The Evolution of the Kaicene F70: Changan’s Global Pickup Truck Partnership
The Kaicene F70 is one of the most significant pickup trucks ever produced by Changan Automobile. Introduced in 2019 under Changan’s Kaicene commercial vehicle brand, the F70 marked the company’s entry into the highly competitive midsize pickup segment. Developed jointly with Groupe PSA, the parent company of Peugeot at the time, the F70 became much more than a domestic Chinese pickup. It served as the foundation for several international models, including the Peugeot Landtrek, Fiat Titano, Ram 1200, and other regional variants.
Since its launch, the Kaicene F70 has evolved from a conventional work-oriented pickup into a platform supporting numerous powertrains, body styles, and derivative models. Its development has helped establish Changan as a global player in the pickup truck market.
Origins of the Kaicene F70
The Kaicene F70 originated from a strategic partnership announced between Changan Automobile and Groupe PSA during the late 2010s. The goal was to create a modern midsize pickup truck that could be sold in China and numerous international markets.
Unlike many earlier Chinese pickups that focused solely on affordability, the F70 was engineered to compete with established global models such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and Nissan Navara. The project combined Changan’s manufacturing expertise with PSA’s experience in global vehicle development. The result was a body-on-frame pickup designed for both commercial and recreational use.
.
MANY auto lovers not only spend time in their garages to tinker on their autos, but have other projects going on in there as well. Wood working is a popular pastime for the creative type of individual. Not sure what to make next? Or thinking about getting into this kind of hobby? There’s lots of possibilities… Here’s some of them…
.
Introduction and Launch
First Generation Kaicene F70 (2019–2023)
Production Years: November 2019–September 2023
The Kaicene F70 officially entered production in late 2019 as a midsize pickup truck. It was available in multiple body configurations and drivetrain layouts, allowing it to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Available body styles included:
- Regular Cab
- Extended Cab
- Crew Cab
Drivetrain choices included:
- Rear-wheel drive (2WD)
- Four-wheel drive (4WD)
The F70 utilized a traditional ladder-frame chassis, making it suitable for towing, off-road use, and commercial hauling. The truck featured a wheelbase of 125.2 inches in standard form, with long-wheelbase variants introduced later. Overall length varied depending on body style, reaching more than 220 inches in some configurations.
Early Powertrain Lineup (2019–2021)
At launch, buyers could choose from several engines depending on market requirements.
1.9-Liter Turbo Diesel
The most common early engine was a 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder producing approximately 150 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Available transmissions included:
- Six-speed manual
- Six-speed automatic
This engine was particularly popular among commercial users seeking fuel efficiency and strong low-speed torque.
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Gasoline
A larger 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine was also available.
Output varied slightly by emissions specification but generally ranged between:
- 211–218 horsepower
- 236 lb-ft of torque
This engine appealed to private buyers who preferred gasoline performance over diesel efficiency.
2.5-Liter Turbo Diesel
Certain markets received a 2.5-liter turbo-diesel engine producing between 129 and 150 horsepower, depending on emissions regulations.
This powerplant was primarily intended for export markets where diesel pickups remained popular.
Trim Levels (2019–2021)
During its first production phase, the Kaicene F70 was offered in three primary trim levels.
Standard
The entry-level Standard trim focused on durability and affordability. Equipment typically included:
- Manual air conditioning
- Cloth seating
- Steel wheels
- Basic audio system
- Power steering
Luxury
The Luxury trim added comfort-oriented features such as:
- Alloy wheels
- Enhanced interior materials
- Improved infotainment systems
- Additional convenience features
Executive
The Executive trim represented the highest specification during the early years.
Features commonly included:
- Leather-appointed seating
- Larger infotainment displays
- Reverse camera systems
- Additional chrome exterior trim
- Enhanced safety equipment
These trims were available with both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.
Mid-Cycle Expansion (2021–2023)
In 2021, Changan expanded the F70 lineup with additional powertrains and wheelbase options.
2.0-Liter Turbo Diesel
A new 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine producing approximately 163 horsepower was introduced.
The engine became available in:
- Standard Wheelbase
- Long Wheelbase
configurations and was offered across multiple trim levels. The addition improved fuel economy while maintaining strong commercial capability.
Excellence Trim
During 2022, Changan introduced the Excellence trim, which became the flagship F70 specification.
The Excellence model added:
- Premium interior finishes
- Advanced multimedia systems
- Additional driver-assistance features
- Enhanced exterior styling elements
The Excellence trim was primarily offered on long-wheelbase versions and targeted customers seeking a more upscale pickup experience.
Models and Trim Levels Throughout Production
2019–2021 Lineup
- Standard 2WD
- Standard 4WD
- Luxury 2WD
- Luxury 4WD
- Executive 2WD
- Executive 4WD
2021–2023 Expanded Lineup
- Standard Standard Wheelbase
- Standard Long Wheelbase
- Luxury Standard Wheelbase
- Luxury Long Wheelbase
- Executive Standard Wheelbase
- Executive Long Wheelbase
- Excellence Long Wheelbase
Available with various diesel and gasoline engines depending on market and model year.
Global Influence and Derivative Models
One of the most important aspects of the F70’s history is its influence beyond China.
The platform served as the basis for:
- Peugeot Landtrek
- Fiat Titano
- Ram 1200
- Ram Dakota
- Changan Hunter
- Changan F70 Hunter
This made the F70 one of the most internationally successful Chinese-developed pickup platforms. Vehicles based on the F70 have been assembled and sold across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Transition to the Changan Hunter
A major development occurred in late 2022 and 2023 when Changan introduced the Lantuozhe and later the Hunter series.
Although based on the F70 platform, these models featured revised styling, upgraded interiors, and new powertrains. The Hunter eventually introduced an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged generator engine and electric motors.
The introduction of these models effectively shifted Changan’s pickup strategy toward electrification while continuing to build upon the F70 architecture.
Technology and Capability
Throughout its production life, the F70 emphasized practical utility.
Notable features included:
- Body-on-frame construction
- Payload capacity exceeding one ton in some variants
- Four-wheel-drive availability
- Multiple cargo-bed configurations
- Diesel and gasoline engine options
- Manual and automatic transmissions
These characteristics allowed the truck to compete effectively in both commercial and lifestyle segments.
Future Outlook
Although the Kaicene F70 name largely disappeared from the Chinese market after 2023, its platform remains highly relevant. The architecture continues to underpin newer Changan pickups, including the Hunter and related export models.
Future developments are likely to focus on:
- Electrified powertrains
- Extended-range electric technology
- Advanced driver-assistance systems
- Improved connectivity features
- Global market expansion
As emissions regulations become stricter worldwide, Changan’s transition from the traditional F70 toward electrified derivatives suggests that the platform will continue evolving well into the future.
The Kaicene F70 played a pivotal role in Changan Automobile’s transformation from a domestic manufacturer into a global pickup truck competitor. Produced from 2019 through 2023 under the Kaicene name, the F70 offered numerous body styles, powertrains, and trim levels ranging from Standard and Luxury models to the range-topping Excellence variant. More importantly, its architecture became the foundation for several internationally recognized pickups, including the Peugeot Landtrek and Ram 1200. While newer Changan pickup models have largely replaced the F70 in China, its influence continues through the many vehicles that share its platform and engineering heritage.
