Chery still chasing one-tonne payload for Stockman ute as iCaur flags higher V27 towing capacity

Payload gap acknowledged as Stockman target slips

Chery is still working towards a one-tonne payload for its Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid ute, after preliminary model year 2027 specifications put the Ultimate variant's carrying capacity at 765kg — 235kg short of the 1000kg capability promoted at the original KP31 concept reveal. Speaking to CarExpert and other Australian media in China, Stockman chief product manager Mark Qi acknowledged the shortfall: "The payload now isn't as good; it is not one tonne. We are still doing work on the payload." ¹²

The 765kg figure comes from a 2735kg kerb weight against a 3500kg gross vehicle mass. GoAuto's Tom Baker, reporting from Chery's Wuhu headquarters, calculated that with kerb weight unchanged, reaching the one-tonne label would require GVM to rise to at least 3735kg. Mr Qi told both outlets that the weight of the diesel plug-in hybrid system and its battery is the core constraint, saying: "We are still working with the Australian team on it. In China, payload is not as important, especially for this vehicle, which is not mainly for commercial use." ¹²⁷

Chery had originally confirmed a 1000kg payload in February 2026, when Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris told media, including CarExpert, that the platform targets were clear: "We must have a 1000-kilo payload, and we must have a three-and-a-half-tonne towing [capacity], which is what we will deliver when we launch this ute." Mr Qi has not specified how the payload would be raised, nor committed to a one-tonne version being ready for launch. ²⁴

How the Stockman compares, and what towing costs buyers

The Stockman's preliminary braked towing capacity is 3495kg, 5kg below most rivals' 3500kg limits, with a 6500kg gross combination mass. CarExpert's analysis shows that towing a fully laden 3495kg trailer would leave approximately 270kg for occupants, cargo and accessories, with towball download counting towards the ute's own payload and axle limits. Payload itself covers occupants, cargo, added accessories and towball download, so fit-outs such as canopies, bullbars and drawers reduce what remains for people and luggage. Chery's figures carry a caution that maximum payload and maximum towing capacity may not be available simultaneously, with gross combination mass and axle limits also applying — a qualification affecting what buyers can actually combine. ¹²

Against confirmed competitors, the preliminary Stockman payload of 765kg exceeds the BYD Shark 6 Performance (725kg) and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV (685kg), but sits below the BYD Shark 6 Premium's 790kg and the updated Ford Ranger Hybrid lineup's 901kg–1009kg range, according to CarExpert's comparison tables. CarExpert notes Ford's payloads use minimum kerb weight and exclude the optional spare wheel, which adds 39kg, while Chery lists a full-size spare as standard. Nissan is also targeting a 1000kg payload and 3500kg towing for its Navara Pro PHEV, due in Australia in 2027. ¹²

The competitive stakes are high: according to CarExpert, BYD sold 18,073 Shark 6 utes in 2025, including 15,564 to private buyers, making it Australia's best-selling ute among private buyers ahead of both the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux — the segment the Stockman will enter. ¹

GoAuto reports the current rating could limit fleet and accessory fit-out flexibility. Chery has confirmed an extensive Ironman 4x4 accessory program, with lightweight aluminium items including a canopy and front bar plus a 50mm suspension lift, and Ironman intends to productionise a federally approved GVM and axle load upgrade after launch — which may improve payload but would not automatically increase GCM. Mr Qi said other official accessory partners, including ARB, are also participating in an accredited aftermarket program. ⁷

Battery packaging drives the suspension compromise

The Stockman's 34kWh lithium iron phosphate traction battery sits above the ladder-frame chassis and below the tub, increasing rear axle load relative to a conventional diesel ute — a packaging challenge GoAuto identifies as central to the rear suspension work. The Australian version uses a double wishbone front end and a leaf-sprung rear axle, whereas the Chinese-market model, sold under Chery's Rely brand, uses a coil-sprung rear end. ⁷

Mr Qi explained the choice to CarExpert: "In China, people like multi-link suspension because it is more comfortable. For Australia, we have leaf springs, and we need to do more work on the leaf springs and shock absorbers." GoAuto notes the leaf spring/damper combination is to be shared with South Africa and still needs further attention. ²⁷

