Pakautomotives.com puts the JAC Hunter to the test, exploring its off-road prowess in the demanding terrain of Xishan Valley. This review dives deep into the Hunter’s performance on various challenging slopes, curves, and unpaved surfaces, all while remaining completely stock (without any modifications).
Hill Climbing Prowess: Power Meets Control
The journey began with a long, steep slope, a true test of a vehicle’s overall off-road capability. The JAC Hunter aced this challenge, effortlessly climbing without relying on momentum. The key? Ample power reserve from the 2.0T Dongan engine, delivering 170kW and a peak torque of 380N·m. This, combined with the smooth-shifting 8AT gearbox, allowed for a controlled and confident ascent.
Impressive Stopping Power and Hill Start
The JAC Hunter’s confidence-inspiring features extend beyond climbing. We specifically tested stopping halfway up a slope and performing a hill start. The experience was remarkably smooth, highlighting the vehicle’s excellent braking system with four-wheel disc brakes and the AUTO HOLD function that eliminates the need for constant brake pressure.
Thrilling Yet Composed Uphill Climbs
For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, the JAC Hunter doesn’t disappoint. Pushing the gas pedal uphill resulted in a surge of power, with the engine maintaining optimal performance throughout. The vehicle remained controllable with linear power delivery, making the climb both exciting and surefooted. Important Note: While this test demonstrates engine capability, hill climbing at high speeds is dangerous and not recommended.
The Secret Behind the Strength: Powertrain and 4WD System
The JAC Hunter’s off-road prowess stems from a combination of factors. The Dongan 2.0T engine, known for its excellent torque reserve in China’s off-road market, is a key player. Additionally, the electronically controlled part-time four-wheel-drive system from BorgWarner offers three driving modes (2H, 4H, and 4L) for optimal traction in various conditions. During this test, 4H mode was sufficient for most climbs, while 4L with its 2.48 times torque amplification provided an extra layer of confidence on steeper inclines.
Conquering Short Steep Climbs: Low-End Torque Takes Charge
The JAC Hunter excelled not only on long slopes but also on consecutive short climbs with minimal buffer space. This scenario heavily relies on a vehicle’s low-end torque reserve, and the JAC Hunter delivered admirably. The engine’s ability to reach peak torque at a low 1900 RPM combined with minimal turbo lag makes it ideal for such off-road challenges. For even more low-end grunt, consider the JAC Hunter’s diesel version with the Ankang Power 2.0CTI engine, boasting a peak torque of 420N·m at an even lower 1500 RPM.
Beyond Power: Generous Ground Clearance and Approach Angles
The JAC Hunter’s off-road capability extends beyond its engine. It boasts impressive approach (30 degrees), departure (23 degrees), and breakover (26 degrees) angles, along with a minimum ground clearance of 230mm. This combination ensures that the vehicle tackles uneven terrain without scraping the bumpers, even on those challenging short climbs.
Confident Handling on Uphill Curves
Xishan Valley also presented uphill curves, a test of a vehicle’s control capabilities. The JAC Hunter’s electronic power steering system with three selectable modes offered a comfortable and precise driving experience, even for less experienced drivers. The car’s directional accuracy and minimal steering wheel play instilled confidence when navigating tight corners on mountain roads.
Smooth Passage Over Gravel and Uneven Terrain
The JAC Hunter’s suspension setup, featuring a double-wishbone coil spring suspension in the front and a leaf spring suspension in the rear, effectively handled the challenges of gravel roads. The ride remained comfortable despite the unpaved surface, showcasing the vehicle’s ability to balance off-road capability with passenger comfort.
JAC’s “Five-Star Chassis”: Strength and Safety
JAC’s 60 years of experience are evident in the JAC Hunter’s robust “Five-Star Chassis.” This design prioritizes load-bearing capacity, off-road performance, comfort, and safety. The birdcage-style safety frame structure has earned the JAC Hunter a coveted ANCAP five-star safety rating in Australia. Additionally, the chassis design with a rare two-longitudinal and nine-transverse layout enhances torsional resistance, making it highly resistant to impacts from gravel and other off-road hazards.
Effortless Axle Crossing Without a Differential Lock
Despite lacking a rear differential lock in the tested model, the JAC Hunter demonstrated impressive axle crossing capabilities. This can be attributed to its generous suspension travel, high ground clearance, and large 265/60 R18 tires providing excellent grip on unpaved surfaces. Even on the slippery terrain after rainfall, the vehicle maintained traction and smoothly navigated through the obstacles.
Electronic Safety Systems for Added Confidence
The JAC Hunter also comes equipped with a suite of electronic safety systems, including TCS traction control and ESC vehicle stability control. These systems provide an extra layer of security, intervening when necessary to limit wheel spin, maintain stability, and prevent power loss in challenging situations. This added confidence allowed the driver to navigate through cross-axle scenarios with greater ease.
Conclusion:
The JAC Hunter emerged as a strong contender in the large passenger pickup truck segment, showcasing impressive off-road capabilities in its stock form. Its combination of a powerful engine, robust chassis, advanced 4WD system, and comprehensive safety features allows it to confidently tackle a wide range of off-road challenges, from long steep slopes to short climbs, uphill curves, and uneven terrain. While this review focuses on the gasoline version, the diesel variant with its even more powerful Ankang Power 2.0CTI engine promises even greater off-road prowess.
For those seeking an exceptional off-road experience, the JAC Hunter offers a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and value.
Disclaimer: This review is based on the author’s personal experience and may not reflect the experience of all drivers. Off-road driving can be dangerous. Always exercise caution and drive responsibly.