Changan Lantop

Model Overview

The Changan Lantop is Changan Automobile's first Blue Whale Power-equipped pick-up truck developed under its globalisation strategy. Positioned as an "exploratory pick-up for tomorrow", it made its global debut in August 2022. Built upon Changan's proprietary Wuyue platform—a global pick-up architecture—the truck pools R&D expertise across six countries and nine global locations. On 22 December 2022, the Changan Lantop was officially launched with a comprehensive 14-variant lineup, with the 2.0T petrol versions priced between RM99,900 and RM149,900, while the 2.0T turbodiesel range is tagged from RM106,900 to RM137,900.

As the flagship product under Changan Automobile's category-innovation-driven approach, the Lantop is offered in both standard-bed and long-bed body styles, alongside 2WD and 4WD configurations. The long-bed variant measures 5,600 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,865 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,430 mm; the standard-bed version measures 5,350 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,875 mm tall. In its domestic market, the Lantop goes toe-to-toe with mainstream rivals such as the GWM Poer, while spearheading Changan's charge into overseas pick-up markets.

Design Language

On the styling front, the Changan Lantop adopts the "Landscape Aesthetics" design language, drawing inspiration from natural mountains, rivers, lakes, and celestial bodies to project a bold, rugged, and upmarket presence. The front fascia is dominated by a prominent "Glacier Cloud Sea" radiator grille finished with dot-matrix chrome inserts and framed by a thick chrome surround for added muscularity. The "Heavenly Dawn" full-LED headlamps are linked by a full-width light bar, featuring dynamic illumination sequences that provide high visual recognition after dark. Down the sides, muscular wheel arch contours pair with 18-inch alloy wheels to deliver an athletic, purposeful stance. The rear design complements the front, with bold "CHANGAN" block lettering embossed across the tailgate. In July 2023, the rugged "Explorer Edition" joined the range, adding off-road essentials such as an integrated front winch, a raised air intake snorkel, and all-terrain tyres to further elevate its off-road credentials.

Inside, the Changan Lantop eschews the utilitarian roughness typical of traditional pick-up trucks in favour of a "Water Ripple Encompassing Cockpit" design philosophy, giving the cabin the plush ambience of a family SUV. Premium soft-touch leatherette and brushed metallic trim are generously applied throughout, imparting a refined tactile feel and a sophisticated aesthetic. The dashboard is headlined by a "Mirror Lake" dual-screen cockpit combining a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen into a single curved housing, angled 8° towards the driver for optimal ergonomics. The centre console houses a rotary drive mode selector and a bank of neatly arranged piano-key switches that add a premium touch. Practicality is well catered for, with 17 storage compartments distributed across the cabin.

Powertrain Performance

The Changan Lantop is powered exclusively by 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, available in petrol (Blue Whale series) and turbodiesel guises. The petrol variant features Changan's self-developed, longitudinally mounted Blue Whale 2.0T four-cylinder turbo engine (code JL486ZQ5). It churns out a potent 171 kW (233 PS) and 390 Nm of torque, ranking among the punchiest in its class. The turbodiesel alternative uses a 2.0-litre oil-burner (code GW4D20M) delivering 120 kW (163 PS) and 400 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic (8AT) for the petrol engine, while the turbodiesel is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. In terms of efficiency, the petrol variant posts an NEDC combined fuel consumption figure of 9.9 L/100 km. It runs comfortably on RON 92 petrol, keeping everyday running costs manageable. Top speed is rated at 190 km/h, with buyers able to choose between rear-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) layouts.

In 2026, the Lantop portfolio expanded with the introduction of the Lantop Smart Electric iDD plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, carrying an estimated pre-sale price tag of around RM180,000.

Chassis and Handling

The chassis setup is a standout technical highlight of the Lantop. Jointly developed by the Changan Detroit R&D Centre and the PSA Group (Peugeot Citroën), the chassis tuning was guided by international engineers with extensive experience on iconic off-roaders like the Dodge Ram and Ford Raptor. The ladder-frame chassis comprises two longitudinal rails and seven crossmembers crafted from high-tensile steel, fully treated for anti-corrosion to ensure superior torsional rigidity and durability.

