First Look: Inside the Chery KP31 Diesel PHEV Ute Concept

First Look: Inside the Chery KP31 Diesel PHEV Ute Concept
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Chery has provided a first look at the interior of its KP31 dual-cab ute concept ahead of its projected Australian launch in late 2026.

While we have previously seen the exterior of the upcoming ute, these new images provide a clear indication of the cabin layout and technology the brand plans to bring to the highly competitive segment.

The dashboard is dominated by a large, floating central infotainment touchscreen paired with a digital instrument cluster behind a flat-bottomed, two-tone steering wheel.

In a nod to practicality, Chery has retained a bank of physical, piano-key style switches beneath the central screen for climate control functions.

The passenger side of the dashboard features a prominent grab handle alongside a textured trim panel secured by exposed hex bolts, lending an industrial look to the cabin.

Moving down to the centre console, the design incorporates a chunky, aircraft-style gear selector.

This is flanked by physical toggle switches and buttons for the vehicle's four-wheel drive system, including 4H, 4L, and AWD modes.

There are also dedicated controls for the 360-degree camera and a toggle to switch between EV and HEV modes, managing the plug-in hybrid system.

Forward of the shifter sits a dual wireless smartphone charging pad finished in a textured material.

The concept's upholstery is finished in a tan, leather-look material with a wave stitching pattern on the seats.

This lighter lower section is contrasted by a dark, suede-like material covering the upper dashboard and door trims.

An ambient lighting strip runs across the dash and into the door panels.

In the second row, the images reveal dedicated rear air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and a lack of a fold-down centre armrest.

A large panoramic sunroof is also visible, though it remains to be seen if this will be standard across the production range.

The KP31 is slated to be the first dual-cab ute to offer a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, pairing an electric motor with a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine.

Chery claims this setup will deliver a 1,000kg payload and a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, with a petrol PHEV variant expected to follow in 2027.

The concept dimensions suggest a sizable vehicle, measuring 80mm longer, 2mm wider, and 39mm taller than a current Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

The manufacturer recently concluded its public naming competition for the vehicle, which saw Australians submit their suggestions to win the first production model to land locally.

With submissions officially closed as of March 26th, the public is now awaiting the shortlist and final community vote to see what badge the production version of the KP31 will ultimately wear.

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FAQ

When is the Chery ute launching in Australia?

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The production version of the Chery KP31 concept is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms by the end of 2026.

What powertrain will the new Chery ute feature?

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It will be the first dual-cab ute to launch with a 2.5-litre turbodiesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. A petrol PHEV option is also scheduled to follow in 2027.

What are the towing and payload capacities?

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Chery states that the new ute will offer a maximum payload of 1000kg. It will also feature a competitive maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

Does the interior rely entirely on touchscreens?

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The cabin is dominated by a large central infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster. However, Chery has retained physical piano-key switches for climate controls and traditional toggles for the four-wheel-drive system.

How does the size compare to the Ford Ranger?

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The KP31 concept dimensions indicate it will be a sizable vehicle, casting a larger shadow than the current Ford Ranger Wildtrak. Specifically, it measures 80mm longer, 2mm wider, and 39mm taller than the Ford.

What is the official name of the Chery KP31?

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An official name has not been finalised yet as KP31 is just the internal codename for the concept. Chery Australia recently held a public naming competition, and the winning name will be decided by an upcoming community vote.

Jacob Brooke
I’m Jacob, the Co-founder and COO here at CarSauce. I started out in 2022 behind the camera, helping capture reviews when we were called "Matt Brand Cars," but my Computer Science background quickly pulled me into the business side of things. Now, I oversee the website and our written content to keep the engine running smoothly. You’ll also see me regularly on our YouTube channel, mostly just giving my long-time mate Matt a hard time. We’re all about making car reviews entertaining and easy to digest, and I’m stoked to be part of the team driving that mission.
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