2025 Jaecoo J8 review: Quick drive
The Chinese new model onslaught shows no sign of abating, and the next instalment of it will see Chery's lifestyle-focused Jaecoo luxury SUV sub-brand launch in Australia in the first quarter of 2025. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
The first model it will roll out is the J7 mid-sized SUV, but the range will gradually be fleshed out with both smaller and larger offerings in the J5 and J8, respectively.
The Jaecoo J8 is a medium-large seven-seat family SUV that's also available with five- and six-seat configurations. It could conceivably be cross-shopped against the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-80.
In case you're wondering about the origins of the Jaecoo moniker, it's an amalgamation of the German word Jäger (meaning 'hunter') and 'cool'. Where its sister brand Omoda (sold here under the Chery banner) is pitched primarily at a youthful audience, Jaecoo targets a slightly older demographic of which most will have a couple of kids in tow.
We took the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the Jaecoo J8 in Dubai, where the vehicle is shortly due on sale. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
Given that Jaecoo is an offshoot is Chery, it's no surprise the J8 leverages existing hardware – it's essentially a rebadged Chery Tiggo 9.
As such, the Jaecoo rides on the Chinese carmaker's T1X monocoque chassis and features CDC suspension comprising electronically controlled adaptive dampers that react within milliseconds to information about the road surface relayed by sensors and cameras.
The J8 is conventionally sized for a seven-seat SUV, measuring in at 4820mm long, 1930mm wide and 1710mm tall. By comparison, the Santa Fe is 4830mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall. The Jaecoo has a 2820mm wheelbase, while the Hyundai's wheelbase spans 2815mm.
Despite its largish dimensions, the J8 is by no means excessively lardy as the FWD base model tips the scales at a relatively lithe 1764kg, while the fully loaded AWD Flagship weighs 1892kg. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
The job of propelling this mass is shouldered by Chery's 'Kunpeng Power' 2.0-litre TDGi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which pumps out 195kW and 400Nm. Hooked up to the turbo motor is a smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
On paper, a four-pot engine might seem a bit weedy for a full-size SUV, but performance is decently sprightly and the transmission is relatively seamless – more on this later.
Exact pricing for the UAE is yet to be nailed down, but a company spokesman suggested the entry-level, front-wheel-drive Comfort model will cost around AED125,000 (A$53,420), while the range-topping Flagship all-wheel drive variant that we tested will be pegged around AED155,000 (A$66,240). 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
If similar pricing were to be reflected in Australia, it would put the Jaecoo in a competitive price bracket against its logical rivals.
Arguably, the Jaecoo J8's most appealing facet is its plush Nappa leather-lined cabin, but we should of course point out that we tested the fully loaded Flagship variant. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
Jaecoo's interior designers have borrowed liberally from the Mercedes-Benz design manual, and that's no bad thing. If you've sat in a recent Benz, you'll find familiarity in the expansive horizontal display panel that houses both the digitised instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen.
Also distinctly Mercedes-esque – in both style and function – are the column-mounted transmission shifter, door-panel-mounted seat adjustment knobs and squared-off rotary vent outlets.
The level of fit and finish is exemplary and there's good use of contrasting colours and materials. Our test car featured beige Nappa leather upholstery and faux brushed aluminium trim on the dashboard, door panels and centre console, with some piano black inserts thrown in for good measure.
There are a few hard plastic bits (including the faux aluminium trim), but these don't overly detract from a cabin that otherwise has a genuinely premium ambience. Consequently, the J8 could even make sense for buyers who might fancy a Merc or BMW but can't quite make the stretch financially. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
There's not much to fault in terms of ergonomics either, as all-around visibility is generally good, while the seats are superbly comfortable – this goes particularly for the captain's chairs in the second row with their ample adjustability and massage functions.
That said, access to the small third-row seats (suitable only for children) is cumbersome, as the occupants of said pews need to clamber up and then navigate through the narrow gap between the two second-row chairs to access the rear.
However, opting for the seven-seat version (which has a bench in the middle row) should make life easier for third-row dwellers as the second-row seats in this variant can be tilted forward for simpler access to the back.
