The JAC T9 pickup has successfully conquered Keokradong, Bangladesh’s second-highest peak, completing a challenging journey through rugged hill terrain and returning safely to Dhaka.
The expedition was carried out recently with two vehicles, as the JAC Motors team and travel influencer ‘The Outsider’ set off from Dhaka and reached Keokradong before completing the return journey.
The drive came shortly after the country’s highest motorable road, at 3,235 feet above sea level, reopened to tourists in October 2025 after years of closure.
Keokradong’s mist-covered slopes, steep gradients, narrow bends, and sharp ridges have long made the route extremely difficult for standard cars or motorcycles. Traditionally, tourists have relied on Chander Garis, open-roof jeeps commonly used in hilly areas, though past accidents have highlighted safety risks.
Against this backdrop, the modern pickup JAC T9 entered the Bangladesh market, introduced by official distributor Rancon Global Trucks Limited. Footage from the expedition shows the JAC T9 navigating steep inclines, uneven bends, and sharp drops with ease, demonstrating the vehicle’s capability on demanding hill roads.
The journey served as a real-world performance test rather than a routine trip, underlining how purpose-built vehicles can handle the country’s toughest terrain.
According to company specifications, the JAC T9 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine producing 168 horsepower and 410 Newton-metres of torque. Its robust four-wheel-drive system ensures grip on steep and uneven surfaces, and the vehicle can carry more than 1,000 kilograms.
The interior offers comfort alongside performance, featuring leather seats, a 10.4-inch touchscreen, sunroof, and wireless charging. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, and an electronic stability programme, enhancing control and stability on challenging roads.
The JAC T9 is available in Bangladesh for Tk 46.5 lakh. Following the successful expedition, Rancon Global Trucks Limited Managing Director Shawn Hakim said, “At Rancon, we remain committed to bringing world-class vehicles to Bangladesh, and conquering Keokradong has shown that the JAC T9 can confidently take on even more challenging roads.”
The achievement suggests that capable and safe vehicles could make Bangladesh’s rugged hill destinations accessible to families and general tourists, not just adventure seekers. Industry observers say such initiatives may boost local tourism while setting higher safety benchmarks for hill travel.
The brand recently opened its flagship JAC showroom in Tejgaon, offering customers vehicle bookings and test-drive facilities.
