JAC T9 vs Toyota Corolla
Verdict
At RM119,888, the JAC T9 is RM24,912 cheaper than the RM144,800 Toyota Corolla yet brings far bigger numbers: 168 hp, 410 Nm, AWD and an 8-speed ZF auto against 137 hp, 172 Nm, front-wheel drive and a CVT. It is also 700 mm longer and 690 kg heavier, so this is not just a spec-sheet win. The Corolla is the easier city sedan on paper, with 470 litres of boot space, a 50-litre tank and broader 5-star NCAP coverage. Choose by use case, not badge.
Pick the JAC T9 if you need diesel torque, AWD, pickup size and the lower purchase price more than sedan manoeuvrability.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if you want a lighter petrol sedan with a 470-litre boot, CVT driving and the fuller NCAP record.
Key differences
- Price: JAC T9 RM119,888; Toyota Corolla RM144,800
- Output: JAC T9 168 hp/410 Nm; Toyota Corolla 137 hp/172 Nm
- Driveline and gearbox: JAC T9 AWD with 8-speed ZF automatic; Toyota Corolla FWD with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT
- Size and weight: JAC T9 5,330 mm long/2,055 kg; Toyota Corolla 4,630 mm long/1,365 kg
- Safety ratings: JAC T9 5-star ANCAP; Toyota Corolla 5-star ANCAP, Euro NCAP and ASEAN NCAP
- Wheels and tyres: JAC T9 18-inch with 265/60R18; Toyota Corolla 17-inch with 225/45R17
T9
- Much stronger output at 168 hp and 410 Nm
- AWD with an 8-speed ZF automatic
- Gets blind spot info, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and collision warning
- Heavier at 2,055 kg versus 1,365 kg
- Much larger footprint: 5,330 mm long and 1,965 mm wide versus 4,630 mm and 1,780 mm
- No Euro NCAP or ASEAN NCAP score; Corolla has 5 stars in both
Corolla
- 690 kg lighter and 700 mm shorter than the JAC T9
- 470-litre boot and 50-litre fuel tank
- 5-star ANCAP, Euro NCAP and ASEAN NCAP ratings
- Costs RM24,912 more
- Less drivetrain on paper: 137 hp/172 Nm and FWD versus 168 hp/410 Nm and AWD
- No blind spot info, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or collision warning
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 119,888✓ | RM 144,800 |
| Body type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve, DOHC commonrail two-stage turbodiesel | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 168 hp✓ | 137 hp |
| Torque | 410 Nm✓ | 172 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 80.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic | 7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,965 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,920 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 2,055 kg | 1,365 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | — | 470 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/60R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/60R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size Spare | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Open Country H/T Z | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Chassis | Ladder Frame | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side Curtain and Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB, 1 220-volt Socket | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.4" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Six-speaker Sound System | 9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Engine (1st Owner Only) | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM 279 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
T9 vs Corolla FAQ
Is the JAC T9 or Toyota Corolla better?
For capability and kit, the JAC T9 has the edge: cheaper, 168 hp/410 Nm, AWD, AEB and blind spot info. For daily sedan use, the Corolla is smaller, 690 kg lighter, has a 470-litre boot and fuller NCAP coverage.
What is the price difference?
The JAC T9 is RM24,912 cheaper: RM119,888 versus RM144,800 for the Toyota Corolla.
Which one is easier to park?
The Toyota Corolla should be easier on size alone: 4,630 mm long and 1,780 mm wide against the JAC T9’s 5,330 mm and 1,965 mm. The JAC counters with four front sensors versus Toyota’s two, and both have a 360-degree camera.