On April 17, Chery officially launched the Rely R08 PRO, a new contender in the global smart off-road pickup market. The vehicle is available in two configurations, with a price range of 144,800 to 169,800 RMB (approximately $20,000 to $23,450 USD). Built on a non-load-bearing body (body-on-frame) and equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, the Rely R08 PRO is powered by a robust 2.3T diesel engine.
### Rugged Design and Off-Road Readiness
The exterior of the Rely R08 PRO departs from the standard R08 with a more aggressive, “mecha-style” front end. It features a rectangular grille with horizontal black slats housing the “RELY” emblem. The squared-off headlight clusters integrate T-shaped daytime running lights and dual rectangular LED projectors. A heavy-duty black plastic front bumper with a silver skid plate includes pre-drilled mounting points for off-road modifications, signaling its rugged intentions.
The side profile is defined by a straight, high waistline, widened wheel arches, and significant ground clearance. To enhance its off-road capability, it comes standard with 18-inch AT (all-terrain) tires, a factory-installed snorkel, and metal side steps.
At the rear, the design is clean yet sturdy, featuring vertical dual L-shaped LED taillights. The rear bumper mirrors the front’s tough aesthetic and includes an integrated trapezoidal step for easy access to the bed. The cargo bed is highly functional, equipped with a factory liner and 36 pre-drilled anchor points, supporting various official modifications such as flat covers, high caps, or camper shells.
### Tech-Forward Interior
Inside, the Rely R08 PRO balances comfort with high-tech utility. The cabin features a minimalist, layered dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials, including leather and premium plastics. The driver enjoys an electrically adjustable seat, while rear passengers benefit from a 500mm cushion length and a 26-degree backrest angle for improved long-distance comfort.
The centerpiece of the interior is a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. This setup ensures a smooth user experience with support for OTA updates, remote app control, and voice interaction. It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar. Safety is prioritized with L2-level driver assistance, a 540-degree panoramic camera (including a transparent chassis view), six airbags, and an intelligent electronic parking brake (EPB).
### Performance and Capability
Under the hood, the 2.3T diesel engine is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a peak torque of 420 N·m, with maximum torque available at just 1,500 RPM. The chassis utilizes a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear leaf-spring non-independent suspension to balance off-road articulation with heavy-load capacity.
Off-road hardware includes a BorgWarner part-time 4WD system (2H, 4H, 4L) and mechanical differential locks for both the front and rear axles. Drivers can choose from multiple terrain modes, including ECO, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, and an “Off-road Expert” mode. With a 34° approach angle, a 29° departure angle, and 230mm of minimum ground clearance, the truck also features “tank turn” and “crawl mode” for navigating the most challenging environments.
### Market Outlook
The Chery Rely R08 PRO enters a segment dominated by the GWM Poer (Great Wall Cannon). While the Poer offers a wider range of variants and a 3.0T V6 option, the Rely R08 PRO carves out an advantage with its superior tech stack (8155 chip and 15.6-inch screen) and a comprehensive “all-in-one” off-road package. By including the snorkel, AT tires, and diff locks as standard equipment—alongside a lifetime warranty for the first owner—Chery is positioning the R08 PRO as a high-value, worry-free choice for users who demand a vehicle that can handle work, family life, and serious adventure.
