The Battle of Kerman Motor’s Pickup Trucks in Iran

Khodrocar - Over the past few years, Iran’s pickup truck market has transformed from a limited and niche segment into one of the most attractive categories in the automotive industry. The growing popularity of off-road travel, adventure driving, and the need for durable vehicles capable of handling rough roads has changed the role of double-cabin pickups forever. These vehicles are no longer just workhorses; many buyers now expect them to combine practicality, comfort, modern technology, and everyday usability. In this market, Kerman Motor entered aggressively with the KMC T8 and later the more advanced KMC T9, quickly becoming two of the most talked-about Chinese pickup trucks in Iran.

But the real question is this: Is the KMC T9 simply a facelifted and more expensive version of the T8, or is it genuinely a next-generation product? Are the differences limited to design and features, or do they extend to performance, driving dynamics, and overall ownership experience? More importantly, which model makes more sense depending on the type of user — from heavy-duty work and off-roading to family trips and daily urban driving? In this article, we take a deep and detailed look at both pickups to find out which one deserves your money.

Exterior Design — T9 Looks More Modern, T8 Feels More Rugged

The KMC T8 entered the market with the classic formula of a traditional Chinese pickup truck. A large grille, muscular body lines, and simple headlights give it the appearance of a rugged work-oriented truck rather than a modern lifestyle vehicle. Interestingly, this simplicity is exactly what many pickup enthusiasts appreciate. The T8 looks raw, mechanical, and purpose-built — qualities that appeal strongly to off-road users and buyers who prioritize durability over luxury.

The KMC T9, however, tells a completely different story. This truck represents the newer generation of JAC-based pickups and its styling clearly takes inspiration from modern American trucks. Slim LED headlights, a more aggressive front fascia, larger dimensions, and a more premium body design make the T9 look far more upscale and contemporary than the T8. Even at first glance, the T9 feels like a vehicle from a higher class.

If exterior styling matters to you, the T9 is clearly the winner. However, buyers who prefer the classic rugged personality of old-school pickups may still find the T8 more appealing.

Technical Comparison — This Is Where the Real Difference Begins

KMC T8 — Simpler, Tougher, More Mechanical

The KMC T8 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 174 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

One of the defining characteristics of the T8 is its mechanical personality. The manual gearbox gives drivers a more connected and traditional driving experience, which is especially attractive for off-road enthusiasts. Torque delivery at low RPMs works well on steep terrain and dirt roads, while the four-wheel-drive system performs adequately for moderate off-road conditions.

However, the T8 also has weaknesses. The manual transmission can become exhausting in heavy city traffic, and overall ride comfort feels rougher compared to modern standards. Cabin insulation at higher speeds is also not particularly impressive.

Still, the T8 delivers exactly what many pickup buyers want: simplicity, reliability, and a no-nonsense driving experience.

KMC T9 — A Modern Pickup with Better Urban Manners

The KMC T9 was developed specifically to solve many of the T8’s shortcomings. It uses a newer 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing approximately 221 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, which is a significant improvement over the T8. More importantly, this engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, immediately placing the T9 in a more premium category.

In urban driving, the difference between the two trucks is immediately noticeable. The T9 feels
smoother, quieter, and more refined. Gear shifts are seamless, acceleration is stronger, and the overall driving experience feels closer to a modern SUV than a traditional pickup truck.

Off-road capability is still strong, but the T9’s personality is less raw and more comfort-oriented. It is designed for buyers who want a pickup that can also serve as a family vehicle and daily driver.

Interior Quality and Features — A Generational Gap

Inside the T8, everything is functional and straightforward. The dashboard design feels somewhat outdated, the cabin materials are mostly hard plastics, and the overall atmosphere reflects its utilitarian nature. Features such as a touchscreen display, rear camera, parking sensors, and automatic climate control are available, but the cabin still feels like an affordable work truck.

