Chery KP31 South Africa: World’s sanest bakkie?
This Chery KP31 South Africa review examines the diesel PHEV with 260kW, locking diffs, and 1,300km range. Is it the new king of bakkies?
This Chery KP31 South Africa review starts with a bold claim: Chery has built the world’s sanest bakkie. It’s a diesel plug-in hybrid with 260kW, 680Nm, three locking diffs, and a 1,300km range. The usual suspects – Hilux, Ranger, D-Max – should be worried.
Chery, the Chinese juggernaut quietly stealing sales, is about to lob a grenade into the double-cab segment. It’s called the KP31. It’s a diesel. It’s a plug-in hybrid. And it might just be the most sensible thing to happen to the working man’s chariot since the diff lock.
The usual rules have been simple: torque = diesel, fuel saving = smaller diesel. But Chery has bolted an electric motor to a 2.5-litre turbodiesel, shoved it into a proper ladder-frame chassis, and pointed it squarely at Pretoria.
What Exactly Is This Chery KP31 South Africa Bakkie?
Codenamed KP31, this is no soft-road pretender. It’s a full-fat, body-on-frame double cab engineered from the ground up to take a beating, sitting on a new Kaitan ladder-frame platform. It’s the automotive equivalent of a multi-tool.
Under the bonnet lives a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mated to a plug-in hybrid system – a world first for the segment. Chery targets a combined output of 260 kW and 680 Nm. That’s “pull a farmhouse out of a ditch” territory.
Electric-only range is up to 170 km. For a Fourways commuter, that’s a week of silent, pump‑free driving.
But Can This Chery KP31 South Africa Bakkie Do Bakkie Things?
The million-rand question: can a hybrid earn its keep? Chery gave the KP31 front, centre, and rear locking differentials, a proper low-range transfer case, underbody protection, recovery points, and a raised air intake for 700mm wading.
Snorkel, raised intake, and underbody protection – built for the rough stuff
Payload is 1,000 kg, braked towing capacity 3,500 kg. On paper it matches the Hilux and Ranger – in fact it’s slightly longer at 5,450 mm. It’s a big, angry box with the specs to back up its attitude.
🔧 Key Specs: Chery KP31 PHEV
The Tech That Actually Matters
Chery claims the diesel engine achieves 47% thermal efficiency – about 10% better than average. Combined with the PHEV system, early estimates suggest a range well over 1,300 km. You’d run out of podcasts before you run out of fuel.
📅 The Launch Date (Circle It)
Chery South Africa confirms the KP31 will land in showrooms in Q4 2026 or January 2027, starting with the diesel PHEV. A second bakkie, the Himla, arrives earlier in 2026, giving Chery a two‑pronged attack.
More from DriveZA
If you enjoyed this Chery KP31 South Africa review, check out our Peugeot Landtrek review, April fuel hike guide, and solid‑state battery explainer.
For official Chery South Africa news, visit Chery South Africa.
The DriveZA Verdict
South African bakkie buyers are loyal – they trust the Hilux like a religion. But the Chery KP31 presents a compelling argument for heresy. It offers old‑guard capability with new‑era efficiency. It locks diffs and crawls over rocks, but does your daily commute in silent electric bliss.
Will it ruffle the Big Three immediately? Probably not. But as a statement of intent, the KP31 is a thunderclap. Chery is saying, “We understand what you need. And we’ve built it.”
If you’re shopping for a bakkie in 2027, you’d be a fool not to test this one.
The established order is on notice. The Chinese have arrived, and they’ve brought a plug.
Chery KP31 – Quick Questions
When will the Chery KP31 launch in South Africa?
Q4 2026 or January 2027.
How much power does the KP31 have?
260 kW and 680 Nm for the diesel PHEV.
Can the KP31 really go 1,300 km on a tank?
Early estimates suggest yes, thanks to the efficient diesel and plug‑in hybrid system.
Does it have low‑range and diff locks?
Yes – front, centre and rear locking diffs plus a proper low‑range transfer case.
