2026 Jaecoo J5 EV review (video)

New car brands continue to reshape Australia’s automotive landscape, and the arrival of the Jaecoo J5 EV is another example of just how quickly some segments are evolving.

Yes, it looks like a Range Rover Sport that’s been put through the photocopier at x0.5, but there is plenty of appeal here, if you’re shopping in this space. For example, it offers strong performance for what it is, respectable driving range, and generous equipment at a price point that significantly undercuts many established rivals. What’s the catch?

Well, firstly, what is Jaecoo and how long has it been around in Australia? Jaecoo is a sub-brand of Chery and it has been here since last Tuesday. There is no doubt there is a level of risk associated with buying from a yet-to-be-established brand (locally). How long will it take to order parts, if needed? Is there a service centre near me? And so on. However, the price and packaging could balance up that risk:achievement ratio.

2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: Specifications

Electrical: 58.9kWh LFP battery
Output: 155kW / 288Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 235/55
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1710kg
Power-to-weight: 11.03:1 (kg:kW)
Official average range (WLTP): 402km

Max charge rate: 10.3kW/130kW
0-60km/h: 3.51 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.76 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.36 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.02 seconds at 152.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.735g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.53m in 3.15s*
Max deceleration: -1.148g*
Starting price: $35,990

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: How much does it cost?

Prices start from just $36,990 drive-away for early buyers, and a standard retail price of $35,990 applies (excluding on-roads) after the initial launch period. It immediately stands out as one of the most affordable EV SUVs on the market.

That aggressive pricing also means expectations can be lower, with most buyers likely prioritising practicality and value over luxury and fine-tune polish – although, the latter might surprise you. And if you’re worried about long-term reliability, Jaecoo provides an 8-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for peace of mind, and one-year roadside assistance.

2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: Interior & packaging

Visually, the J5 EV clearly draws inspiration from Range Rover models, particularly at the back and through the body lines. But the upright stance, clean surfacing and simple proportions give it a modern and inoffensive appearance overall.

That said, the front end is arguably the least cohesive angle. The large flat panel where a traditional grille might sit gives the nose a slightly awkward look, even if it helps deliver the smooth, EV-specific aesthetic.

As a side note, Chery (parent company of Jaecoo) does build Land Rover products for Land Rover in China, sold as Land Rover and Range Rover products. However, the J5 is not a co-development project.

Step inside and the J5 EV presents a clean, minimalist cabin. There’s not a great deal of overt design flair, but the simplicity actually suits the vehicle’s role as a practical everyday runabout. Up on the dash is a 13.2-inch touch-screen, paired with a compact digital instrument display ahead of the driver which provides all the vital info that you need, and nothing more.

It’s good, being clean and clutter-free. Even if it lacks the visual drama seen in some new EV interiors, this is straightforward and easy to understand. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, although, on a few occasions music played from my phone via Android Auto continued on the speaker of my phone once I jumped out and locked the vehicle. A bit embarrassing.

Material quality is surprisingly pleasant for the price point. You have synthetic “pet-friendly” leather upholstery, in white in this case, offering a soft and well finished feel, while other touch points throughout the cabin give the impression of a car that’s been thoughtfully put together rather than simply built to a cost. Even the dash is wrapped in a rubber-like finish rather than the typical hard plastic seen in this class.

Practicality is another strong point. With that upright, Range-Rover-like cabin glasshouse, headroom is excellent and so is visibility, with the usual flat-ish floor in the back providing heaps of legroom. A single climate vent is featured on the back of the centre console, unfortunately, so rear passengers have to fight over comfort. But there is a USB port and flip-down centre armrest with cup holders, both of which are sometimes omitted in rivals.

Boot space is stamped at 480L, and 1284L with the rear seats down. That’s big considering the J5 officially competes against the likes of the BYD Atto 2 (380L/1320L), Chery Tiggo 4 (380L/1225L), and MG ZS (443L/1457L).

There’s also a 35L bucket under the bonnet up front. Disappointingly, you won’t find a spare wheel under the boot floor. Instead, there’s a tyre repair kit.

2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: Powertrain & handling

Underneath it all, the J5 EV uses a single front-mounted electric motor producing 155kW and 288Nm, powered by a relatively compact 59kWh battery. By relatively compact I mean small in capacity, which means shorter charging times than bigger batteries.

On paper those figures look fairly typical for the class, but the real-world performance is unexpectedly impressive. Using a Vbox, we clocked repeated 0–100km/h sprints in 6.8 seconds (best was 6.76s), which is noticeably quicker than most similarly-sized electric SUVs, especially at this price point. For example, we’ve tested the 130kW/290Nm BYD Atto 2 in 7.86 seconds.

Range is rated at 402km on the WLTP cycle, a respectable figure for a battery of this size, and sufficient for typical daily driving and running in urban settings. You could use it for a weekend away, driving an hour up or down the coast, but any more than that and you would have to start mapping out stations for charging.

Speaking of which, the max DC fast-charge rate is 130kW, which isn’t especially fast by modern EV standards. However, because the battery itself is pretty small, recharge times remain manageable in practice. It’ll also top out at 10.3kW with three-phase AC power.

On the road, the J5 EV delivers a comfortable and generally well-resolved driving experience. The suspension leans toward the softer side, prioritising ride comfort over outright sharpness, but it handles Australian backroads with decent composure when driven normally.

Grip levels are also reassuring, thanks in part to the use of 235-section Continental tyres; a welcome sign that Jaecoo is interested in using quality components rather than cutting corners in areas that directly affect driving capability. It also uses an independent rear suspension setup (albeit pretty basic), rather than the rudimentary torsion-beam system often seen in this class.

While it’s not particularly sporty through corners, leaning and bobbing about a bit more than some rivals, the overall balance between comfort and control feels reasonable for this type of vehicle, at this price. In other words, there are more engaging and more dynamic options out there, such as the Mazda CX-30 (especially with AWD), but you’re going to be paying more for it.

2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Practical: It is genuinely practical and easy to live with, in terms of cabin access and space and boot volume.
• Price: One of the cheapest fully electric SUVs currently on the market. Especially for its size.
• Looks like a Range Rover: You might fool some neighbours into thinking you’ve become a celebrity.
• Good tyres, finally: This comes with 235/55 Continental tyres; appropriately wide and of decent quality. Unlike many rivals that use cheap and nasty rubber.
• Acceleration: 155kW is strong for this category of vehicle, and 0-100km/h in a tested 6.8 seconds places it at the top of the class (according to our Vbox database).
• 8-year warranty: Eight years/unlimited kilometres is an industry standout.

2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: Key considerations before you buy

• Looks like a Range Rover: At some point your neighbours will realise it is not actually a Range Rover and you are not rich and famous. The flat wrap-around panel at the front is a bit weird, too.
• Spongey ride: Good for Aussie country roads when driven leisurely, but not that sporty in the corners for the power and acceleration it offers.
• What’s Jaecoo? Unfamiliar brand in Australia right now means there are risks associated; not knowing reliability history, resale value, availability of parts, and how supportive its warranty and service network is.
• Infotainment: It’s mostly in one giant screen. If it fails, everything is gone. Although it is good to see a dedicated gauge cluster/screen for the driver. We also experienced some issues playing music via Android Auto.

2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: Video