China Built The Bronco Pickup Ford Won’t

Chinese automaker Chery is lining up an assault on the fiercely contested midsize pickup segment with a new ladder-frame model due in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2026. Previewed by the KP31 ute concept, the rugged newcomer is aimed squarely at the best-selling Ford Ranger and promises a segment-first diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain option.

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The KP31 is distinct from the earlier KP11 concept that evolved into the Himla sub-brand, as well as the more recent T1TP SUV and pickup hybrid from the same company. Instead, it adopts a boxier silhouette and tougher styling cues, echoing the look of the Jetour Traveller SUV.

A Boxier Take On The Midsize Pickup

Up front, round LED headlights sit alongside three position lights integrated into the grille above an off-road bumper. From certain angles, the upright proportions and squared-off detailing give it a Bronco-with-a-bed vibe, with a hint of Land Cruiser toughness mixed in.

The concept rides on beadlock wheels wrapped in chunky 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres and is finished in a matte gray shade. It also features a snorkel and a bed rack fitted with recovery tracks. Expect a slightly toned-down look for even the high-spec versions of the production model.

The KP31 was showcased at a special event in Sydney, Australia. It is based on a ladder-frame chassis and measures 5,610 mm (220.9 inches) long, 1,920 mm (75.6 inches) wide, and 1,925 mm (75.8 inches) tall. However, Chery said that the production model will be slightly shorter at 5,450 mm (214.6 inches), placing it in the heart of the midsize pickup segment.

Segment-First Diesel PHEV Option

More importantly, the KP31 will be the first pickup with a plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain option. At its core is a 2.5-liter turbodiesel that promises to be 10% more efficient than a typical unit while cutting vibrations by 30%. The result should be stronger efficiency and added flexibility, including limited electric-only driving capability.

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Chery has confirmed a payload of 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) and a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes (7,716 lbs), figures that align with conventional diesel midsize pickups and exceed those of most PHEVs. It is also expected to offer a 4WD system with front, center, and rear locking differentials, along with selectable drive modes.

While the truck will launch with the diesel PHEV in late 2026, a gasoline PHEV will join the lineup in 2027. Competitors already offering plug-in hybrid options include the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha, and the Ford Ranger.

Local Tuning, Global Aspirations

Peter Matkin, Chery’s Chief Engineer for International Programs, told Australian outlet CarExpert that the truck’s chassis will receive market-specific tuning.

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According to Matkin, it will “definitely have some adaptation to support the Australian market, including testing and so on,” and that this local setup could serve as a template for other regions, including South Africa and South America. He also suggested a European launch is possible, noting that “rugged looking cars get a lot of attention overseas.”

Chery