With a dizzying array of new choices in the medium SUV segment, we wouldn’t blame you for having decision paralysis. 2025 is shaping up as the year of new Chinese marques hitting the market. Adding to the mix is this Jaecoo – a subsidiary of Chery – aiming to fill a more premium niche than the mother brand.
Leading the charge is the J7. It’s a squared-off and minimalist styled medium SUV, which to our eyes looks fresh and modern, almost EV-like. Highlights include pixel-style head and taillights as well as retractable door handles.
The vehicle is built on Chery’s T1X platform, which is shared with other models in the company’s range, but it features unique styling elements and a more upmarket twist. A smaller model, called the J5, will become available in due course.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track: Specifications
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 137kW@5500rpm / 275Nm@2000-4000rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18in, 235/55
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1534kg
Power-to-weight: 11.19:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.0L/100km
Our consumption: 8.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 51L/95 RONPower efficiency: 19.57kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.03 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.19 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.44 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.21 seconds at 142.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.596g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.15m in 3.38 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.366g*
Decibel at idle: 40*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 83*
Starting price: $37,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track: How much does it cost?
Prices start from $34,990 for the entry Core variant, and $37,990 for this Track 2WD version (both drive-away). This makes it one of the most affordable options, especially against the established mid-size SUVs from mainstream brands.
Standard features for the 2WD variant include synthetic leather upholstery, a 14.8-inch touch-screen, a wireless phone charger, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Higher-spec variants with all-wheel drive and additional off-road capabilities are expected to carry a higher price tag.
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for potential buyers. The official combined fuel consumption figure for the J7 Track 2WD is 7.0L/100km (ADR82/01), but our real-world tests recorded figures closer to 8.5L/100km. With current fuel prices in Sydney averaging around $1.89/L, this translates to approximately $16 per 100km in fuel costs.
Jaecoo provides an eight-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with 12 months roadside assistance, or eight years if serviced at Jaecoo dealers. Servicing is required every 12 months, capped for eight years, at $299 for the first two, and then $329, $499, and $299, $329, $299, and $599.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track: Interior & packaging
The retractable doorhandles extend on approach. Pull them open and you are greeted by a very well-designed cabin. A 14.8-inch portrait style infotainment screen dominates the show, but the digital instrument cluster is somewhat familiar to Chery models. A capacious centre console with cooling capability, under-console storage with USB and power supply also emphasise the practicality side of things. We like the ‘tyre tread’ pattern on the dash and most surfaces, it feels pleasing to touch.
Accomodation is ample for five occupants, with rear ventilation and other amenities. Dimensions of 4500mm long, 1865mm wide and 1680mm tall with a 2672mm wheelbase put it in the middle as far as room is concerned – there are larger competitors but the J7 makes good use of the space it has. The power-adjustable and heated seats are decently comfortable, but the steering wheel does not extend far enough, in our opinion. A 424-litre boot is a bit below average for this class, with more room available when the seats are folded.
A full suite of active safety features is standard, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keep assist (LKA), adaptive cruise control (ACC), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), and traffic sign recognition (TSR).
Unlike some competitors, the Jaecoo’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are well-calibrated, with subtle audio cues rather than intrusive alarms, meaning you aren’t scrambling to turn them off like in other Chinese vehicles. It must be said the adaptive cruise is a bit slow to react at times, though.
The vehicle is yet to be tested by ANCAP, but its global equivalents suggest it will perform well in crash safety assessments.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet, the Jaecoo J7 Track 2WD features a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 137kW at 5500rpm and 275Nm from 2000 to 4000rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). While these outputs are a bit low for the mid-size SUV segment, the engine and dual-clutch gearbox come with both strengths and weaknesses.
Progress is reasonably swift with 0-100km/h tested in 8.19 seconds, but the engine makes a very tortured sound under duress, with some flare from the DCT transmission still evident – though not as bad as some rivals. It is smooth enough around town, but on the freeway, NVH is less than ideal.
Handling is sure-footed, with multi-link rear suspension offering a more confidence-inspiring experience than any Chery model we’ve driven. Switching to Sport mode results in somewhat better response, but fuel consumption noticeably suffers. Ride comfort is pretty good for this style of vehicle.
So does the Jaecoo J7 deserve your attention against established marques and rivals? Being a fresh brand, longevity remains to be seen, but it has enough showroom appeal to reel buyers in and the driving experience shows improvement compared with Chery models.
A lot of people might take a look at the car and write it off as an EV due to its avantgarde styling. A very nice paint palate with some pearlescent colours might be enough to win people over – especially the Lunar Silver finish of our test car.
On the whole, the J7 exceeded our expectations but the upcoming PHEV promises to be a true disruptor, with up to 1200km of claimed range.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Standout cabin design: The tyre-track pattern on the dash, squared infotainment screen, and ambient lighting add a unique and premium touch.
- Driver assistance systems: Subtle chimes and smooth interventions make the ADAS suite one of the best among Chinese brands.
- Wireless phone charger with cooling: Unlike many competitors, the Jaecoo’s system prevents phones from overheating during charging.
- Price: You’re getting good value for money here, at least in terms of features list and that 8-year warranty.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track: Key considerations before you buy
- Occasionally hesitant dual-clutch gearbox: Low-speed responsiveness is not as smooth as conventional automatic transmissions.
- Fuel economy: The official average looks decent on paper but our real-world average was higher than expected compared with similar engine configurations we’ve tested.
- Small dealer network/no reliability history: Both areas are yet to be experienced, which means the first buyers will be the guinea pigs.
2025 Jaecoo J7 Track: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
It’s a brand new model from a brand new brand, which means there is going to be some hesitation from some buyers due to a lack of reliability/long-term ownership history. Which is fair enough. But as a product on its own, it’s surprisingly refined for its price, goes okay, and comes with loads of features and technology. Worth checking out.
