Chery’s New Ranger Fighter: 9 Name Finalists Including Orca, Outrider, and Bushwalker

Chery’s highly anticipated mid-size pickup truck has entered the final naming phase, with nine potential names now in contention. The automaker has narrowed down a long list of submissions to a shortlist of nine finalists, all with strong ties to Australia.

Among the finalists are Orca, Outrider, and Bushwalker, each reflecting unique aspects of Australian culture and landscape. The truck, previously codenamed KP31, is set to launch later this year as a diesel plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

How the Naming Process Worked

Chery opened the naming process to Australian fans, receiving over 20,000 entries. The shortlisted names were selected for their Australian relevance, though some connections are stronger than others. The finalists include:

• Outrider – Inspired by someone who rides out to scout unknown territory
• Orca – Also known as the killer whale
• Ironbark – Named after local eucalyptus trees
• Bushwalker – A nod to Australia’s outdoor culture
• Stockman – Reflecting Australia’s rural heritage
• Longreach – A reference to the Queensland town
• Ridgeback – Inspired by the Australian Cattle Dog
• Terra – A name that suits a rugged pickup, though it’s already reserved for Scout’s upcoming 2028 model
• Mate – A popular Australian term, though its suitability for a truck name is debatable

Fan Voting and Prize

Fans can now vote on their favorite name from the shortlist. The person who submitted the winning name will receive the keys to the first production Chery pickup truck when it arrives in Australia later this year.

Technical Specifications

Chery has confirmed the truck will initially launch as a diesel plug-in hybrid with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While power figures remain undisclosed, the model is expected to deliver a towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) and a payload of up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs). A petrol-powered plug-in hybrid variant is planned for a later release.

With this launch, Chery is positioning itself as a serious competitor against established brands like BYD, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and Isuzu in the mid-size pickup segment.