The controversy surrounding Jetour's T-Series payload ratings has deepened after local testing produced conflicting results for one of the range's models. Testing at the Clayville Testing Centre in Gauteng supported the revised 475kg payload rating for four of the five T-Series models tested, but the midrange T2 2.0T XPlora produced a discrepancy.
The Jetour T-Series payload saga began earlier this year after the T1 and T2 models, launched in late 2025, came under fire for their 300kg payload ratings, which were deemed uncharacteristically low for an 'adventure' SUV. Despite the T-Series models surging up the sales charts, the payload remained a concern for families wanting to load up and hit the open road.
In late August, Jetour announced that the approved payload capacities for the T1 and T2 models had been raised to 475kg, inclusive of the driver, following consultations with its Chinese head office and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). However, consumer bodies such as the Automobile Association (AA) raised questions about how this had been achieved without making any specification changes to the vehicles in question.
Local testing showed that four of the five tested models exceeded their payload claims, with the range-topping T2 2.0T Odyssey exceeding its payload claim by 25kg, and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model being 3kg above its claim. However, while Jetour says its midrange XPlora model was 4kg above its 475kg rating, official weighbridge results seen by the AA indicate that it fell 20kg short.
Jetour attributes the discrepancy to fuel levels distorting the tested tare weight used for the calculation. The company stated that when the initial test was conducted, the fuel tank was completely full, and retesting with the correct amount of fuel yielded the correct payload.
The Automobile Association has expressed concerns that existing owners of T-Series models may still be subject to the lower weight rating reflected on their licence discs when encountering traffic authorities. The AA insists that Jetour issue a recall notice to all affected customers, advising them of the legislative and law-enforcement risks associated with the licence disc weight-rating.
Jetour has stated that a licensing solution for its T2 customers is being prioritised in consultation with the NRCS, and further details will be communicated directly with each customer. However, the T1's revised payload rating remains unresolved, with Jetour's application for a revised T1 payload rating still pending approval from the authorities.
Key points
- The controversy surrounding Jetour's revised payload ratings has raised concerns about the company's testing procedures and the potential risks for existing owners.
- The Automobile Association has called for Jetour to issue a recall notice to all affected customers, advising them of the legislative and law-enforcement risks associated with the licence disc weight-rating.
- The T1's revised payload rating remains unresolved, with Jetour's application for a revised T1 payload rating still pending approval from the authorities.
