If there was any doubt that China’s ute makers were coming for the stale legacy brands, Chery has just provided yet another reminder.
The new Stockman is another dual-cab trying to take sales from Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. It’s a driveline that legacy brands have talked about for years but have not, and now have missed the boat.
Like most Chinese new energy drivelines, Chery‘s Super Hybrid system has an angine and a motor and a battery, but instead of petrol they’ve gone for Diesel. You get a turbo diesel under the bonnet, enough battery capacity for up to 100km of electric-only driving, and performance figures that even the current V8 Americans can’t match.
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ABOVE: The 2026 Stockman
That timing further backs the fact that Australian buyers are already showing they’re prepared to look past the usual suspects. BYD Shark 6 has shown us all that there is demand for plug-in hybrid utes, while sales of long-time favourites such as HiLux and Ranger are sliding on an industrial size banana skin. At the same time, Tesla’s Model Y has topped Australia’s sales charts for a second month on the trot, confirming motorists are becoming far more comfortable with electrified drivetrains than some industry dinosaurs predicted.
The times they are a changin’.
Chinese manufacturers have recognised something that Japanese and American brands have churned out the same dross for ages. By promising improvement, they’ve delivered business as usual, and the new entries are having none of it
That starts inside the cabin.
Although Chery is keeping plenty of interior details under wraps until closer to launch, early images suggest the Stockman follows the path already established by BYD, GWM and other Chinese brands. Lashings of tech with large digital displays, and contemporary design with cleaner dashboards and a tidier look on consoles and doors. The design and technology look like it belongs in 2026 rather than 2006.
Compare that with many stale and predictable established dual cabs and the difference is difficult to brush off. Despite regular updates, Japanese utes still have cabins that have barely changed since the naughties. They remain practical, but dull as ditch water. Buyers increasingly expect their work vehicle to double as the family car, holiday tourer and daily commuter. That means comfort, technology and presentation are important and always were.
The driveline could be the nail in the coffins full of legacy complacently.
Chery’s 2.5-litre turbo diesel combines with its Super Hybrid for a shouty 350kW and 800Nm. That leaves the 150kw clunkers in a cloud of smugness, and more importantly it delivers something ute buyers already understand.
Electric motors provide instant torque, making the ute smoother and more responsive from the moment you breathe on the accelerator. The diesel engine then takes over for long-distance touring, towing and regional driving where fuel types and range remain important. A farmer will always have a fill of diesel handy. Modern farmers will also be making their own power.
Instead of asking customers to abandon diesel, Chery has simply made diesel feel better.
Toyota, Ford and several other manufacturers have recently added electrified drivetrains, but none has managed to generate more than a casual glance. Useless mild hybrids haven’t changed the game and full battery-electric utes continue to face questions over towing range and charging infrastructure. Chinese manufacturers have found the sweet spot. Plug-in hybrid systems for smooth, effortless feel of an EV while keeping the familiarity and long-distance capability buyers are still very much manacled to.
Drive to work on electricity during the week. Hook up the caravan or horse float on Friday afternoon, fill the diesel tank and head into the bush without worrying about finding a fast charger every few hundred kilometres.
The Stockman comes with the obligatory 3,500kg braked towing capacity, heavy-duty rear leaf springs, double wishbone front suspension, individually selectable front, centre and rear differential locks, standard all-terrain tyres and at least 247mm of ground clearance. Chery has pointed the Stockman in the direction of the great outback, the pulled the trigger.
Stretching 5,450mm long with a 3,250mm wheelbase, it sits alongside Australia’s biggest dual-cab contenders. A cargo tub measuring 1,560mm square is plenty for most.
Original Chinese utes fell apart, but no longer. They aren’t relying only on lower prices to win buyers, but pricing will ultimately determine how disruptive the Stockman becomes when it arrives in the final quarter of 2026. If Chery gets that right, Toyota, Ford et al could find themselves with a severe case of gas. Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi have all acknowledged their inability to compete, and the sales figures suggest competition is heading down the track leaving an increasing number of legacy lumps on lots.
More Chery Stories
- Toyota BYD Tesla Fight For Australia’s Sales Crown
- 2026 Chery Stockman Saves Us From Mate The Ute Name
- Lepas L6 Lands To Chase Tesla and BYD
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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