New Jaecoo J5: What you need to know
The J5, Jaecoo's latest compact SUV, is headed our way shortly, and there's plenty to get excited about, especially if you want value and good looks on a budget. Here's what we know so far, and what the upcoming EV version feels like to drive.
As South Africans continue to embrace the SUV lifestyle, the automotive landscape keeps evolving with exciting new options from China, like the new JAaecoo J5.
Jaecoo forms the "J" in the "O&J" brand designation, Omoda & Jaecoo. Both brands operate as premium subdivisions of their parent company, Chery Group, one of China's largest automotive manufacturers.
Related: The Omoda C7 is coming soon too - we drove it in China!
What kind of car is the Jaecoo J5?
While Omoda's sleek crossovers target urban, style-conscious drivers, Jaecoo specialises in more adventure-oriented, boxy-shaped SUVs for more outdoorsy types.
The new J5 will be the youngest sibling in the Jaecoo family, slotting in below the larger J7, which debuted in South Africa last year. Despite its more affordable price point, the J5 doesn't compromise on features or interior space.
Related: Jaecoo J7 pre-launch first drive review (2024)
The J5 will be ideal for value-seeking, budget-savvy buyers who split their time between city streets and weekend getaways, balancing everyday practicality with some light adventure capabilities. It's not for dune driving in the Namib desert, but it will happily transport you to your favourite dirt road destination that requires a bit of ground clearance and a spot of all-wheel drive (although there will be a front-wheel-driven model), in a slightly more compact size.
Related: Meet the sexy Omoda C3 crossover, coming in 2026
Styling and design
There is an evident Land Rover influence, but that's because the Chery Group happens to build various Jaguar Land Rover products. The Range Rover Evoque was one of the first Land Rover models manufactured in China since 2014.
The petrol model wears the traditional Jaecoo visage with vertical chrome slats. However, the electric version presents a smoother, more futuristic profile due to the lack of an internal combustion engine at the front of the car.
At the recent Chery summit in Wuhu, China, the J5 wasn't just sitting on a showroom floor—it was displayed outside with camping paraphernalia galore, making a deliberate statement about the vehicle's purpose and character. We expect there will be plenty of scope for customisation.
We briefly drove the more powerful J5 BEV electric version on the Chery Group's test track in Wuhu, China. It was impressively quick and sure-footed.
Inside the J5
The interior feels more premium than the expected price point might suggest. Your eyes are drawn to the 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen that controls all in-car features. In our test model, a panoramic glass roof stretched nearly five feet across the cabin, washing the interior with natural light and creating an open, airy feeling.
The artificial leather upholstery balances luxury and practicality—family-friendly for long drives and durable enough to handle an active lifestyle. White wouldn't be our first choice, but other colours will probably be available for outdoor-loving South Africans. The J5 models on display in China had dark faux leather seats.
Specifications like power-adjustable front seats and wireless charging pads simplify modern travel, depending on the chosen trim level. Who knows; it may even be standard on all variants. All specs have not yet been revealed.
Most impressively, however, is the leg room in the second row and the sizeable boot.
J5 Standout features
Pet owners will find the J5 very accommodating. The extended seats and large boot provide comfortable space for four-legged companions, and the specialised air purification system helps manage odours.
When it's time to load up for a weekend away, the J5 offers towing capability of up to 1,250 kg, while the roof rack handles up to 75 kg of additional gear. Inside, the boot swallows a whopping 480 litres of cargo in its standard configuration, expanding to 1,180 litres with the rear seats folded. Our test model also had a powered tailgate.
Tech and safety
Select J5 derivatives will likely have Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including 19 intelligent functions (including adaptive cruise control) that monitor the road ahead, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and help keep you centred in your lane.
We can also expect a 360-degree Panoramic View System and an intelligent all-road drive system with six driving modes: Mud, Off-Road, Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow.
Read Ryno's JAECOO J7 review here.
Engine options
The petrol version coming to SA will have the following powertrains:
Traditional petrol (ICE) version:
• Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol
• Power: 115 kW
• Torque: 230 Nm
• Transmission: CVT automatic
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive in higher trims
The power figures of the J5 BEV (driven in China) look like this:
All-Electric (BEV) Version:
• Motor Type: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
• Power: 155 kW
• Battery: 60.9 kWh
• Range: Approximately 400 km (Claimed)
• Drivetrain: Available in both front and rear-wheel drive
The third hybrid version (a 'normal' hybrid or HEV, not PHEV or plug-in hybrid) bridges these two worlds, though we'll have to wait for confirmation of this model for SA and specification details closer to launch.
The respective launches of the plug-in hybrid versions of the Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9 are also imminent.
Pricing
While we don't know precisely what the J5 will cost when it arrives in South Africa, the current Jaecoo lineup can provide clues.
The J7 models currently cost between R549,900 and R679,900. The J5 will be even more accessible as the entry-level offering, though the exact figure will vary depending on which powertrain you choose and whether you opt for front or all-wheel drive.
Jaecoo is positioning the J5 to offer exceptional value, packing features and capabilities that would typically command a premium price in a package that more buyers can afford.
