2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD review (video)

Jaecoo is one of the newest names on the Aussie car market, and like many fresh arrivals, it’s entering a crowded and highly competitive space. The J8 SUV sits in as its large SUV offering, positioned above the J7, with the promise of premium features and comfort at an attainable price.

And yes, it is quite attainable, kicking off from $54,990 drive-away for this top-spec Ridge AWD variant. But for all its strengths on paper, the J8 has to prove itself against many established rivals while overcoming lingering questions about Jaecoo’s long-term plans in Australia.

2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD: Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 183kW@5500rpm / 385Nm@1750-4000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×7.5, 245/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1890kg
Power-to-weight: 10.32:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.6L/100km
Our consumption: 9.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 65L/95 RON

Power efficiency: 21.27kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.47 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.39 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.49 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.84 seconds at 138.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.583g*
100-0km/h braking: 41.47m in 3.13 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.165g*
Decibel at idle: 38*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 78*
Starting price: $54,990

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

2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD: How much does it cost?

Just two variants are on sale at the moment, including the Track and the Ridge. The Track is front-wheel drive and the Ridge is AWD, although they feature the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Prices start from just $49,990 and $54,990, drive-away.

That makes it one of the cheapest offerings in the large SUV class, considering it goes up against the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento.

Out of those three, the nearest (and best) options are the Kluger GX AWD hybrid (from $62,410), the Santa Fe 2.5T 2WD (from $53,650), and the Kia Sorento Sport AWD 2.2 CRDi (from $56,500). Keep in mind these exclude on-road costs while the Jaecoo is drive-away.

2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD: Interior & packaging

Step into the J8 Ridge and the first impression is of surprising luxury for the money. Twin 12.3-inch digital displays dominate the dash, creating a widescreen, high-tech feel. They’re crisp and quick to respond, with navigation, media, and vehicle functions clearly presented. A 14-speaker Sony sound system is also included, providing better clarity and depth than what you’ll find in many rivals at this price point.

The seating is also a positive experience. Both rows are fitted with heating and ventilation, and front passengers get massaging functions. However, as you may have picked up, there are just two rows of seats. Yep, this is not a seven-seater. That’s going to be a big downside for some buyers in this class.

All materials are convincing in quality, with synthetic leather upholstery, suede-like headliner, and thick carpet mats that add a sense of substance. Ambient lighting strips stretch into the second row, and there’s even an in-built fragrance system – again, something you’d expect to see in more expensive European SUVs rather than a newcomer from China.

Space is generous, with plenty of room for adults in the back – as expected considering there is no third row. There isn’t any slide adjustment, not that you really need it as legroom is massive. But it would be nice to have adjustment in case you wanted more boot space to bolster versatility.

Speaking of which, the boot measures in at 738L and expands to 2021L with the rears folded down flat. For comparison, the Sorento AWD offers 196L with the third row up and 1996L with both rear rows down. A full-size spare wheel lives under the floor, which is a practical plus, particularly for buyers who venture beyond the suburbs.

Some elements don’t feel quite as convincing. The electronic door latches, for example, seem more like a gimmick than a genuine improvement. Instead of a simple pull-handle, you press a button to release the door. It’s slower in practice and raises unnecessary concerns about what happens in an emergency if the electronics fail – Jaecoo even supplies a window-breaker tool in the glovebox as a precaution. Traditional mechanical handles have served perfectly well for decades, and this seems like a case of technology not really adding value in our view.

Still, judged as a whole, the interior punches above its price point. It’s more feature-packed and, in many ways, more luxurious than competitors from established Japanese and Korean brands.

2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD: Powertrain & handling

Under the bonnet the J8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 183kW and 385Nm. Those figures place it comfortably in the middle of this class, considering there are many weaker diesels but also some quite powerful hybrid options available.

During Vbox testing we saw 0-100km/h come up in a class average 9.39 seconds. That’s not particularly slow against many of the diesel rivals, but fairly standard for a petrol model in this class. For example, the Santa Fe with its 2.5T option in AWD form does the sprint in a DE-tested 8.59 seconds, with 206kW.

Where Jaecoo deserves credit is in pairing this engine with a conventional eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Many competitors make use of boring CVTs or complex dual-clutch systems, which can feel either droney or hesitant in everyday use. This seems well-matched to the engine, shifting smoothly and predictably, albeit a bit sluggish on kick-down. It suits both urban driving and highway cruising.

Official fuel consumption sits at 8.6L/100km on the combined cycle for the AWD version, and 8.3L/100km for the base Track FWD. These aren’t terrible figures, but it’s not particularly competitive either, especially with those hybrid and diesel options; the Kluger AWD hybrid and Hyundai’s AWD Santa Fe hybrid are rated at 5.6L/100km, and the Sorento AWD diesel is 6.0L/100km.

The J8’s simpler powertrain setup could appeal to buyers who value long-term durability over outright efficiency and complexity. And you don’t have to get your hands greasy when filling up, like a diesel.

On the road, the J8 takes a comfort-first approach. The suspension seems to be tuned for a soft setting, soaking up bumps and rough surfaces in a relaxed manner. Around town and on highways, it glides along like a houseboat floating down a river of custard. Perfect, if comfort is your top priority.

If, on the other hand, you spend a bit of time on backroads and windy country roads, then the trade-off is in body control and stability. Pushed through corners, it presents quite a bit of lean and wobble. It doesn’t feel especially athletic or engaging compared with the Sorento and Santa Fe, or even the Everest and MU-X heavy-duty rivals.

While the steering is friendly around town – useful for parking and low-speed manoeuvres – it feels vague and detached during higher tempo driving. There’s little sense of connection to the front wheels, making the J8 feel more floaty and uninterested in turning than it already is; soft, lethargic, and not rewarding if you enjoy driving.

That said, the Ridge AWD does provide capability for light off-road work. The on-demand AWD system can distribute power to the right wheels, and with selectable modes for snow, mud, and sand, it should be able to tackle the odd weekend adventure. It’s not as rugged as a ladder-frame SUV, obviously, especially with just 159mm of ground clearance. But it’ll do what most buyers need it to do in this class.

2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Outstanding value for money: Priced from $54,990 drive-away with an equipment list that rivals $70k+ SUVs.
• Luxurious touches: Massaging front seats, ventilated rear seats, suede headliner, fragrance system, and thick carpet mats all elevate the cabin.
• Simple powertrain: A decent 2.0L turbo engine with a proper eight-speed automatic – less complex than hybrids and not as boring as a CVT.
• Generous warranty: 8 years/unlimited km is better than what most established brands offer (although Mitsubishi and Nissan offer 10 years).
• Comfortable ride: Soft suspension means it is perfect for those in the city and suburbs.

2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD: Key considerations before you buy

• Steering feel: Vague and uninspiring, with little connection to the road and an off-putting weighty feel, like you’re spinning a shovel in a bucket of custard.
• Body control: Noticeable lean through corners and a certain floppiness during switchbacks, compared with some rivals.
• Fuel economy: 8.6L/100km isn’t good compared with hybrid and diesel rivals.
• Electronic door latches: They add complexity without delivering clear benefits (minor aero improvement in the lab), and yet raise emergency concerns.
• Brand uncertainty: Jaecoo (owned by Chery) is new in Australia, and questions about long-term reliability, resale value, and brand stability cannot be answered yet.

2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD: Video