If you live in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, you’ve probably noticed a shift. The roads, once dominated exclusively by the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Tundra, are seeing a new challenger. It’s big, it’s bold, and it wears a badge that says "Mikano."
For years, we believed that only Japanese trucks could survive our "rugged" potholes and unpredictable fuel quality. But with the cost of a brand-new Hilux hitting dizzying heights in 2026, Nigerians are looking for alternatives that don't sacrifice quality for price.
Enter the 2026 Mikano Hunter Plus (originally the Changan Hunter Plus). It’s not just a work truck; it’s an SUV with a cargo bed. But is it worth your millions? Can it really stand toe-to-toe with the legendary Hilux?
Let’s dive deep into the specs, the current prices in Nigeria, and the golden rules for maintaining Chinese vehicles in our unique terrain.
First, let’s clear up the confusion. The "Hunter" and the "Hunter Plus" are different beasts. The Hunter Plus is the luxury, high-tech sibling designed to compete with the Hilux Adventure and Ford Ranger Wildtrak—but at a fraction of the cost.
Mikano Motors assembles these vehicles locally in Nigeria (at their Karameh City plant), which is a massive advantage for parts availability compared to grey-market imports.
The 2026 Hunter Plus isn't using an underpowered engine. It packs a punch.
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged GDI Petrol Engine (BlueCore technology).
Power Output: Approx. 226 Horsepower and 390 Nm of Torque.
Transmission: 8-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission (smooth shifting, unlike the jerky older models).
Drivetrain: BorgWarner 4WD system (Switch between 2H, 4H, and 4L for those muddy village runs).
Ground Clearance: 225mm—high enough to clear the average Lagos flood.
Tech: 12.3-inch dual-screen infotainment, 360-degree cameras (essential for parking in Balogun market), and voice command.
The "Plus" Factor: Unlike the standard pickup that feels like a tractor inside, the Hunter Plus interior feels like a Mercedes-Benz. We are talking soft-touch leather, electric seats, and a quiet cabin.
Let’s talk money. With the naira fluctuation, car prices in Nigeria have become volatile. However, as of early 2026, the price gap between the Mikano Hunter Plus and its Japanese rivals is hard to ignore.
2026 Mikano (Changan) Hunter Plus: ₦58,000,000 – ₦65,000,000 (Brand New)
2026 Toyota Hilux (V6/Adventure): ₦100,000,000 – ₦125,000,000 (Brand New)
Tokunbo (Foreign Used) 2021 Hilux: ₦55,000,000 – ₦70,000,000
The Verdict on Price: You can buy a brand new 2026 Hunter Plus with a warranty for the same price (or less) than a 5-year-old used Hilux. For business owners and individuals, this value proposition is the main reason Mikano is selling so fast.
Note: Prices vary based on the dealer (Mikano International vs. independent dealers) and current exchange rates. Always visit the showroom for the final invoice.
Is the savings worth the risk? Let’s compare them based on Nigerian realities.
| Feature | Mikano Hunter Plus (2026) | Toyota Hilux (2026) |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | 2.7L Petrol or 2.8L Diesel |
| Interior Luxury | 9/10 (Premium SUV feel) | 7/10 (Functional, plastic heavy) |
| Resale Value | Moderate (Improving) | High (King of Resale) |
| Parts Availability | Good (Via Mikano Network) | Excellent (Available everywhere) |
| Ride Comfort | Soft (Coil spring rear suspension) | Bouncy (Leaf springs - stiff) |
| Warranty | 6 Years / 200,000km | 3 Years / 100,000km |
The "Nigerian Road" Test:
The Hilux uses "Leaf Springs" at the back, which makes it incredibly durable for carrying heavy bags of cement, but very bouncy when empty. The Hunter Plus uses "Multi-link Coil Suspension" at the rear. This means it drives like a smooth car. If you drive yourself and don't carry heavy loads daily, the Hunter Plus is significantly more comfortable.
You should buy the Mikano Hunter Plus if:
You want luxury on a budget: You want the big screen, the leather, and the presence without spending 100 million Naira.
You drive mostly in the city: The comfort levels are superior for Lagos traffic.
You want peace of mind: The 6-year warranty offered by Mikano is currently one of the best in Nigeria. If the engine knocks (and you maintained it correctly), they fix it.
You should stick to the Toyota Hilux if:
You are in deep construction/mining: If the car is abused by drivers who don't care, the Hilux is still more "abuse-proof."
You live in a remote village: If your mechanic is strictly a "roadside Kazeem" who uses pliers for everything, he might struggle with the Hunter's electronics.
There is a stigma that "Chinese cars spoil fast." This is usually because Nigerians treat them like 1999 Camrys. A modern turbo engine requires specific care. If you treat the Hunter Plus right, it will last.
Here is the maintenance bible for owning a Changan/Mikano in Nigeria:
You cannot put cheap roadside oil in a Turbo GDI engine. It will sludge up and kill the turbo.
Must Do: Use strictly Fully Synthetic Oil (5W-30 or 5W-40 as recommended in the manual).
Avoid: Do not let a mechanic sell you "generic oil" just to save N5,000.
Nigerian heat is brutal. Chinese engines run hot to maximise efficiency.
Must Do: Use high-quality coolant, not just "colored water."
Tip: Check your radiator fans frequently. If the car overheats, do not force it to drive. Tow it.
Since you have a warranty, use it. Don't void your 6-year warranty by letting an untrained mechanic tamper with the electrical system to install a tracker or extra lights. Let Mikano handle the servicing for the first few years.
The Hunter Plus uses a Direct Injection (GDI) engine. Dirty fuel can clog the injectors.
Must Do: Buy fuel from reputable filling stations (Total, NNPC, etc.). Consider using a fuel system cleaner additive once every 5,000km to keep the injectors clean.
The 2026 Mikano Hunter Plus is no longer just a "Chinese alternative"; it is a genuine competitor. It offers a level of technology, comfort, and warranty support that legacy brands are struggling to match at that price point.
If you are looking for a car that commands respect on Nigerian roads, handles the Lekki floods, and keeps your bank account relatively happy, the Hunter Plus is a fantastic choice. However, remember that with great tech comes great responsibility—maintain it strictly, and it will serve you well.
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