The new JAC T9 is a highly capable ute, complete with state of the art driver assists and upmarket refinement, but it won’t break the bank to own it.
The JAC Motors T9 ute has already made its mark across Australia, South Africa, Asia, and South America, however, even with a proven track record, JAC weren’t going to launch it here until it could prove itself in the tough and unique Kiwi conditions.
Now, after extensive testing on New Zealand’s varying roads and terrain, the T9 has officially landed on Kiwi shores, and it’s here to challenge the status quo in the highly competitive ute segment. JAC Motors makes no secret of their ambition, they want the T9 to be the “jack (JAC)-of-all-trades” ute for New Zealanders.
The T9’s global success and JAC’s long- standing reputation for reliable vehicles gave the brand confidence in its entry into the NZ market. However, representing the same values that earned them trust internationally wasn’t enough. As JAC NZ emphasised, they wanted to be certain that the T9 was more than just globally competitive, it had to truly meet the needs of Kiwi drivers, from tradies to adventurers.
To achieve that, JAC invited dealers (the brand’s harshest internal critics) to get behind the wheel and give unfiltered opinions on the ute. The overwhelming response was positive, giving the team assurance they had the right product for New Zealand buyers. With a balance of rugged performance, modern features, and value-packed pricing, the T9 is poised to be an appealing new consideration for Kiwi ute buyers.
JAC T9 buyers will be greeted with no confusing line-up of trims or specs, just one high-spec option, designed to tick all the boxes. The ute features a 2.0-litre, fourth-generation diesel engine, delivering 125kW of power and 410Nm of torque. With a three-tonne towing capacity and one-tonne payload.
While some may question a 2.0-litre engine in a segment traditionally dominated by larger displacements, JAC notes that this engine size is now the best-seller in the New Zealand ute market, representing about a third of all sales. The T9’s unit, refined over four generations, is backed by reputable components like a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, Bosch electronics, a BorgWarner transfer case, Garrett turbocharger, and more. All of this ensures buyers are getting tried-and-true durability and performance that inspires confidence.
From smooth highway cruising to rugged off-roading, the T9 offers selectable on-the-fly 4WD, a locking rear differential, hill descent control, three driving modes, and a heavy-duty sprayed liner bed for load protection. The ute also achieves impressive corrosion resistance, with galvanised steel panels, wax-filled cavities, and a durable zinc content of around 40 percent, making it a strong fit for New Zealand’s sometimes punishing weather conditions.
Rough and ready on the outside, the JAC T9 brings a surprising level of comfort and advanced tech to the table on the inside. Among its standout features are leather upholstery with heated and electrically adjustable seats, ambient lighting (which can sync with your music), and a long list of driver and passenger convenience features. There’s Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and an impressive seven charging ports, including a 240V outlet in the rear cabin for added versatility.
Storage is also a winner in the T9. From oversized cup holders that can accommodate massive water bottles to a drink cooler or ‘pie warmer’ space, the features have been designed with real-world users in mind.
The latest high-tech safety features are also packaged in as standard. JAC prioritised advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), achieving a five-star ANCAP safety rating for 2024. The ute boasts 27 safety features, including seven airbags (such as a segmentleading front centre airbag between the driver and front passenger). Key safety technology includes blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, emergency lane-keeping, autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse), traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Perhaps the most standout feature of the JAC T9 is its ability to provide so much for so little. JAC Motors is positioning the ute as a “performance ute for apprentice pricing,” offering significant savings compared to entry-level models from the segment’s more established rivals, all while delivering a superior specification.
Fuel efficiency is another strong area for the T9, with what they call class-leading figures that make it up to 10 percent more fuel-efficient than some of the market’s most popular options. Combined with aggressive pricing that undercuts most NZ utes, the T9 offers unparalleled bang for your buck in terms of both running costs and upfront costs. JAC has also backed the T9 with a classcompetitive five-year/200,000km warranty, giving buyers confidence in the ute’s longevity. The brand’s growing dealer network and partnership with Southpac ensures their vehicles will be supported with aftersales service throughout New Zealand.
After having some time behind the wheel, it’s clear that the JAC T9 delivers on its promise of excellent value and flexibility for Kiwi buyers. It’s a solid contender for anyone needing a workhorse ute that doesn’t compromise on interior comfort or advanced tech. On-road, the T9 handled itself admirably, with smooth gear changes from the ZF transmission and enough torque (125kW of power and 410Nm of torque) to handle hills and overtaking with ease.
It does come with a few eyebrow raisers, the ADAS system is rather naggy, the keyless entry requires the key to be VERY close, the steering wheel isn’t telescopic, the side steps are too smooth and the tailgate is rather heavy. But for anyone comparing options in the dual-cab ute market, the JAC T9 not only enters the segment with confidence but may redefine what Kiwi ute buyers expect from an affordable price bracket.
JAC says they have the T9 ready right now and the price tag is a mere $49,990+orc.
