The JAC T9 Hunter has entered Pakistan’s pickup market. It is set to go head-to-head with the Toyota Revo, which has long been a familiar choice in this category and has become a synonym for a mafia car. Now, JAC T9 is here to give 1-1 competition to this Japanese pickup.
Here’s the editor’s opinion and a one-on-one comparison of the specs and features of the JAC T9 and Toyota Revo.
JAC T9 Hunter | T9 out of 10
JAC is a Chinese automobile manufacturer owned by Ghandara Motors in Pakistan. You might have seen the JAC symbol on some commercial pickups. However, JAC only makes commercial vehicles in Pakistan, and this T9 Thunder will be JAC’s first personal pickup vehicle in the country.
Unlike Revo, the T9’s interior looks premium, and from the pictures, it definitely looks posh. Soft-touch leather covers the center console and dashboard, and red stitching adds some premium vibes.
The AC grills seem inspired by LC200, which has the same vertical triangle AC vents and infotainment placed in the middle of the center console.
The T9’s engine is 700cc and 34 HP smaller than the Toyota Revo’s. This means that the T9 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 167 HP of power. The 2.0-liter displacement might not be powerful enough considering the body size, but the turbocharger and 167 HP sound fair enough. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle boasts a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a payload of 1000kg.
On the entertainment side, it has features such as leather-accented interiors, a 10.4-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, and a spray-in tub liner with a sports bar.
However, we think Pakistani buyers should be cautious. The JAC brand is relatively unknown in Pakistan, especially in the personal transport sector, and the T9’s long-term reliability and resale value are uncertain. Additionally, the limited dealership network may impact servicing and after-sales support.
In summary, the JAC T9 offers a compelling feature set at a competitive price; its unproven track record in the Pakistani market suggests that prospective buyers should consider waiting to assess its reliability and support infrastructure.
Toyota Revo | The Dala Supremacy
Here comes the Revo, also known as Dala in Pakistan; especially if you buy its black variant, people will call it Kala Dala. Beyond all the points of comparison, there’s one thing the JAC can never match—the iconic mafia dala vibes of the Revo. It’s in a league of its own, with no competition.
Besides the dala vibes, this Toyota pickup is a really great machine and lasts for decades, not a 10/10 package but it always get the job done. Typically, what do you expect from a pickup? Reliability and ability to go off-road? Toyota Revo has got both of them; it’s tough as a rock and can climb anywhere and even on the footpath (saw some videos of maniac drivers on YouTube).
When it comes to value for money, Revo might not top the spot. The interior is so outdated that it looks like an old 2016 car. Yes, this car hasn’t had a new generation since 2016, and the world is still getting that 8th-gen Hilux (Revo in Pakistan).
Under the hood, you get a 2.8-liter diesel engine that is turbocharged and makes about 201 HP and and insane 500 Nm of torque, thanks to the diesel engine and turbocharger.
However, the Revo’s appeal in Pakistan isn’t rooted in its comfort, interior design, or luxury features. People choose it for its road presence, legendary reliability, off-road capability, and, of course, its iconic ‘dala’ vibes.
We will still recommend Revo if you are buying a car as an asset and want no compromise on the resale value. This doesn’t mean that Chinese brands are producing some subpar vehicles; they are indeed good and value for money, but the fact is fact, Toyota is the king of long-term resale value.
1-1 Comparison Table with Revo Rocco
Here’s a 1-1 comparison table of both cars:
Engine and Performance
The Toyota Revo offers slightly higher power and torque figures, giving it an edge for heavy-duty tasks. However, the JAC T9 provides an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission, which smooths gear shifts.
Feature | Toyota Revo Rocco | JAC T9 Hunter |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic |
Engine Power | 201 HP | 167 HP |
Torque | 500 Nm | 410 Nm |
Drive System | 4×4 | 4×4 (BorgWarner-USA Technology) |
Towing Capacity | NA | 3,500 kg |
Interior and Entertainment
The JAC T9 Hunter takes the lead here with its larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and standard leather accents, catering to tech-savvy buyers.
Feature | Toyota Revo Rocco | JAC T9 Hunter |
Seating Capacity | 5 (Leather) | 5 (Leather) |
Infotainment System | 8-inch Touchscreen (with Android Auto & CarPlay) | 10.4-inch Touchscreen (with Android Auto & CarPlay) |
Sound System | Standard 6-Speaker System | Included, the number of speakers not mentioned |
Wireless Charging | Not Available | Included |
Dashboard | All plastic | Plastic with leather stitching on the dashboard |
Sunroof | No | Yes |
Exterior
The JAC T9 Hunter has a more modern aesthetic and slightly better ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road enthusiasts.
Feature | Toyota Revo Rocco | JAC T9 Hunter |
Wheel Size | 18-inch Alloy | 18-inch Alloy |
Headlights | Bi-Beam LED lights | LED lights |
Ground Clearance | 310 mm | 220 mm |
Exterior Design | Very iconic “Dala” looks, no competition | Modern with Sporty Accents |
Safety
The JAC T9 Hunter edges out with advanced features like a 360-degree camera and lane assist, while the Toyota Revo relies on its proven reliability.
Feature | Toyota Revo Rocco | JAC T9 Hunter |
Airbags | 5 Airbags | 4 Airbags |
Braking System | ABS, EBS, Stability Control | ABS, EBD, Stability Control + Front Collision Mitigation |
Parking Sensors | Not included | Included |
360-Degree Camera | Not Available | Included |
Hill Start Assist | Not Included | Included |