Ghandhara Automobiles has quietly broadened Pakistan’s mid-size pickup market with a lower-priced, urban-focused variant of the JAC T9: the FRISON 2X. Announced in October 2025, the FRISON 2X arrives as a rear-wheel-drive (4×2) alternative to the JAC T9 Hunter (4×4) and undercuts many established rivals on price while keeping most of the T9’s creature comforts and tech. The ex-factory launch price is Rs 8,775,000 with bookings reported at Rs 2,300,000.
Quick summary — what changed vs. the Hunter
- Drive layout: FRISON 2X is rear-wheel drive (4×2) — the Hunter is a 4×4. This is the FRISON’s headline distinction and the main reason for its lower price and improved fuel economy for urban/highway use.
- Looks & wheels: Minor cosmetic tweaks (front grille, new 18″ dual-spoke alloys in most markets). Otherwise the interior equipment and many features are retained from the Hunter.
- Positioning: Aimed at buyers who want the T9’s comfort and tech but don’t need off-road capability — city drivers, daily commuters who also want load-carrying versatility.
Key statistics & headline specs (FRISON / JAC T9 family)
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel (2.0 CTI).
- Power / Torque: 125 kW (≈168 hp) @3,600 rpm and 410 Nm torque (1,500–2,500 rpm).
- Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic.
- Dimensions (double cab): 5,330 × 1,965 × 1,920 mm; wheelbase 3,110 mm.
- Payload / GVW: Payload ≈ 1,000 kg; GVW listed ~2,945–3,055 kg depending on spec.
- Fuel tank: ~76 L (market variants).
- Notable equipment retained: 10.4″ touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, 360° camera, sunroof (on higher trims), rear AC vents, six airbags and a suite of electronic safety aids (ESC, Traction Control, Hill Hold/Assist, TPMS).
(These are manufacturer / regional data — Ghandhara’s local spec sheet mirrors these core figures.)
International user & media impressions (what owners and reviewers say)
Early international reviews and long-term owner impressions of the JAC T9 / Hunter family (the FRISON is mechanically the same except drivetrain) emphasize three repeating themes:
- Value for money: International reviews note a high equipment level vs. price — especially for tech and interior comfort that few rivals offer at similar price points. Reviewers in New Zealand and South Africa highlighted the T9’s comfortable cabin, strong mid-range torque and modern infotainment package.
- Engine & gearbox: The 2.0-litre diesel with the ZF 8-speed automatic is praised for smoothness and usable torque (410 Nm low in the rev range). Drivers report confident highway performance and reasonable overtaking ability for a midsize ute.
- Perception & resale: Common owner feedback internationally: good initial ownership experience, but some buyers remain cautious about long-term resale and parts/support compared with Toyota/Isuzu. That’s a consistent theme where Japanese rivals have decades-long reputations in many markets.
How the FRISON 2X stacks up against local rivals
Below I compare the FRISON (JAC T9 4×2) to the JAC T9 Hunter (4×4), Toyota Hilux / Revo, and Isuzu D-Max — focusing on what matters to Pakistani buyers: performance, capability, equipment and price.
JAC T9 FRISON 2X vs JAC T9 Hunter
- Drivetrain: FRISON = 4×2 (RWD). Hunter = 4×4. If you need off-road traction or regular heavy towing on rough terrain, the Hunter is the pick. FRISON is better for city/highway (lower price, marginally better fuel economy).
- Equipment: Largely identical — both share infotainment, cameras, safety systems and interior comfort; the Hunter keeps the 4×4 hardware and often a slightly higher ride height.
- Price: FRISON’s ex-factory Rs 8.775m undercuts the Hunter (previously launched at a higher sticker), making it the more accessible T9 variant.
JAC T9 FRISON 2X vs Toyota Hilux / Revo
- Power & torque: Hilux Revo’s popular 2.8L diesel produces ~201 hp & 500 Nm (depending on variant) — significantly more than the T9’s 168 hp / 410 Nm. That translates to stronger towing and uphill performance for the Hilux.
