Test-Driving The 2025 Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid System SUV

Forbes

16-04-2025

Despite being a new brand to the market, Jaecoo has entered with a healthy amount of curb appeal.
Let's place tariffs and the turbulent status of the automotive industry aside for a moment to take a look at this new model from the Chinese manufacturer Jaecoo. For obvious reasons, the brand hasn't launched in the US but it's made its way to the UK and other right-hand drive markets as a joint brand under the Omoda and Jaecoo name. Omoda is the compact SUV marque while Jaecoo is targeting the premium off-roader segment.
While the brands are new entrants to the European market, they're owned by parent company Chery. Unlike many Chinese manufacturers only exporting electric cars to Europe, Omoda and Jaecoo offer a range of petrol, hybrid and electric models to capture a bigger chunk of the market. This review focuses on the Jaecoo 7 plug-in hybrid which the brand calls its 'Super Hybrid System'.
The Jaecoo 7 features a prominent 'waterfall' grille detail.
Usually, a family SUV means a trade off in driving enjoyment for practicality but the Jaecoo 7 is a refreshing deviation from this trend. The car is equipped with a 1.5 liter engine paired with an 18.3kW battery pack for a combined power output of 201 bhp. It might not sound like a lot but the way the car lays down power is impressive enough to achieve 60 mph from a standstill in 8.5 seconds.
Another refreshing difference in the Jaecoo 7 is its hybrid system. Since it has a decent sized battery, at any speed it's keen to respond with ample power. This gives you the confidence to overtake at highway speeds and driving at whatever pace you want feels comfortable.
Typically, a plug-in hybrid means lugging around a depleted battery after its electric-only range is exhausted. The Jaecoo 7 can drive for up to 56 miles just using the battery but on longer journeys, or if you don't have access to charging, it defaults to a standard hybrid system and always maintains a minimum level of charge. If driven conservatively, it can achieve up to 745 miles on a single tank of fuel and a fully charged battery without needing to recharge in the meantime. Driving anything but economically, I managed 560 miles before a low fuel warning pinged up.
On the road the plug-in hybrid system makes for a smooth driving experience.
For the most part, engine noise is subdued with barely a noticeable difference when the car is in EV mode or relying on the engine. Since the hybrid system always keeps around 20% in reserve, any time you tackle a hill there's plenty of electric oomph to make the driving experience seamless. Depending on preference, you can also adjust the level of regenerative braking to suit the scenario.
It wouldn't be a modern car if it didn't come with a whole suite of safety systems but you'll be glad to know they can be turned off with relative ease. At the bottom of the screen there's a shortcut button to the car's settings where you can turn off things like the driver monitoring system which, inevitably, bings at you while you're looking for its off button. Legislation means all its safety features activate every time the car turns on but on short journeys that don't involve highway driving, the safety kit is fairly unintrusive.
The interior design is dominated by crisp screens.
Inside, it's apparent from conception the Jaecoo 7 was designed to carry passengers in comfort. As standard, a panoramic sunroof bathes the interior in light and since all versions come with the sunroof, it doesn't cut into headroom in the rear. The car's boxy shape means there's plenty of head and shoulder room for rear passengers and loads of legroom too.
One of my favourite touches is the blind spot monitoring system in the rear passenger compartment. If the vehicle is stationary and another car or road user approaches the vehicle, an orange light appears next to the door handle to warn the occupant. When it's not illuminated, it's perfectly disguised as part of the door trim. It feels like such an accessible warning that would prompt even a child to stop and check before opening the door, a great subtle safety feature for anyone sitting in the back.
In the front, the huge portrait screen is obviously the main attraction. Its functionality is iPad-like with a swipe down notifications screen, applications and swipe up climate controls. If you're used to using a tablet or smartphone, the interaction feels very intuitive and easy to navigate. When it's connected to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto it's a great continuation of your personalized preferences.
Parking is a doddle with multiple camera angles and sensors.
When you approach a turn and use the indicator, a split screen display of three different camera angles appears to show you where the car is in relation to the curb and its surroundings. You can also choose whether you want to see a 360 degree view of the car or just its wheels. This feature is designed to give you a better understanding of where your wheels are when you're off roading.
The only unnatural aspect of the design is its lack of an on/off button. As soon as you get in the car it's ready to go and when you lock the car it turns itself off. It takes a little while to break the habit of looking for an on button but this helps to keep controls in the cabin to a minimum.
Jaecoo appears to take styling inspiration from the likes of Range Rover
In the UK the Jaecoo 7 can be had in three different specifications. The entry-level Deluxe trim starts from just over £30,000 ($39,800) and comes with a 1.6-liter engine, 13.2 inch central infotainment screen and heated front seats. For an extra £4,000 ($5,300) the Luxury trim adds a head up display, a larger 14.8-inch screen, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and an eight speaker Sony sound system. The plug-in hybrid SHS version tops the range only available with the Luxury trim adding all the tech goodies you could want for just over £35,000 ($46,400).
Value like this is virtually unheard of and it's not the kind of value that only justifies itself on price alone. Jaecoo presents a credible rival for established brands thanks to its focus on tech, a great hybrid system and luxury features. For example, its panoramic sunroof would usually be a huge extra cost on the options list from any other brand. Despite its familiar looking rear end, it's no Range Rover but it doesn't pretend to be, it prioritises usability, comfort and enjoyable driving, all of which combine to make it incredibly likeable.
Price as tested: £35,165 ($46,570)
Engine: 1.6-liter petrol plug-in hybrid
Power: 201 bhp
Torque: 229 lb-ft
0-62 mph: 8.5 secs
Top speed: 112 mph