Chinese automakers keep pushing into segments that used to be dominated by familiar names. One upcoming pickup concept, just shown off in Sydney, could shake up the midsize truck space in a way few expected. It’s called the KP31, and Chery is pitching something the segment hasn’t really seen before: a diesel-powered plug-in hybrid. And as Americans warm up to the idea of Chinese cars, the chances of Chinese automakers coming to the US are increasing by the day. Perhaps the KP31 will have the opportunity to go head-to-head with the likes of the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.A New Rival For America’s Favorite Midsize Trucks For many buyers, midsize pickups like the upcoming Ram Dakota are exactly what they need. It’s smaller than a full-size truck like the Ford F-150, doesn't cost a fortune, and still does cliche truck things like hauling and going off-road. The KP31 aims directly at that formula. It rides on a ladder-frame chassis and shares similar dimensions to the Ranger, with a tough, upright design that embraces a retro design language. It comes fitted with a snorkel, all-terrain tires, and a tub ruck. And its round headlights and boxy proportions remind us of both the new Toyota FJ Cruiser and Land Cruiser. Its silhouette also reminds us of another plug-in hybrid Chinese pickup that's already on sale in Mexico, the BYD Shark 6.The First Diesel Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Hardcore truck fanatics dream about having diesel power come back to the modern age. While there's talk of Stellantis retaining some diesel-powered models in Europe, the majority of the segment has died off. That said, the Chery KP31 gets a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that's paired with plug-in hybrid tech, which they claim is "10% more fuel efficient" than the average diesel engine. According to details reported by CarExpert, the setup could deliver up to about 170 km (105 miles) of electric driving range while still targeting around one ton (2,200 pounds) of payload and 3.5 tons (7,700 pounds) of towing capacity – the same as the new dual-motor Tesla Cybertruck. A gasoline plug-in hybrid variant is also expected to join the lineup in 2027.Could This Chinese Pickup Reach North America? For now, the KP31 is planned to only go on sale in Australia in Q4 2026, but the Chief Engineer of Chery, Peter Matkin, told CarExpert the Chinese ute may go on sale internationally, saying "these rugged-looking cars get a lot of attention overseas," mentioning markets like Europe, South Africa, and South America. While North America hasn’t been confirmed, the idea of Chinese automakers entering the US is getting more attention. In fact, Ford has thought of allowing Chinese carmakers to build vehicles in the US via joint ventures, despite most US dealers wanting them blocked-off. If the KP31 delivers on its promise, it could force key players in the midsize truck segment to evolve if they want to stay relevant.
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