Chery will build this KP11 pick-up as 2.4L turbo, PHEV, or range extender EV

Chery previews KP11 truck in Wuhu

There are those out there that the pick-up truck is a vehicle of the past, long outdated by the SUV. But there are valid reasons why many automakers still explore the idea of the do-it-all truck, and find that there is plenty of space for innovation in technology, comfort, and efficiency. We just need to look at the Cybertruck -polarizing as the design may be- to see why.

Now it seems Chery is hopping on the truck resurgence too, as they just revealed a concept (or prototype?) of a pick-up truck that they want to carry them into the future.

This is the Chery KP11. Yes, it’s a pick-up truck the likes of which we haven’t really seen from Chery outside of China.

While still a bodystyle concept, the KP11 would fit in the similar truck size category as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, and the like. Chery aims to have two different designs of the KP11; one Urban, and this Off-Road concept. Many of the touches seem to be aimed squarely at lifestyle pick-up truckers and are reminiscent of the Ranger.

From what we can see, the Off-Road concept starts with a massive octagonal black and gray grille with CHERY emblazoned on the front, similar to what FORD did with the Raptor. Chery has a three piece headlight design with the DRL mounted high, the main beam in the middle, and foglights on the lower part of the bumper.

Chery hasn’t released any details regarding size, wheelbase, and ground clearance, but it seems to be bigger than many competitors; probably similar in size to the current Ranger. The model shown features a roof top tent and awning, but we can see that the vehicle comes with thick grip door handles, a generous side step, black wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich all terrain tires, and a rear bumper that also has the side step similar to the Ranger as well. Just like the front, Chery is shown very proudly on the tailgate, albeit stamped in the metal.

What will be unique is that Chery plans to launch three powertrain options for the vehicle, and none appear to be turbodiesel. The first is a 2.4L turbo gasoline engine, followed by a PHEV or plug in hybrid electric vehicle, and the last is a range-extender electric vehicle or RE-EV/REEV.

While still a concept on what could be a mock up chassis, Chery says they will launch the production model sometime in 2025. We will need to wait for more details, but this is certainly a very interesting development from a brand that has really focused on crossover SUVs in the Philippine market.