Jetour South Africa has revised the official payload ratings of its T1 and T2 SUVs to 475kg following concerns over the lower figures originally published for the vehicles.

The T-Series arrived in South Africa in 2025 and quickly gained attention, particularly the T2, which went on to win the country’s official Car of the Year title in early 2026.

However, questions emerged over payload figures ranging from about 300kg to 375kg, depending on the model and calculation method.

Those limits raised concerns because the maximum payload could potentially be reached with five occupants before luggage was added.

Payload increased to 475kg

Jetour has now confirmed that the approved payload for the relevant T1 and T2 model range is 475kg, including the driver.

The company said the revised figure followed discussions with Jetour’s head office and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications.

“Based on the approval obtained from the NRCS, Jetour South Africa confirms that the approved payload capacity applicable to the relevant Jetour T1 and T2 model range is 475kg, inclusive of the driver,” the company said.

The change represents a significant increase over the previously quoted figures.

No mechanical changes required

Jetour did not make mechanical, structural or component changes to the T1 or T2 to achieve the higher rating.

According to the report, this means the revised payload theoretically also applies to existing vehicles that fall within the scope of the relevant NRCS approval.

Jetour South Africa said it is engaging with local licensing authorities about applying the increased rating to existing T1 and T2 vehicles.

Details on how the process will affect current owners have not yet been confirmed.

Original figures remain unexplained

Jetour has not yet publicly explained why the original payload figures were substantially lower than the newly approved 475kg rating.

IOL said it had approached Jetour South Africa for further information about the reasoning behind the earlier figures.

The updated rating gives the T1 and T2 more capacity for passengers and luggage than the original specifications suggested.

For current owners, however, the next step will depend on the outcome of Jetour’s discussions with licensing authorities over how the revised rating will be reflected on existing vehicles.