Chinese pickup Great Wall King Kong (aka Great Wall King Kong) has become one of the most discussed new products on the Russian commercial vehicle market. There are several reasons for this: aggressive design, declared frame strength, and most importantly - the price is 2-2.5 times lower than analogues from Toyota or Ford with comparable characteristics. But is this pickup really that good in practice, or are there compromises hidden behind the low cost?

In this article we will look at King Kong in detail: from technical parameters to real reviews from owners. You will find out what engines are installed on this model, how the suspension behaves off-road, how much fuel it actually consumes, and what pitfalls should be taken into account before purchasing. Let’s also compare it with its main competitors: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and domestic UAZ Profi.

Technical characteristics of Great Wall King Kong

Under the hood King Kong There are two diesel engine options available - both developed by the company Great Wall Motors and adapted to Russian operating conditions. Base motor GW4D20 (2.0 l, 163 hp) familiar by model Haval H9 and Wingle 7, and the eldest GW4D20T (2.0 l, 190 hp) equipped with turbocharging and intercooler. Both units comply with environmental standards Euro 5.

Gearboxes - manual 6MT or automatic 8AT from ZF. The drive is exclusively all-wheel drive (4WD), with the possibility of forced locking of the center differential. The suspension is classic for pickups: the front is independent on double wishbones, the rear is leaf spring with trailing arms. Ground clearance is 210 mm, which is 10-15 mm more than Toyota Hilux last generation.

Parameter Great Wall King Kong 2.0 (163 hp) Great Wall King Kong 2.0T (190 hp)
Engine type Diesel, R4, 16V, turbo Diesel, R4, 16V, turbo + intercooler
Max. torque 380 Nm at 1500–2400 rpm 420 Nm at 1500–2400 rpm
Gearbox 6MT/8AT 6MT/8AT
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 12.9 s (MT) / 13.5 s (AT) 10.8 s (MT) / 11.2 s (AT)
Curb weight 2050 kg 2100 kg

Particular attention should be paid to the carrying capacity: King Kong capable of transporting up to 1 ton in the body (at full vehicle weight 3500 kg). For comparison, Toyota Hilux the basic configuration has a carrying capacity 800–900 kg. However, there is a nuance here: the Chinese pickup belongs to the category N1 (freight transport), which imposes restrictions on driving - it requires category rights C (if the weight exceeds 3.5 tons in running order).

πŸ“ŠWhich King Kong engine are you more interested in?
2.0 l (163 hp)
2.0T l (190 hp)
The only thing that matters to me is the machine gun
I haven't decided yet

Pros and cons of Great Wall King Kong

Like any car, King Kong has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them objectively, based on test drives and reviews from the first owners.

  • πŸ’ͺ Durable frame - the manufacturer states that the side members are made of high-strength steel with a yield strength 550 MPa, which is comparable to Ford Ranger Raptor.
  • πŸ’° Price - from 2.8 million rubles for the basic version (versus 4–5 million for Hilux or Ranger).
  • πŸ› οΈ Easy to repair β€” many units are unified with other models Great Wall, and spare parts are already appearing on the market.
  • 🌍 Good geometric cross-country ability β€” approach/departure angles are 28Β°/26Β°which is better than Mitsubishi L200.
  • ⚠️ Low corrosion resistance β€” the first owners complain about rust on the door sills after 6–8 months (especially in regions with salt on the roads).
  • πŸ”§ Poor sound insulation β€” noise level in the cabin at speed 100 km/h reaches 72 dB (y Hilux β€” 65 dB).
  • β›½ Increased fuel consumption - according to passport 8.5 l/100 km, in fact - 10–12 l/100 km in a mixed cycle.
  • πŸ“‰ Resale price drop - on the secondary market, Chinese pickups lose up to 30–40% cost for 2–3 years.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Great Wall King Kong be sure to check availability certificate of conformity (especially if the car was imported unofficially). Without it, you will not be able to register the pickup with the traffic police, and you will also lose the manufacturer’s warranty.

Comparison with competitors: King Kong vs Hilux vs Ranger

To understand how much King Kong competitive, let's compare it with the segment leaders - Toyota Hilux (8th generation) and Ford Ranger (3rd generation, restyling 2023). For objectivity, let’s take versions with similar diesel engines and all-wheel drive.

Parameter Great Wall King Kong 2.0T Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo
Power, hp 190 204 213
Torque, Nm 420 500 500
Fuel consumption, l/100 km 10–12 (real) 8–9 9–10
Price, million rubles (2026) 2,8–3,3 4,2–5,1 4,0–4,8
Warranty, years 3 (or 100,000 km) 3 (or 100,000 km) 3 (or 150,000 km)

From the table it is clear that King Kong loses to competitors in terms of dynamics and efficiency, but wins in price. However, it is important to consider here cost of ownership: for example, consumables for Toyota or Ford will cost less, and their engines are designed to 400,000+ km without major repairs. For the Chinese pickup truck, this figure is still in question - the first engines GW4D20 just starting to accumulate runs.

