By Max Lodewyk
The JAC T9 marks the Chinese automaker’s boldest entry yet into the fiercely competitive one-tonne bakkie segment. With muscular styling, a suite of modern features and a price tag that dramatically undercuts most mainstream rivals, the T9 aims to offer value without compromise. In the words of JAC Motors themselves:
“The stylishly designed T9 isn’t just a bakkie; it’s a lifestyle—a fusion of power, advanced safety and luxurious comfort, delivering the complete lifestyle experience.â€
Exterior – Rugged and Modern
Available in four variants—the CTI Lux (4×2 and 4×4) and the Super Lux (also in 4×2 and 4×4), the T9 strikes a commanding presence on the road. Its bold grille, reminiscent of Bane’s mask from The Dark Knight Rises, is flanked by slim LED daytime running lights and auto-levelling LED headlights. Muscular wheel arches, high ground clearance and standard side steps add to its tough yet modern appeal.
The T9 is kitted with striking 18-inch alloy wheels, setting it apart visually from more conservative rivals within JAC’s bakkie range. It certainly looks the part and doesn’t look out of place parked next to the segment’s top-sellers.
Interior – Upscale Feel at a Lower Price
Step into the T9’s cabin and you’ll be surprised by how far your money goes.
Leather seats, a 10.4-inch portrait-style infotainment screen and a fully digital instrument cluster elevate the in-cabin experience. With soft-touch materials and piano black trim, the T9 punches above its weight in terms of perceived quality, bearing strong design cues reminiscent of the GWM P-Series and Ford Ranger.
Rear legroom is generous, comfortably seating five adults, while the features list is extensive:
• Multi-function leather steering wheel
• Cruise control
• Wireless charging
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Climate control
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Six-speaker sound system
• Sunroof and roof rails (Super Lux)
• Electric parking brake
• Selectable 4WD with low range
• Rear differential lock
• 64-colour ambient lighting
• Soft-touch dashboard
Performance and Engine
The T9 offered locally is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine delivering a 125 kW of power and 410 Nm of torque. Mated to a refined 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the T9 offers smooth gear shifts and sufficient low-end torque for cruising. Although not the most powerful in its class, it strikes a fair balance between performance and efficiency and JAC claims a combined fuel consumption
of 7.8L/100 km from the 76-litre tank.
Off-Road Capability
Off-road credentials include:
• 210 mm ground clearance
• 800 mm wading depth
• Hill Descent Control
• Selectable 4WD with rear diff lock
The T9 also offers a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg and a payload rating of approximately 1,000 kg, making it a capable workhorse both on and off the beaten track.
Safety Features
JAC has equipped the T9 with a generous suite of safety features:
• ABS, EBD, Brake Overide System, Hydraulic Brake Assist, ESC, and
Traction control
• Hill-start Hold Control (HHC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Auto door lock and child safety lock
• Reverse camera and front/rear parking sensors
• 360° view camera (Super Lux only)
The absence of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking may however be a sticking point for safety-conscious buyers in 2025.
Warranty and Service Plan
Buyers benefit from a solid after-sales support package:
• 5-year/200,000 km warranty
• 5-year/100,000 km service plan
• Service intervals every 15,000 km (first service at 10,000 km)
Pricing (As of June 2025)
T9 2.0 CTI Lux Automatic 4×2 – N$549,900
T9 2.0 CTI Super Lux Automatic 4×4 – N$659,900
These numbers are significantly lower, by over N$200,000 in some cases than comparable models from the legacy brands and position the T9 as a compelling alternative to the GWM P-Series.
Verdict
The JAC T9 enters the local market as a well-equipped, competitively priced contender. While it may not yet match the brand recognition or dealership network of more established rivals, it makes a strong impression with its design, features, and overall value, evident in the growing number of T9’s seen on our roads.
Therefore, if you’re after a modern double cab that stretches your dollars further without sacrificing comfort or capability, the JAC T9 is very much worth a test drive.
*Max Lodewyk is a motoring enthusiast. Youtube: maxlodewyk_na, Tiktok: maxlodewyk_na
