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JAC T8: mid-size pickup, engines and what to know in Europe
JAC T8 (in China — Shuailing T8) — a mid-size pickup that JAC has been producing since 2018. Since 2023, it has been exported to Europe and sold under various names. We take a look at the engines, trims, and what buyers need to know.
T8 in brief
T8 — a mid-size pickup based on the same platform as the smaller JAC T6. It comes with a shorter and longer cargo bed (1520 mm and 1810 mm in length), 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.
Introduced in the Chinese market in 2018, it has been exported to Europe since 2023. In different countries, it goes by different names, so buyers should know that it's the same vehicle.
Names in Europe
In Italy, the T8 is sold by DR Automobiles as the DR PK8 (equivalent to the JAC T8 Pro) and EVO Cross 4 (equivalent to the base T8), both with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (around 136 hp). Cirelli Motor Company sold it as the Cirelli 8 Pick-up from 2023 to 2025.
In Switzerland, from 2025, it will be sold under the JAC name with a 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine (204 hp).
Engines and drivetrains
In the Chinese market, three engines are offered: a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (138 hp and 320 Nm), a 2.0-litre turbo petrol (190 hp), and a 2.4-litre turbo petrol. In this market, all versions came with a six-speed manual gearbox, 4×2 and 4×4.
There's also an electric version, called the i3-T330 or T8 EV — with a 67.2 kWh LFP battery, 110 kW motor, and 330 km NEDC range. The range of versions offered in Europe varies by country and importer.
What to check when buying a T8
Find out who the importer is, what the warranty covers, and where you can get servicing and parts. Since the T8 is sold under several names, it's important that parts are bought according to the original JAC name.
Check the cargo area and vehicle for damage, test the 4x4 drivetrain, and check the diesel engine starts. In the electric version, battery condition is crucial.
Trim levels
Trim names vary by market and importer; we describe them by engine.
Pagal variklį
2018 onwardsChoose between a 2.0-litre diesel, turbocharged petrol engines, and the electric version.
- Cargo area 1520 mm or 1810 mm long
- 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain
- Equipment varies by market and importer
Version comparison
| 2,0 l dyzelis | 2,0 l benzinas | 2,4 l benzinas | T8 EV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For work and more economical driving | For more dynamic driving | For the more powerful option | For city and short-distance work |
| Power / Mileage | Around 138 PS (China) | Around 190 PS | Around 204 HP (Switzerland) | 110 kW, 330 km NEDC |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual (China) | 6-speed manual (China) | Market-dependent | Electric transmission |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€€ |
Most buyers will opt for the diesel for work; the more powerful petrol version suits spirited driving, while the electric is best for short trips.
Pros
- Two cargo box length options
- Choice of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains
- Choose from diesel, petrol and electric engines
- Electric version for city and municipal work
Cons
- Sold under several names in Europe, making parts searches tricky
- Few independent reliability figures
- Only manual transmission in some markets
Frequently asked questions
Are the JAC T8 and DR PK8 the same?
Yes. The DR PK8 matches the JAC T8 Pro, while the EVO Cross 4 is the base T8.
What engines does the T8 have?
In China, there's a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (138 PS), a 2.0-litre turbo petrol (190 PS) and a 2.4-litre turbo petrol. European offerings vary by country.
Is there an electric T8?
Yes. It's called the i3-T330 or T8 EV, with a 67.2 kWh battery and 330 km NEDC range.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