Suspension duties are handled by an independent double-wishbone setup at the front and a five-link solid axle coil-spring suspension at the rear. The front double-wishbone control arm assembly is sourced from SOMAX, in line with mainstream industry benchmarks. The five-link coil-spring rear axle significantly improves rear passenger ride comfort and high-speed stability over conventional rear leaf springs, without compromising payload capability. An Electric Power Steering (EPS) system delivers a light, progressive steering feel that makes town driving effortless.

Off-road capability is backed by a BorgWarner on-demand 4WD system offering 2H (2WD rear), AUTO (auto 4WD), 4H (4WD High), and 4L (4WD Low) modes, alongside an electronic rear differential lock. The Explorer Edition adds a front mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) and a centre differential lock function for serious rock-crawling and obstacle clearance. Multi-terrain drive modes—including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Off-road—are on hand to suit varying road and trail conditions.

Cabin and Features

The Lantop's smart digital cabin sets a new benchmark in the pick-up segment. The dual 12.3-inch curved screen setup is driven by an 8-core automotive-grade MT8666 chipset with an AI processing power of 2 TOPS, ensuring lag-free operation even during intensive use. The infotainment software comes tailored with dedicated pick-up applications—such as "Pick-up Map" and "Pick-up Shunfeng'er"—along with pre-installed entertainment apps including Kugou Music, Ximalaya, and an in-car karaoke system. Full-featured intelligent voice control allows occupants to operate windows, climate control, navigation, and media seamlessly. Over-the-air (OTA) software update support is standard, allowing continuous system improvements.

On the comfort side, the Lantop is fitted with ergonomic "First-Class" seats featuring 6-way power adjustment and heating functions for the front row. The rear bench features a 60:40 split flip-up design, allowing flexible cargo configuration inside the cabin. NVH refinement is exceptional, courtesy of 127 acoustic insulation packages that keep idle cabin noise down to a whisper-quiet 37.5 dB. The climate control system integrates an N95-grade cabin air filter and a plasma air purification system to ensure clean cabin air.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Safety-wise, the Lantop is engineered with a high-strength safety cage and an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) suite incorporating Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Active Yaw Control (AYC). Passive safety includes standard dual front airbags, with range-topping trims adding front side and full-length curtain airbags. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), reverse sensors, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a blind-spot camera system are fitted across the range.

For driver assistance, flagship variants boast a comprehensive Level 2+ ADAS suite. Key active safety features include Full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Intersection Assist, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA). Essential trail aids such as Hill-start Hold Control (HHC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are also standard equipment.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its introduction, the Changan Lantop has maintained a steady market footprint. In February 2026, the model recorded monthly sales of 114 units. In terms of 2025 showroom pricing, the volume-selling 2.0T Auto 2WD Petrol Pilot PLUS Standard-bed carries an official price tag of RM142,900, while the range-topping 2.0T Auto 4WD Petrol Flagship PLUS Standard-bed is listed at RM179,900. The entire Lantop lineup spans a broad price spectrum from RM99,900 to RM179,900, catering to buyers from entry-level manual workhorses to premium lifestyle 4WD automatics.

Globally, the Lantop represents a core asset in Changan's export offensive. Thanks to a strategic partnership with the Stellantis Group, the model is rebadged under marques such as RAM and Peugeot for diverse international markets, highlighting its export competitiveness. Billed as the brand's "First Blue Whale Pick-up", the Lantop leverages Changan's global R&D network to challenge the established status quo in the worldwide truck arena.

Customer feedback highlights the Lantop's standout attributes: the refined, punchy performance of the Blue Whale 2.0T + ZF 8AT combo, the eye-catching Landscape Aesthetics styling, the passenger-car-grade dual-screen cockpit, the superior ride comfort afforded by the rear five-link coil-spring suspension, and the reassurance of its Level 2+ ADAS package. According to Sohu Auto survey ratings, the Changan Lantop outscores 80% of segment rivals overall, with cabin quality ranking higher than 90% of competitors. Minor drawbacks noted include the petrol model's 9.9 L/100 km NEDC fuel consumption, modest rear legroom typical of dual-cab pick-ups, and a basic airbag tally on entry-level specs. On the whole, by merging global engineering, a plush SUV-like cabin, proven Blue Whale powertrain tech, and segment-first ADAS features, the Changan Lantop has carved out a distinct niche in the RM100,000 to RM180,000 bracket as a comfortable, tech-laden, and rugged lifestyle pick-up primed for both private buyers and overseas export markets.