We have tried the Jaecoo J7 – Test Drive

With its striking price and appearance (some have said it resembles a Range Rover), the Jaecoo J7 has created its own phenomenon in the Malaysian market.

The Jaecoo J7 model was first showcased in early 2024 before officially launching a few months later, starting at RM138,800 for the two-wheel drive version and RM148,800 for the AWD version.

Since its official launch, this SUV model has become quite popular, almost as hot as fried bananas, even overshadowing local brands for a time.

Many may be drawn to its elegant exterior, while others may desire the off-road driving capabilities offered by the Jaecoo J7.

To investigate the real reasons behind this SUV’s popularity, we managed to obtain a Jaecoo J7 test unit for a week of driving, and here are our opinions:

 

1. Price Below RM150,000 for a ‘Range Rover’, Who Wouldn’t Want It?

We admit that after getting a closer look at the Jaecoo J7, it indeed has an aura that makes many consider it a ‘people’s version’ of the Range Rover.

This perception is especially strong when viewed from the side.

With its luxurious-looking design, the Jaecoo J7 appears to satisfy those who want a premium SUV image without sacrificing their bank account.

 

2. Is the Jaecoo J7 2WD Sufficient?

We were provided with the two-wheel drive (2WD) variant of the Jaecoo J7 for our test drive.

There are two significant differences between this model and the AWD variant, namely the drive system and the driving modes included.

The Jaecoo J7 2WD only offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, compared to up to seven driving modes for the AWD variant (which includes additional modes for Sand, Mud, Off-road, and Snow).

However, the capabilities of both variants remain the same, such as a ground clearance of 200 mm and the ability to wade through water up to 600 mm deep.

For those who do not prioritize off-road driving capabilities, the 2WD version is more than adequate.

We had the opportunity to test this SUV’s ability to navigate flash floods in the Klang area, and it performed excellently, able to maneuver past several cars that dared not proceed.

The suspension tuning of the Jaecoo J7 also impressed us, maintaining good controllability even on unpaved roads while preserving a comfortable driving experience.

 

3. Powerful Engine

Powering this SUV is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces a maximum output of 194 hp and a torque of 290 Nm.

With a seven-speed DCT transmission from Getrag, the Jaecoo J7 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.2 seconds.

In terms of driving, the Jaecoo J7 poses no significant issues for swift cruising, offering stable and comfortable driving even at high speeds.

However, by default, the Jaecoo J7 starts in Eco mode every time the drive button is pressed, and you must switch it to Normal mode for a smoother takeoff.

In Eco mode, we noticed that the initial driving experience was not very pleasant at times, occasionally feeling as if the vehicle was somehow reluctant to move forward.

 

4. Minimalist Cabin

The simplified approach on the exterior continues into the design of the cabin space, which is more minimalist while simultaneously conveying a sense of premium atmosphere.

The centrally located 13.2-inch screen houses various functions and settings, including air conditioning controls and multiple safety features that can be adjusted.

The good news is that to raise or lower the cabin temperature, you only need to press a button on the center console to open the air conditioning control menu, without having to search for the menu, especially after the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto menu is displayed.

Although the front seats do not come with a comprehensive adjustment function, we appreciate that they provide enough cushion dimension to support the lower legs.

As a result, we did not feel excessively fatigued during our drive.

Accompanying us throughout the journey was a pleasant and captivating sound produced by eight Sony speakers, which filled the cabin.

There are several other features we liked, particularly the digital cluster screen that still offers analog meter display options, and a clear, easy-to-read head-up display.

For the rear seats, there are two adjustable reclining angles available.

 

5. Driving Experience

Aside from its handsome appearance, the Jaecoo J7 is actually very enjoyable to drive.

This is not only due to its ability to attract public attention but also the handling and comfort it offers.

The MacPherson strut suspension setup in the front and the Multi-Link setup in the rear contribute to good handling on winding roads, complemented by a responsive steering feel.

More importantly, the NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels are minimal, allowing passengers to relax peacefully without significant disturbances.

From the driver’s perspective, the windshield of the Jaecoo J7 offers a wide field of view, supported by practical side mirrors for such a large SUV.

Thus, most of the time, I preferred to rely entirely on these physical features, only using the surround camera display to ensure there were no obstacles around the vehicle while positioning the car in the parking space.

 

6. Practicality

In addition to a cabin that offers ample leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers, the Jaecoo J7 provides a sizeable cargo space.

With a volume of 412 liters, it is adequate to accommodate various necessities, and it can be expanded up to 1,349 liters when the second-row seats are folded down.

Moreover, the Jaecoo J7 still has space to accommodate a full-size spare tire!

 

7. Comprehensive Safety Features

In terms of safety, the Jaecoo J7 is generous with various functions, including autonomous emergency braking, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, forward vehicle movement warning, and adaptive cruise control.

It also includes rear collision warnings, rear traffic cross alerts, blind-spot monitoring, and a comprehensive 360-degree monitoring system.

To ensure your driving remains safe, the Jaecoo J7 is equipped with speed limit reminders and a very useful tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

In conclusion, the Jaecoo J7 could serve as an alternative for daily driving if you’re tired of the options currently available in the SUV market and want a vehicle with a premium image that attracts attention.

Its price is also reasonable enough not to leave your pocket feeling empty every month.

It wouldn’t be a mistake to change your mind and drive this model home, especially with the complete package of style and specifications offered for our market.

 

Specifications for the Jaecoo J7 2WD (RM138,800)

Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four
Power: 194 hp, 290 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds