2025 JAC T9 Grand ES Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's pickup truck market has become increasingly intense. Consumers are no longer satisfied with the basic attributes of a "work vehicle" and are instead seeking versatile models that combine practicality, comfort, and smart configurations. The 2025 JAC T9 Grand ES, positioned as a mid-to-high-end 4x4 pickup truck, has entered the market with class-leading features and an affordable price tag. Its core selling points focus on spacious interiors, abundant intelligent safety features, and a comfortable driving experience. This test drive aims to verify whether these selling points live up to their claims and to evaluate its suitability as a family vehicle or for light off-road scenarios.

From the exterior, the 2025 JAC T9 Grand ES exudes a robust and solid style. Its front fascia features a large chrome grille paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability. The vehicle boasts sleek, straight lines along its 5330mm length and 1965mm width, creating a visually striking and spacious impression. The muscular contours around the wheel arches add a touch of strength. At the rear, the LED taillight design is simple and echoes the headlights, while the silver skid plate under the rear bumper enhances its off-road attributes. Notably, LED lighting (including daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights) comes standard across the entire vehicle, and the addition of automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers enhances everyday convenience.

Stepping inside, the interior features a black primary color scheme, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with silver trim, giving it an overall premium feel compared to other vehicles in the pickup segment. A 10.4-inch touchscreen sits on top of the center console, offering a clear interface and responsive operation, while the fully digital instrument cluster provides abundant driving information, such as four-wheel-drive mode and fuel consumption data. In terms of configuration, the new model shows ample sincerity: the front seats support electric adjustments, allowing both the driver and front passenger to find a comfortable seating position; the dual-zone automatic air conditioning with independent rear air vents ensure the comfort of rear-seat passengers; practical features like keyless entry, multifunctional steering wheel, and a 360-degree panoramic camera are also included. Space performance is one of its highlights, with a 3110mm wheelbase providing a spacious rear seating area. Passengers around 175cm in height have about two fists’ worth of legroom in the rear seats. Additionally, the rear seats can be manually folded to expand the trunk's storage capacity, making it suitable for carrying cargo.

In the powertrain department, the 2025 JAC T9 Grand ES is equipped with a 2.0T diesel engine producing a maximum output of 125 kW (170 PS) and a maximum torque of 410 N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the low-end torque was quite strong, delivering maximum torque at just 1500 rpm. This allows for swift starts and responsive power delivery at low speeds, without any sluggish feel. Switching to Sport mode makes the transmission shifts more aggressive, providing better confidence during acceleration and overtaking at high speeds, which is ideal for highway driving. In terms of fuel consumption, during urban traffic congestion, it averages about 9.5L per 100 km, while on highways, it drops to approximately 7.8L per 100 km. For a vehicle weighing 2,055 kg, these figures are within a reasonable range.

The handling and suspension performance exceeded expectations. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension offers a smooth ride by effectively absorbing road vibrations. When driving over speed bumps or uneven terrain, the vehicle's body exhibits minimal jolting, providing a level of comfort comparable to a family SUV. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance and precise handling, making it one of the better options in the pickup segment. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes more weighted, ensuring driving stability. The four-wheel-drive system supports switching between high-speed and low-speed four-wheel drive modes, which proves adequate for light off-road conditions (such as muddy or gravel roads). It's suitable for users who occasionally want to enjoy the outdoors during weekends.

The details of driving comfort are commendable. Engine noise is well controlled at idle, with only a slight diesel engine sound audible. At high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are present but within an acceptable range, not affecting normal conversations among passengers inside the car. The seat cushioning is moderately firm, providing adequate lumbar support, ensuring long drives do not lead to fatigue. In terms of safety features, 7 airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and other functions are all standard, making it stand out among vehicles in the same class and offering more comprehensive safety assurance for users.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2025 JAC T9 Grand ES lies in its "versatility": it combines the cargo capacity of a pickup truck with the comfort and intelligent features of a family car, while its price is approximately 15,000-20,000 MYR lower than similar models from joint-venture brands, highlighting its cost-effectiveness. Compared to competitors such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, it offers richer configurations, more spacious interiors, and is ideal for those who need the practicality of a pickup but also value family comfort—like individual entrepreneurs balancing business and family, or young families who enjoy outdoor activities.

In conclusion, the 2025 JAC T9 Grand ES breaks the stereotype of pickups being "work trucks" and is a versatile model that meets the needs of multiple scenarios. If your budget is around 120,000 MYR, and you’re looking for a pickup with comprehensive configurations, ample space, and driving comfort, then this is definitely a choice worth considering.