The Changan Hunter REEV is Surprisingly Capable (And Easy on the Eyes)

I got used to the “matagtag” experience of driving other pickup trucks that it was a revelation when I slid behind the wheel of the Changan Hunter REEV K50 4x4 a few months ago. I was so impressed with the overall smooth drive, the premium feel, and the tech enhancements that I requested for longer drive time with the unit to fully appreciate its features. 

A few weeks later and I got just that. Although this time, I got the 4x2 version, it still felt like worlds away from the typical pickups I’ve driven in the past.

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A New Breed of Pickup

The Hunter 4x2 is a close sibling to the 4x4, which we chose as Best REEV Pickup in Esquire Philippines’ Esquire Essentials 2025. The 4x2 variant, though, trades off-road grit for daily drive efficiency, and for those of us who aren’t in the habit of conquering mountain paths or unpaved roads, that’s more than enough.

Power comes from a 174-horsepower electric motor with 320 Nm of torque, paired with a 31.18 kWh lithium-ion battery and a small gasoline engine that acts purely as a generator. This range-extender setup gives it the instant torque and silence of an EV but with none of the “range anxiety” that pure EVs bring. On paper, it offers around 180 km of electric range and over 1,000 km total range when you factor in the full tank — and my week of testing proved that to be fairly accurate. 

First off, it doesn’t have a start/stop button. The engine automatically engages as soon as the driver climbs inside the car with the key on hand or in his pocket. Step on the brake pedal and move the gear selector to “Drive” and you’re set. It takes some getting used to but ultimately is a gamechanging feature.

I had recently moved south of the metro, so most of my driving was from house to workplace through SLEX and typical Metro Manila chaos. On days I had to drive to the office, I averaged about 60 to 70 kilometers, and with a full charge on the day I got the lendout unit, the battery easily handled my first two days without firing up the range extender. 

After about four days, I’d used roughly half a tank of fuel, mainly because I left the car in hybrid mode to let the system manage itself. Over seven days, I covered about 380 kilometers, used up only 20 liters of fuel, and still had plenty in the tank left. That translates to roughly 19 kilometers per liter, which is impressive for a mid-size pickup with a steel ladder frame and cargo bed. Granted, I wasn’t exactly hauling steel crates or heavy appliances during that time, but it was good to know how fuel efficient the Hunter was for an average user like me. 

The heaviest items I threw into the Hunter were grocery bags after a supermarket run. I also attended an event in BGC and managed to squeeze it in a tight parking space, thanks to a 360-degree camera and front-rear parking sensors. On Sunday, I drove it to a dinner meet-up in Alabang with friends. It was easy to see how well it fit into my lifestyle. 

Of course, the ride quality deserves special mention. Thanks to its well-tuned suspension and quiet cabin, the Hunter is as refined as any ride in a pickup can get. Unlike diesel trucks, I didn’t hear any rumbles and growls. Inside, there is a 10.25-inch infotainment system that anchors a dashboard that’s more tech-savvy than utilitarian. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, the digital instrument cluster is crisp, and the overall interface feels intuitive. The AC vents, soft-touch panels, and wide seats lend it a surprisingly upscale vibe.

All in all, the Changan Hunter 4x2 offers an easy entry point for anyone curious about REEVs. The combination of electric efficiency and gasoline assurance is ideal for city dwellers who occasionally venture farther out (like me). More importantly, it looks the part. The bold fascia, sculpted lines, and LED headlamps give it an unmistakable presence. It’s a pickup that turns heads without trying too hard.

Clearly it’s built for professionals who’ve moved past chasing trends and now want technology that fits their pace and purpose. While the 4x4 version might still be top tier in terms of features and off-road capabilities, the 4x2 is more than enough for regular peoples’ day-to-day.