Chery Stockman ute nears Australian launch
Chinese carmaker Chery is edging closer to launching its first 4x4 dual-cab ute in Australia, powered by what it claims will be the world’s first plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain.
Dubbed the Stockman – following an online naming competition that resurrected a nameplate formerly used locally by Suzuki on variants of its rugged, lightweight Sierra 4x4 – the diesel-PHEV ute is scheduled to launch late this year, with a petrol-powered variant joining the lineup in 2027.
Premcar conducting local testing and development
Before then, the Stockman is undergoing local testing and validation by leading Australian OEM automotive engineering company Premcar, which boasts 30 years of experience in engineering, testing and developing new vehicles for Australian conditions.
A statement from Chery said Melbourne-based Premcar – which was also involved in development of rivals the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton – is assessing the Stockman’s ride and handling tuning before its local release.
The Stockman’s Diesel Super Hybrid powertrain is a unique propulsion system, with most other carmakers, including industry giant Toyota, preferring to use petrol engines for hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) applications.
Why plug-in hybrid diesel utes are rare
- The reasons for this are complex but include:
- Expense, given that diesel engines are already more costly to build than petrol.
- Marginal fuel benefit, given that diesels are already quite fuel-efficient.
- The strong low-rev torque characteristics of diesels which diminishes the value of electric motor augmentation.
- The need to keep a diesel running to maintain high temperatures in their exhaust after-treatment systems (DPF), rather than stopping and starting in traffic as a hybrid does.
Overseas model.
Chery’s diesel super hybrid powertrain explained
Despite these challenges Chery has stepped into the unique marketing opportunities presented by a diesel PHEV and developed the Stockman’s so-called Diesel Super Hybrid powertrain.
The company claims the powertrain, which combines a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with the hybrid electric components, has been designed to deliver the benefits of electrification without compromising the towing, payload and off-road performance required of a dual-cab 4x4 ute.
The diesel-electric powertrain produces a combined 350kW/800Nm, making it one of the most powerful electrified utes in its class. By way of comparison, the recently upgraded BYD Shark 6 Performance with its 2.0-litre petrol turbo four-cylinder engine and dual-motor hybrid system develops 350kW/700Nm.
Power, electric range and performance claims
The Stockman also promises to match or perhaps exceed the BYD’s 80km (WLTP) of battery-electric range, boasting a claimed 100km of electric-only driving range, albeit on the less stringent NEDC cycle.
Elsewhere, Chery’s new ute looks to have the on-paper specifications to match it with other electrified utes including the Toyota HiLux BEV, Ford Ranger PHEV and the Shark 6 PHEV.
Chery Stockman towing, off-road and chassis specifications
The Stockman boasts a category-competitive 3,500kg braked towing capacity, underpinned by a strong ladder-frame chassis, along with double wishbone front suspension and heavy-duty rear leaf spring suspension.
Ground clearance of 247mm is superior to the HiLux BEV’s 218mm while chunky 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres promise to aid the 4x4’s performance in challenging terrain; likewise the fitment of individually selectable front, centre and rear differential locks.
Overseas model.
Dimensions and cargo tub capacity
Dimensionally, the Stockman measures 5,450mm long, by 2,010mm wide, and 1890mm tall, while riding on a 3,250mm wheelbase, making it similar in size to the best-selling Ford Ranger.
The cargo tub measures 1,560mm (L) x 1,560mm (W) x 500mm (H), which again is comparable with key rivals and should provide plenty of space for work equipment and recreational gear.
Chery’s growing presence in Australia’s ute market
The launch of the Stockman will give Chery a player in one of Australia’s most important new vehicle segments, with the brand already making big inroads this year and last thanks to its rapidly expanding SUV range.
Chery notched up 34,889 sales in 2025, an increase of almost 177% on 2024 and as at July this year had grown sales by a further 46.6% compared to the prior period.
The brand’s July sales total of 4,615 units were led by the Chery Tiggo 4 with 2156 sales, making it the country’s sixth best-selling car. When combined with the 2,135 sales of its Omoda Jaecoo offshoot, the Chery Group was the fourth highest-selling automotive group in Australia during July 2026.
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