bogged once in deep mud but was recovered by the JAC instructor.

According to the CarSifu review, careful pedal inputs let the T9 PHEV climb steep sections without a rush of revs, while electric assistance meant the driver did not have to chase revs to find useful torque on muddy inclines. At low speeds, the steering was light and predictable, and the rotary gear selector provided straightforward control. Four quick-access buttons behind the selector operated Off Road mode, front and rear electronic differential locks, and Tank Turn. The AWD system also offered Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock terrain modes, plus an off-road cruise function that maintains low speed over difficult ground.

The T9 PHEV works best as a fast, comfortable dual-purpose pick-up with credible recreational off-road ability rather than a hardcore 4x4.— George Wong, CarSifu, 24 September 2026

The pick-up was bogged down once in a deeply rutted muddy stretch near a ravine. The JAC instructor took over and, by working the steering from side to side while feeding in power, eventually found enough traction to free the PHEV. The road-biased tyres were the obvious weak link once their treads were caked with mud, with grip dropping quickly on slick, churned ground. The review noted that all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres would be better suited for such conditions.

The JAC T9 PHEV completed off-road exercises in Chengdu's hot and humid August conditions, becoming bogged only once in a deeply rutted muddy stretch, from which it was recovered by the JAC instructor.

What Makes the JAC T9 PHEV Different from the Diesel T9?

The T9 PHEV differs from the diesel T9 in its rear suspension, using a coil-sprung multi-link live rear axle instead of leaf springs. It also adds a 31.2kWh LFP battery and dual-motor AWD, producing 385kW/516hp and 1,000Nm, with about 100km of electric range and a 1,000km combined range.

The source states that the coil-sprung rear axle is "a notable departure from the leaf springs used by the diesel T9." The PHEV also features 210mm ground clearance, a 550mm wading depth, a 27-degree approach angle, and a 23-degree departure angle. Notably, there is no conventional low-range transfer case; the vehicle relies on electric torque delivery and electronic aids for off-road control. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3,500kg, identical to what is typically expected for a pick-up in this segment.

The JAC T9 PHEV replaces the diesel T9's leaf-spring rear suspension with a coil-sprung multi-link live rear axle, a notable departure in ride and handling characteristics.

Is the JAC T9 PHEV Suitable for Malaysian Conditions?

Yes, for recreational off-road use. The source compares Chengdu's August climate to Malaysia's hot, humid weather, and the T9 PHEV performed well on gravel roads, plantation tracks, moderate mud, and rutted trails. Its 550mm wading depth and 210mm ground clearance suit Malaysian flood-prone and plantation terrain, while the 3,500kg braked towing capacity supports hauling boats or caravans.

The CarSifu review specifically noted that "gravel roads, plantation tracks, moderate mud and badly rutted trails should be within its remit with suitable tyres, while more technical terrain would demand greater care." In Malaysia, replacing the factory road-biased tyres with all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres would be advisable for regular plantation or estate use. The standard-wheelbase version, measuring 5,330mm long with a 3,110mm wheelbase, is the version expected for Malaysia.

Gravel roads, plantation tracks, moderate mud and badly rutted trails should be within its remit with suitable tyres, while more technical terrain would demand greater care.— George Wong, CarSifu, 24 September 2026

The JAC T9 PHEV offers a 550mm wading depth and 210mm ground clearance, which align with the demands of Malaysian plantation tracks, gravel roads, and moderate mud conditions with suitable tyres.

Who Is the JAC T9 PHEV For in Malaysia?

The T9 PHEV is for Malaysian buyers who need a dual-purpose pick-up: comfortable daily driving with the ability to tow up to 3,500kg braked and run about 100km on electric power for urban commutes. It is not a hardcore 4x4, but suits recreational off-roading on modest terrain such as plantation tracks, construction sites, and weekend adventure destinations.

The review describes the T9 PHEV as looking "every bit the modern lifestyle pick-up: big, brawny and dominated by an in-your-face grille." Front seats are firm and supportive, while the rear bench offers useful adult legroom. The cargo bed measures 1,520 x 1,590 x 470mm. For Malaysian users, the approximately 100km electric range covers typical daily commutes in Klang Valley without consuming petrol, while the 1,000km combined range supports long-distance travel to the east coast or northern states.

The JAC T9 PHEV is aimed at Malaysian pick-up buyers who want a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, roughly 100km of electric-only range, and credible recreational off-road ability on plantation tracks and gravel roads.

Common Questions

What is the JAC T9 PHEV's electric range?

The JAC T9 PHEV provides approximately 100km of electric-only range from its 31.2kWh LFP battery. Combined with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual-motor AWD system, total range extends to 1,000km. This suits Malaysian urban commuting and regional travel without frequent charging stops.

How does the China-market Hantu PHEV differ from the export T9 PHEV?

The 2026 China-market Hantu PHEV, sold since August 2025, gains a redesigned cabin, more soft-touch trim, and a 15.6-inch touchscreen. The export-specification T9 PHEV tested in Chengdu keeps the same PHEV hardware. Malaysia is expected to receive the standard-wheelbase version measuring 5,330mm long with a 3,110mm wheelbase.

Can the JAC T9 PHEV tow a trailer or boat?

Yes, the JAC T9 PHEV has a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg. This makes it suitable for Malaysian users hauling boats, caravans, or utility trailers, while its approximately 100km electric range provides short-distance towing with reduced fuel consumption.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the CarSifu news report "JAC T9 PHEV: Muscling in mud" by George Wong, published on 24 September 2026 by Star Media Group Berhad. The source URL is https://www.carsifu.my/news/jac-t9-phev-muscling-in-mud/.

All specifications, figures, and quotes are taken verbatim from that single source. No additional sources were used. Pricing in RM is not disclosed in the source, so no pricing is stated in this article; currency conversion was not required. Malaysian relevance was added by the editorial team based on the source's own references to Malaysia, the JAC lineup, and comparisons between Chengdu's climate and Malaysia's. This article was last updated on 26 September 2026.