Toyota HiLux vs JAC T9 UTE
What's the difference?

Toyota HiLux

$33,990 - $82,990

2026 price

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JAC T9 UTE

$42,662 - $45,630

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Toyota HiLux

2026 JAC T9 UTE

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Diesel

Electric range

315 km

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Energy consumption

20.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

59.20 kWh

Seating

Likes

Zero tailpipe emissions
Silent powertrain
Zippy response

Low price
Warranty/service
Strong engine braking

Dislikes

High price
Short driving range
Limited GVM/GCM ratings

3200kg towing
Driver distraction monitor
No steering wheel reach adjustment

2026 Toyota HiLux Summary

Toyota claims its first HiLux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) has been designed primarily with mining, business and government fleet customers in mind, by combining the iconic ute’s 4x4 all-terrain capability with zero tailpipe emissions only a full-electric drivetrain can deliver.

To prove its suitability for harsh Aussie conditions, Toyota claims the HiLux BEV has undergone more than two years of testing on site with major mining companies, covering thousands of kilometres in ambient temperatures up to 50 degrees.

We recently sampled the HiLux BEV as a daily driver in metropolitan use, to see if its mining-focused credentials translate to being a practical alternative to traditional diesel power for tradies working in busy urban environments.

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2026 JAC T9 UTE Summary

Although Chinese manufacturer JAC Motors (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Company Ltd) is a relatively new player in Australia’s 4x4 ute market, it has more than six decades of experience in automotive design and production and is one of China’s largest exporters of utes and other light commercials.

Its local T9 range of 4x4 dual cab utes launched in 2024 has recently expanded to include a cab-chassis variant, given company estimates that around 60 per cent of its tradie audience customise their vehicles. So, in offering what JAC calls a ‘blank canvas’ for T9 buyers, the cab-chassis provides an ideal platform for installation of a custom-made tray or other service body to suit specific owner requirements.

We recently put this new work-focused model to the test from a tradie’s perspective to see if it has the credentials to be a compelling alternative to its many rivals.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota HiLux 2026 JAC T9 UTE

Verdict

Given the HiLux BEV was developed in close cooperation with mining companies, its relatively short driving range appears tailor-made for that role given the daily driving distances (typically around 150km or less) in underground and open-cut mining operations. However, determining if our SR5 test vehicle is equally well suited to urban tradie duties would require careful analysis of driving range and payload/towing requirements, to determine if its emissions-free high purchase price can be justified.

Verdict

The JAC T9 Tradepro is not only tailor-made for ute owners who like to fit custom-made trays or service bodies but also comes with an enticing sub-$40K purchase price, one tonne payload, three tonne-plus towing, generous warranty/service package and five-star ANCAP safety. In summary, it's a bargain for tradies on a budget.

Toyota HiLux vs JAC T9 UTE What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota HiLux vs JAC T9 UTE
What's the difference?