HIMLA Maintains Stable Performance Under High Temperatures and Full Loads, Taking on Mountains and Coasts with Strong Carrying Capability
As family road trips become part of everyday life, desert crossings, highland camping and seaside holidays are now familiar ways for many families to spend their leisure time. Yet when a vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and gear and driven for long periods in high-temperature environments, power fade can turn a smooth journey into an unplanned stop. Large items such as tents, bicycles and surfboards can also be difficult to load and secure. Designed by CHERY for global markets, the HIMLA pickup brings the brand's "For Family" core value proposition into real travel scenarios. With stable, dependable power and flexible, strong carrying capability, it gives families the confidence to travel fully loaded, even in the heat.
Stable Power, Even Under Heat and Load
On self-drive holidays to hot deserts or tropical regions, surface temperatures can reach up to 50°C. Add a cabin full of family members, a cargo bed packed with camping equipment, soft sand and long uphill climbs, and many vehicles can begin to overheat after extended running, with power output dropping and the journey interrupted.
HIMLA offers two powertrain options, a 2.3T diesel and a 2.4T petrol engine, to meet different family travel needs. The 2.3T diesel engine delivers peak torque of 420 N·m at 1,500 rpm, helping the vehicle pull away more confidently on sand while providing ample power reserves for long, steep climbs. Paired with an 8AT automatic transmission, it provides smooth performance with reduced power loss, keeping output steady even across a full day of long-distance driving.
To support sustained operation in high-temperature conditions, HIMLA features a large grille and an enhanced cooling system. Even when carrying a full complement of passengers and equipment over long distances, the engine can maintain stable operation, reducing the need for frequent stops for checks and helping keep the family journey on track.
Flexible Loading for the Whole Family's Gear
From weekend camping in the mountains to buying bulky outdoor supplies or heading out to open dunes, different lifestyles place real demands on carrying capacity. Family travel gear is often varied and awkward in shape, from tents and bicycles to surfboards and full outdoor cooking sets, and the boot of a conventional SUV can quickly run out of space.
HIMLA comes with a large 1,276 L cargo bed, allowing outdoor gear to be arranged neatly instead of being squeezed into every spare corner of the cabin. The cargo bed features 36 integrated mounting points, allowing users to secure loads flexibly according to their size, shape and intended use. Whether carrying agricultural products, tools and parts, camping equipment or daily supplies, users can find a more suitable way to fasten the load. On bumpy mountain roads, slopes or unpaved routes, this design helps improve load stability and makes everyday carrying easier.
In terms of payload and towing capability, HIMLA offers a rated payload of 1 tonne and a towing capacity of 3 tonnes. It can carry the equipment needed for a family trip while also towing a caravan for longer-distance family travel. The cargo bed is also equipped with an abrasion-resistant coating that helps withstand scratches and wear from repeated loading and unloading of camping equipment, supporting long-term durability and reducing later maintenance concerns for families.
Ready for Varied Road Conditions
From desert crossings to mountain drives, and from highland viewpoints to coastal campsites, family travel routes can be complex and unpredictable. Gravel tracks, potholes, sandy slopes and coastal salt spray all test a vehicle's ability to handle challenging terrain and withstand demanding conditions. With a minimum ground clearance of 220 mm, a 33° approach angle and a 24° departure angle, HIMLA helps reduce the risk of underbody contact and provides more composed progress on dunes and rough mountain tracks outside the city. The four-wheel-drive version can also be equipped with an optional rear differential lock, helping distribute power quickly when a wheel slips or gets stuck so the vehicle can regain traction and continue forward.
HIMLA uses body-on-frame construction with a high-strength ladder frame, while high-strength steel accounts for 52.2% of the body structure, helping enhance stability on rough, rocky roads. In addition, galvanised steel accounts for 48% of the body panels, while PVC underbody anti-corrosion protection helps resist coastal salt spray and muddy water in wet conditions. Verified through 20,000 km of real-road testing and 1,492 hours of corrosion-resistance durability testing, HIMLA is built to remain solid and durable whether families make repeated trips to the highlands or spend weekends by the sea.
Unafraid of heat and unconstrained by load, HIMLA is built for journeys from desert to coast and from highlands to the open countryside. Guided by the "For Family" core value proposition, HIMLA expands the traditional role of a pickup through stable power, strong carrying capability and versatile performance across varied terrain. It gives families greater confidence on fully loaded journeys and demonstrates the capabilities of a Chinese pickup developed for families worldwide.
Note: Product-related data in this article is based on CHERY's dedicated test data. Actual performance may vary depending on road conditions, weather, driving style, vehicle configuration and usage environment. Actual performance may vary.