The powertrain pairs a newly developed 2.5-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, a P1 integrated starter-generator and a P2.5 drive motor, delivering total system outputs of 350kW and 800Nm. A traditional prop shaft is retained for mechanical drive to both axles, with low range and triple locking differentials available. Mr Qi told GoAuto that calibrating the handover between electric drive at lower speeds and the diesel engine on the highway is a further task engineers are not yet satisfied with. ²⁷

Local tuning and a tight road to February 2027

Australian deliveries remain targeted for February 2027, and Mr Qi reaffirmed that timetable to CarExpert: "For now, the target is still February next year. In February, we will deliver the Stockman in Australia." GoAuto reports a planned January 2027 start of production is drawing near, with final sign-off — particularly on hardware — needing to be achieved very shortly for the February target to hold. ¹⁷

Most Stockman development occurred in China, but Australian validation and tuning has been underway since June 2026, and Chery announced in August that Melbourne engineering firm Premcar would conduct additional validation and testing of the Stockman's ride and handling. Mr Qi confirmed Premcar proposed changes, some of which have been implemented: "In September, we sent test vehicles to Australia... we got so much feedback from Premcar (on) suspension, EPS, the feel," he told GoAuto. Electric power steering, brake pedal response and rear suspension tuning remain unfinished, with Mr Qi noting Australian ute customers favour greater steering effort than Chinese drivers. ⁷¹

GoAuto reports the final verification phase in November and December 2026 will concentrate on software, particularly electric steering assistance and advanced driver assistance systems, since coding and calibration changes can be implemented later than hardware substitutions. The Stockman's arrival has already shifted once: CarExpert notes deliveries were moved from the final quarter of 2026 to February 2027, after the model was originally slated for a Q4 2026 launch. Australian pricing has yet to be announced, though GoAuto reports Chery opened online reservations on October 1, 2026, with pre-launch incentives for early reservations. ⁷²⁴

iCaur V27 towing capacity to be lifted

Separately, Chery sub-brand iCaur plans to lift the towing capacity of the V27 extended-range electric SUV. Speaking to CarExpert and other Australian media in China, an iCaur Australia product manager said: "Currently, the V27's towing capacity is about 1.6 tonnes. It is not enough, but we will improve it in the future." No revised capacity or timing has been announced, and final Australian specifications are yet to be confirmed. ¹

The V27 uses an EREV powertrain, with electric motors driving the wheels and a petrol engine generating electricity, and its battery can also be recharged by plugging in. Its quoted 1600kg limit is below the 3500kg available from a Ford Everest with the genuine tow pack, and below the smaller V25's 1800kg rating for both its battery-electric and range-extender versions. Asked whether the V25 could tow more than the V27, the product manager said: "Yes, because the V27 was developed earlier than the V25." ¹

The V25 will debut the iCaur brand in Australia in early 2027, followed later in the year by an EREV version and the larger V27. iCaur's product manager said the V25 has completed 30,000km of Australian testing to identify vehicle issues: "Initially, it was road-tested in China, but not Australia. If we want to introduce it to Australia, we need to test it there," they told CarExpert. iCaur is working with an Australian supplier, but has not identified that company. ¹

From concept reveal to naming competition

The Stockman began life as the KP31 concept, unveiled in February 2026 as what CarExpert described as the world's first dual-cab ute with a plug-in hybrid diesel system, previewing up to 170km of electric-only range alongside the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel. In March 2026, Chery Australia launched a nationwide competition to name the vehicle, with the winner receiving the first Chery ute delivered in Australia; Chery's release, distributed via AAP, quoted chief operating officer Lucas Harris saying the model was "set to arrive in Q4 2026" — a timing that has since shifted to February 2027. ⁵⁴³

The name Stockman was confirmed in June 2026 after a public vote, with 4X4 Australia reporting a Victorian won the keys to the first example. Specifications confirmed ahead of the local arrival include the 350kW/800Nm system outputs and triple locking differentials. A petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain will be added to the lineup in 2027, according to CarExpert, joining rivals such as the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV. ⁶¹²⁷⁴⁵