JAC T9 UTE vs Gac Emzoom

What's the difference?

The number of Chinese players in Australia’s 4x4 ute market continues to rise, with BYD, GWM and LDV recently joined by JAC Motors (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd) with its T9 offering.

Although unfamiliar to most Aussies, JAC has more than six decades of experience in Chinese automotive design and manufacture, starting in 1964 as a domestic truck maker before diversifying into passenger vehicles, utes and minivans. It now exports to 132 countries.

We recently assessed the new T9 from a tradie’s perspective, to see if it has the credentials needed to become a serious player in the local 4x4 ute market for budget-priced utes.

GAC might still be a new name to a lot of Aussie new car buyers, but the Emzoom Luxury isn’t here to quietly blend in. It’s sharply styled, keenly priced and carries just enough attitude to turn a few heads - which is a good start in a crowded small SUV segment.

It also keeps things simple. There’s just the one trim level on offer locally, and it comes in swinging against some well-established rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Premium, Kia Seltos Sport+ and MG ZS Vibe Turbo.

But standing out on paper is one thing, backing it up with enough personality to stay interesting over time is another.