- Reliability & resale: Toyota’s longstanding reputation in Pakistan for durability and resale value is a major advantage. Many buyers accept higher purchase cost for cheaper ownership headaches and stronger resale.
- Price: Hilux/Revo retail prices in Pakistan are currently much higher (Toyota often sits well above the JAC T9 price), so the FRISON is positioned for value-minded buyers who want tech and comfort over extreme capability.
JAC T9 FRISON 2X vs Isuzu D-Max
- Power & torque: Isuzu’s 3.0-litre variants typically produce up to ~190 hp and ~450 Nm — again, stronger on paper than the T9’s 168 hp/410 Nm. Isuzu is praised for its torquey engines and robust chassis.
- Comfort & features: The FRISON often has an edge in cabin tech and modern infotainment at its price point. Isuzu tends to prioritize mechanical ruggedness and towing/utility.
- Price & choice: Isuzu D-Max and variants are priced above the FRISON in many trims; the FRISON undercuts them while offering more standard tech, making it attractive for urban buyers who value features.
Full technical highlights (concise spec sheet)
Powertrain & performance
- Engine: 2.0 L Turbo Diesel (2.0CTI)
- Power: 125 kW (≈168 hp) @ 3,600 rpm.
- Torque: 410 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm.
- Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic.
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive (4×2) — FRISON 2X variant.
Dimensions & capacity
- Length × Width × Height: 5,330 × 1,965 × 1,920 mm.
- Wheelbase: 3,110 mm.
- Payload: ~1,000 kg (market spec).
- Fuel tank: ~76 L.
Safety & tech
- Airbags: Six SRS (driver, passenger, side, curtain depending on market).
- Active aids: ABS with EBD, ESC, Traction Control, Hill Start/Descent Assist, BOS, TPMS.
- Infotainment: 10.4″ touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, 360° camera, multiple USB/charging points.
Local pricing & availability
- Ex-factory price (launch): PKR 8,775,000. Booking reported at PKR 2,300,000; on-road prices will vary (examples published: PKR ~9.21m for filers and ~10.09m for non-filers depending on taxes/registration). Bookings open at Ghandhara dealerships nationwide.
Who should buy the FRISON 2X?
- Urban buyers who want a comfortable, well-equipped double-cab pickup for daily use and occasional load-carriage.
- Feature-seekers who prioritize cabin tech, active safety aids and modern infotainment at a value price.
- Budget-minded buyers who like the T9 package but don’t require 4×4 capability or the higher purchase/ownership cost that comes with it.
Who should look elsewhere?
- Heavy-duty off-roaders or commercial users who require 4×4 traction, heavy towing or highest-in-class towing capacity — a Hilux 2.8 or Isuzu 3.0 may be better suited.
- Buyers prioritizing long-term resale & pan-Pakistan service network might still prefer Toyota or Isuzu for their established aftersales and historically stronger resale values.
Verdict — value vs legacy
The JAC T9 FRISON 2X is a smart, value-oriented addition to Pakistan’s pickup market. By keeping the T9’s modern cabin, safety kit and the well-regarded 2.0-litre diesel/ZF automatic combo but swapping 4×4 hardware for RWD, Ghandhara delivers a pickup that will appeal to tech-hungry buyers who spend most of their time on tarmac. It won’t dethrone the Hilux or D-Max where extreme off-road capability, towing or residual value are decisive — but at Rs 8.775 million ex-factory, the FRISON poses a serious alternative for buyers who want more gadgetry and comfort for less money.
Sources and further reading
(Selected reporting and specs used in this article)
- Ghandhara / Pakistan launch coverage — Pakistan Today (Profit) and PakWheels launch posts.
- JAC official technical pages and global T9 spec sheets.
- International review (Driven Car Guide — New Zealand) and regional JAC T9 spec summaries.
- Toyota Hilux / Revo & Isuzu D-Max specs and Pakistan market comparisons.