πŸ’‘

If you need a reliable pickup truck for many years, choose Hilux or Ranger. If the priority is price and load capacity, and the resource is not important, King Kong could be a good alternative.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

First Great Wall King Kong They began shipping to Russia in 2023, so there are few long-term reviews yet. However, several typical opinions can already be identified:

⚠️ Attention: Many owners note problems with electronics - for example, spontaneous shutdown of the rear view camera or malfunctions of the multimedia system. This is due to the β€œraw” firmware of the on-board computer. Before purchasing, check with your dealer to ensure the latest software update is installed.
  • πŸ‘ "For the money - a great option" β€” this is what those who bought a pickup truck for work (construction, farming) say. Main advantages: low price, spacious body, good maneuverability.
  • πŸ‘Ž "Noisy and harsh" - the main complaint from those who ride King Kong daily. The suspension does not filter out small bumps well, and the engine is loud at idle.
  • πŸ”§ "There are spare parts, but not all" β€” simple consumables (filters, brake pads) are already appearing in stores, but there may be problems with body parts (for example, a bumper).
  • ❄️ "Behaves unpredictably in winter" β€” some owners complain about the long time it takes to warm up the interior and the β€œoaky” rubber door seals, which cause drafts.

Interesting fact: despite criticism, King Kong actively purchased for commercial use. For example, in Yakutia and Far East he is appreciated for ease of repair in the field β€” many components can be repaired without specialized equipment.

What do they say about corrosion?

According to independent tests, the body King Kong begins to rust after 1–1.5 years when used in aggressive conditions (salt, high humidity). The manufacturer promises to improve anti-corrosion treatment in new batches, but for now this remains the weak point of the model.

How much is Great Wall King Kong worth in 2026?

Prices for King Kong vary depending on equipment and region. As of July 2026, the current proposals look like this:

  • πŸ’΅ Basic version (2.0 l, 163 hp, MT) - from RUB 2,790,000
  • πŸ’΅ Mid-spec (2.0T, 190 hp, MT) - from RUB 3,150,000
  • πŸ’΅ Top version (2.0T, 190 hp, AT, leather interior) - up to RUB 3,450,000

It is worth noting that prices may differ between official dealers and β€œgray” importers. The latter often offer cars cheaper, but without a guarantee and with the risk of problems during registration. Also, copies of the 2023 model year are already beginning to appear on the secondary market - they can be found for 2.3–2.6 million rubles, but with mileage 15,000–30,000 km.

When purchasing new King Kong pay attention to additional options, which can significantly increase the final cost:

  • πŸ”‹ Pre-heater β€” +45,000 rub. (relevant for northern regions).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Crankcase and fuel tank protection β€” +30,000 rub.
  • 🎡 Premium Audio System β€” +25,000 rub.
  • πŸ”¦ LED spotlights on the roof β€” +18,000 rub.
πŸ’‘

If you plan to use your pickup truck off-road, order it right away reinforced rear suspension springs (about 20,000 rub.). Standard springs sag at a constant load of more than 800 kg.

How to choose Great Wall King Kong: checklist before purchasing

We decided to stop at King Kong? Then be sure to check the following points before purchasing:

β˜‘οΈ What to check when inspecting King Kong

Done: 0 / 5

If you are buying a used car, pay attention to:

  • πŸ” Turbine condition (for versions with 2.0T) - when worn, a characteristic whistle appears.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery - in the cold King Kong It doesn't start well if the battery is weak.
  • πŸ›’οΈ Transmission oil - in a manual transmission it needs to be changed every 60,000 km (official regulations - 100,000 km, but in practice it takes too long).

It would also be a good idea to check the car through services Autocode or CarVertical - this will help identify hidden accidents or mileage misrepresented by the dealer.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Great Wall King Kong

πŸ”§ Do you need a "C" category to control King Kong?

Yes, if the gross vehicle weight exceeds 3500 kg. Standard King Kong weighs 3500 kg, but with cargo or passengers may exceed this limit. To avoid problems, register for category rights C or choose a version with a lightweight frame (if one becomes available).

β›½ What is the real fuel consumption of King Kong 2.0T?

According to the owners:

  • πŸ™οΈ City β€” 12–14 l/100 km.
  • πŸ›£οΈ Route (90 km/h) β€” 8–9 l/100 km.
  • πŸ”οΈ Off-road - up to 16 l/100 km (with all-wheel drive engaged).

Consumption increases by 10–15% in winter and when using air conditioning.

πŸ”© Is it possible to install gas equipment on King Kong?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

  • βœ… Engine GW4D20 adapted for operation on gas, but the ECU requires flashing.
  • ⚠️ The manufacturer's warranty is canceled when installing HBO.
  • πŸ’° Payback - approx. 80,000–100,000 km (at gas price 25 rub./liter).

It is better to choose 4th generation systems with direct gas injection (for example, Lovato or BRC).

πŸ› οΈ Where is the best place to serve King Kong?

Official dealers Great Wall Not available in all cities. Alternatives:

  • πŸ”§ Services specializing in Chinese cars (for example, Haval, Changan).
  • 🚜 Service station for commercial vehicles - They know diesel engines well.
  • πŸ”© Independent maintenance β€” many operations (changing oil, filters) are simple.

The cost of scheduled maintenance at an official dealer is approx. 12,000–15,000 rub. (including consumables).

πŸ“¦ What is the carrying capacity of King Kong?

Declared load capacity - 1000 kg, but in practice:

  • πŸ“¦ When loading more than 800 kg the rear suspension sags and handling deteriorates.
  • πŸš› To transport heavy loads (for example, construction materials), it is better to use a trailer.
  • βš–οΈ Gross vehicle weight β€” 3500 kg, so with cargo + passengers it’s easy to go beyond the category limit B.