Chery Jetour Traveller: large hybrid Prado rival revealed, could come to Australia

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Chery has unveiled its new Jetour Traveller large SUV featuring rugged looks, seating for up to seven across three rows, and a slew of turbocharged and hybrid powertrains.

‘Jetour’ is one of many sub brands under the core Chery brand in China, with the Traveller previously known as the T-1 prior to its digital unveiling. 

Appearance-wise, the Jetour Traveller appears to give a nod to the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender, though it will more likely compete against value-led rivals such as the GWM Tank 300 and Isuzu MU-X if it comes to Australia.

Is the Jetour Traveller a genuine off-roader?

It’s not clear if the Traveller makes use of body-on-frame underpinnings like the Tank 300, though its raised ride height and short overhangs do suggest it might be handy off-road even if it is a monocoque vehicle.

Regardless of chosen drivetrain, Chinese press reports that all models come fitted with BorgWarner’s sixth-gen four-wheel drive system and include a locking rear differential.

Interior images also appear to show a terrain selector wheel below the main shifter, suggesting the Traveller will feature a variety of off road ESC modes. The rear-mounted spare tyre will also be a boon for those heading off the beaten track.

At launch, Jetour will offer a choice of either a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit mated to an eight-speed automatic or a plug-in hybrid using a 1.5-litre paired with an electric motor.

Chinese buyers will be offered both a five- and seven-seat option, with a slightly longer wheelbase for the latter.

Tech-driven rugged cabin

The squared-off appearance of Traveller continues to the inside, with large grab handles, chunky air vents and the oval steering wheel continuing the theme.

Sitting in the centre of the dash is a large rectangular touchscreen paired with an additional digital driver’s display. 

The interior appears to be made up of a mix of leather and suede in a shade of green, suggesting the model shown in a high-tier grade.

Will the Jetour Traveller come to Australia?

Chasing Cars has reached out to Chery Australia, who is currently in the throes of relaunching the brand into our market with the Omoda 5 small SUV, but has big ambitions to rapidly expand its local lineup.

The latter half of this year will see the introduction of the Tiggo 7 midsize SUV and the Tiggo 8 large SUV, though Chery Australia CEO Andy Zhang previously told Chasing Cars he would consider bringing in a Toyota Prado-style competitor if it became available.

Local press reports that the Traveller would start from 149,800 to 206,800 Yuan in China (around AUD$31,100 to $44320) meaning it would likely be one of the more affordable 4WDs in Australia, though likely more than the direct currency conversion.

The Jetour Traveller is expected to be unveiled to the public at the Shanghai Auto Show in late April, with deliveries to local Chinese buyers to take place in the third quarter of the year.