The T9, on the other hand, offers a dramatically more modern interior. The cabin design is more sophisticated, the materials feel softer, and the overall presentation is much more premium. Features include:

* 360-degree camera
* Electronic parking brake
* Auto hold function
* Advanced stability control systems
* Wireless charging
* Electrically adjustable seats
* Digital instrument cluster
* Multi-mode electric steering

These upgrades make the T9 feel significantly more luxurious and technologically advanced than the T8.

For buyers planning to use their pickup daily or with family, the T9’s interior is on another level entirely.

Off-Road Capability — Which One Performs Better?

This section depends heavily on the type of off-roading you plan to do.

The T8, thanks to its simpler structure, manual gearbox, and more mechanical nature, is highly attractive for traditional off-road enthusiasts. Drivers have greater control over torque delivery, and the simpler engineering means lower repair costs and easier modifications.

The T9, however, benefits from more advanced technology, higher power output, and an automatic transmission that makes difficult terrain easier to manage for inexperienced drivers. That said, its larger dimensions and more premium positioning may discourage owners from pushing it too hard in extreme off-road conditions.

In simple terms:

* For hardcore and traditional off-roading → T8 makes more sense.
* For camping, family travel, and light adventure driving → T9 is the better choice.

Maintenance Costs — An Important Difference

One of the biggest strengths of the T8 is its simplicity. The manual transmission is cheaper to maintain, the mechanical components are more familiar to local mechanics, and spare parts are generally more affordable. Overall ownership costs are easier to control.

The T9, due to its more advanced technology and automatic transmission, will naturally cost more to maintain over time. More electronics, more sensors, and more complex systems usually mean higher long-term repair expenses. However, buyers receive significantly better comfort and driving quality in return.

Fuel Consumption — Closer Than You Might Expect

On paper, the T8 consumes slightly less fuel, averaging around 9 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers. However, in real-world city driving, the gap between the two trucks is not dramatic.

Despite producing more power, the T9’s modern transmission helps optimize fuel efficiency reasonably well. Of course, aggressive driving will naturally increase consumption in the T9.

Value for oney in the Iranian Market

This is where the decision becomes difficult.

The KMC T8 remains one of the most logical and cost-effective double-cabin pickups available in Iran. Its lower purchase price, simpler engineering, and cheaper maintenance make it ideal for buyers who genuinely need a durable work vehicle or an affordable off-road truck. The T8 still feels like a serious utility vehicle.

The T9, however, enters a different territory. It is no longer just a pickup truck; it feels more like a combination of an SUV and a premium lifestyle truck. If you have the budget and want something comfortable, modern, capable, and stylish, the T9 is
unquestionably more appealing.

The biggest concern with the T9 is its higher price and uncertain long-term resale value. Since it is still relatively new, the future depreciation and maintenance experience remain unclear.

Who Should Buy the T8?

The T8 is the better option if you:

* Need a work-oriented pickup
* Frequently go off-roading
* Prefer a manual transmission
* Want lower maintenance costs
* Have a tighter budget
* Care more about durability than luxury

The T8 remains a true practical pickup truck.

Who Should Buy the T9?

The T9 is the better choice if you:

* Want a family-friendly pickup
* Drive mostly in urban environments
* Prefer automatic transmission comfort
* Care about modern technology and luxury features
* Want SUV-like driving comfort
* Need a multi-purpose lifestyle vehicle

The T9 is ideal for buyers who want more than just a work truck.

Final Verdict — Which One Is Better?

Although the KMC T8 and T9 belong to the same family, they represent two very different philosophies.

The T8 is a traditional, rugged, simple, and more affordable pickup focused primarily on practicality and durability. The T9, on the other hand, attempts to modernize the pickup experience by combining comfort, technology, luxury, and off-road capability into one package.

If your priorities are heavy-duty usage, serious off-roading, and manageable maintenance costs, the T8 remains the smarter and more rational choice. But if you want a pickup that can comfortably replace an SUV while offering modern technology and better driving comfort, the T9 is clearly the superior vehicle.

Ultimately, choosing between them depends less on specifications and more on lifestyle — whether you see a pickup truck as a work tool or as part of your everyday life.