Jack T9 vs. Toyota Hilux – Which Ute Offers Better Value?

When choosing a dual cab ute, tradies, fleet operators, and 4×4 enthusiasts are often faced with a common dilemma: Should you pay premium prices for established brands like the Toyota Hilux, or is a budget-friendly alternative like the newly launched Jack T9 sufficient? At MRT, Australia’s leading manufacturer of robust ute trays and canopies, we understand the importance of getting great value without compromising quality and capability.

Key Takeaways

• The Jack T9 offers excellent value, significantly lower priced than the Hilux.
• Both vehicles show comparable load-hauling capabilities.
• The Jack T9 provides superior comfort on rough terrain according to testing.
• MRT canopies and trays are available to enhance utility and practicality from launch.

In a recent comparison conducted by automotive expert Paul Maric, the Chinese-built Jack T9 was pitted against the Hilux—the benchmark ute in the industry—to determine if saving money up-front would cost more in the long run.

 

 

Load Hauling Test

Both vehicles were tested at the Hilux’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), carrying identical weights:

• Hilux: Loaded with weight bags, due to tray limitations.
• Jack T9: Easily accommodated a 500kg pallet, highlighting practical design advantages.

While the Hilux, powered by a 48V mild hybrid system, demonstrated impressive torque and strong acceleration even under maximum load, the Jack T9 surprised testers with respectable acceleration and a quiet, efficient performance. Importantly, the Jack T9 proved equally capable and comfortable under load conditions, reflecting the real-world needs of tradies and adventurers.

Ride Comfort and Handling

During tests on the challenging “Hill Road” scenario, simulating typical Australian country roads, both vehicles performed admirably:

• Hilux showed its usual stability and smoothness when fully loaded, yet notably struggled to fit a standard pallet, limiting practical cargo options.
• Jack T9, however, offered similar comfort with additional convenience in cargo handling, demonstrating great potential for worksite practicality.

Torture Testing and Durability

Both utes endured rigorous stress tests involving:

• Belgian pave roads designed to simulate severe corrugated surfaces.
• A dedicated torture track developed to genuinely push vehicles beyond their comfort zones.

Surprisingly, accelerometer tests indicated that the Jack T9 provided around 10% better comfort on Belgian pave and an impressive 50% improvement on the severe torture track compared to the Hilux. This suggests the Jack T9 may be less fatiguing over long-term use, an essential consideration for fleet vehicles and touring setups.

Value for Money

The tests highlighted the Jack T9’s strong value proposition:

• Comparable hauling performance with the Hilux.
• Superior comfort on rough terrains.
• Significantly lower cost and higher feature set compared to base-model Hilux (SR).

Pricing:

• Toyota Hilux SR: Driveaway price AUD $53,057.
• Jack T9: Driveaway price AUD $45,715.

While the Hilux maintains strong brand recognition, the Jack T9 proves you don’t necessarily need to pay extra for reliable load-hauling capability and ride comfort. Especially notable for fleet operators, the Jack T9’s affordability could translate into acquiring additional units for the same budget, optimising fleet efficiency.

MRT Canopy and Tray Solutions for Jack T9

Understanding the needs of Australian tradies, fleet managers, and off-road adventurers, MRT offers specially designed canopies and trays compatible with the Jack T9. Our solutions, including the robust Explorer Package, versatile Tradesman Package, and the innovative Chassis Mount Canopy, will be ready to fit the Jack T9 from launch, ensuring you can maximise its utility and practicality from day one.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Paul Maric’s comparison demonstrates that opting for a budget-friendly ute like the Jack T9 does not mean sacrificing quality or comfort. MRT is committed to supporting these new, capable utes with durable, Australian-made tray and canopy solutions tailored specifically for the rigorous demands of tradies, adventurers, and fleets alike.

Check out our full range of canopy setups for your next build and maximise your ute’s potential with MRT.