The world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid ute is heading Kiwi-side, and it’s set to shake up the dual-cab market.
After months of anticipation, Chery has confirmed what Antipodean ute enthusiasts have been waiting to hear: the highly anticipated KP31 is officially coming to New Zealand. The production model will touch down in Q1 2027, arriving as a remarkably faithful interpretation of the stunning KP31 concept that turned heads at Chery Australia’s Hybrid showcase event in Sydney earlier this year.
A World First on Four Wheels
Here’s where things get interesting. The KP31 will be the world’s first ute to feature a plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain, a genuine point of difference in a market increasingly dominated by petrol PHEV options and traditional diesel rigs.
Under the bonnet sits a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine paired with electric motivation, delivering class-leading thermal efficiency rated at 47% while proving 10% more fuel efficient compared to the average diesel powertrain. The numbers tell a compelling story. You’re looking at a competitive 1000kg payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity, respectable figures that won’t leave tradies or weekend warriors shortchanged.
But perhaps most impressively, NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels have been a major focus, with the production version providing a 30% vibration reduction compared to the average diesel powertrain. For those spending long hours behind the wheel, that’s a genuinely meaningful upgrade.
“We’re incredibly excited to confirm our ute will be coming to the New Zealand market,” said Lucas Harris, Chery AUS & NZ Chief Operating Officer. “It’s riveting to be the first brand to offer a diesel PHEV in the dual-cab ute class, which will be our key point of difference compared to the competition.”
Concept to Production – What Changes?
Visually, the KP31 concept commands attention with large Chery lettering front and rear, a snorkel, chunky 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres, a tub rack with 4×4 recovery tracks, and matte grey paint that screams purpose. The concept measures 5610mm long, 1920mm wide, and 1925mm tall, but the production ute will be slightly more compact with a length of 5450mm.A petrol PHEV powertrain will also join the line-up later in 2027, giving buyers options depending on their fuel preferences and local availability.
The Name Game
Back in Australia, Chery recently held “The Great Australian Chery Ute Naming Competition,” which received over 20,000 submissions, proof positive that enthusiasm for this ute runs deep. Nine names were shortlisted: Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, STOCKMAN, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra, and Mate. (Our suggestion of Kylie obviously went amiss).
More details and the official name will be revealed soon. While we wait to see what badge adorns New Zealand’s incoming PHEV utes, one thing’s certain, Chery has crafted something genuinely disruptive. In a market where diesel still dominates the ute segment, a class-leading, vibration-reduced, remarkably efficient plug-in hybrid option is revolutionary.
The KP31 arrives in Q1 2027. Mark your calendars.