Another minor annoyance is the lack of physical buttons for the HVAC settings, but at least there's a permanent tab on the bottom of the infotainment screen with fan and temperature settings – so you don't need to scroll through additional screens just to turn the fan up or down or notch, or to make the cabin warmer or cooler by a degree or two. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
There are a sufficient number of storage cubbyholes in the cabin. Tucked under the floating centre console is a little shelf for keys and loose change, while a large lidded bin is housed behind the centre console. The door pockets, too, are generously sized.
However, luggage space in the seven-seat version is a paltry 200 litres with the rear pews in place. The five-seat version offers a more usable 717 litres, which can be expanded to 2021 litres by folding down the rear bench.
The Jaecoo J8 is currently offered in the UAE with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 195kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels only, or through an all-wheel drive system, depending on the variant. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is offered in other markets. It includes a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors to produce total system outputs of 450kW and 915Nm – which is quite a lot of grunt.
If one were to sum up in very simple terms what the Jaecoo J8 is like to drive, it would be pleasant but unspectacular. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
On the plus side, the J8 feels a bit sprightlier than we'd expected, given that its propulsion comes from a 2.0-litre engine, which seems a small displacement for a vehicle that's this large.
Jaecoo quotes a 9.0-second 0-100km/h sprint for the AWD J8 (the FWD model is 0.2s quicker) and, while this figure doesn't sound particularly impressive, there's never a perception of sluggishness or lacklustre performance.
Rolling acceleration is also adequately sprightly, as the seven-speed dual-clutch auto is quick to kick down when you stab the throttle. This means overtaking slow-moving cars on single-lane country roads is never a problem.
The engine and dual-clutch transmission team up to deliver seamless performance, and refinement levels aren't compromised by excessive noise or coarseness, even if you work the 2.0-litre motor hard. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
Ride quality and overall noise levels are also impressive, so the J8 stands up as a credible alternative to the Euro SUV brigade if you're a value-conscious buyer, or simply don't have the budget for the latter.
Minor irritations when mooching around town include a brake pedal that tends to be grabby in stop-start traffic. In addition, you'll find during back-and-forth parking manoeuvres the steering-column-mounted transmission lever needs a resolute nudge with the brake pedal firmly depressed, otherwise 'D' or 'R' won't engage – a casual flick of the stalk won't do it.
Dynamically, the J8 is a middle-of-the-road offering as its agility and cornering behaviour are neither class-leading nor mediocre. Then again, most prospective buyers won't care too much as the Jaecoo isn't positioned as a sporting SUV by any stretch.
As for off-road ability, the J8 has no less than seven drive modes (including dedicated modes for sand, mud and snow), and its torque-vectoring AWD system is supplied by GKN, which also provides Land Rover with similar tech. With two multi-plate clutches at the rear axle, each wheel can be driven independently. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
Even so, the fact the J8 Flagship is equipped with road-biased 50-series Michelin Primacy tyres on 20-inch rims is a clue to its orientation as more urban warrior than an outback tamer. Approach and departure angles of 20 degrees and 17 degrees respectively are nothing to write home about in any case.
It hardly matters though, as the typical usage patterns of prospective owners will likely include the daily schlep to and from office, the school run and – possibly – the odd excursion for camping, mountain biking and the like, which will entail nothing more than light-duty off-road use, and for all of this the J8 will happily oblige.
Among the Jaecoo J8's USPs is a generous quota of mod-cons and safety features, so the vehicle potentially represents strong value for money vis-à-vis its competitors. Of course, we're yet to see how the J8 will be specced and priced in the Australian market. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
2025 Jaecoo J8 equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels
Auto LED headlights
Auto high beam
Power tailgate
Panoramic sunroof
Dual-zone climate control
Leather seats
Leather multifunction steering wheel
8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Driver seat position memory
Heated and ventilated front seats
Multicolour ambient lighting
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless charger
Dashcam driving recorder
2 x 12V power outlets
4 x USB ports
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
12-speaker Sony sound system 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
Flagship AWD adds: 20-inch alloy wheels
6-seat layout with captain's chairs in second row
Nappa leather upholstery
4-way electric adjustment of second-row seats
Ventilated second-row seats incl. massage function
Black suede headliner
Rear console with cupholders
Metal pedals
Head-up display with augmented reality
14-speaker Sony sound system
No independent crash test results are available for the J8 yet, but one could infer from the five-star ANCAP scores earned by its Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda 5 stablemates that the Jaecoo is likely to fare well in terms of safety ratings. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
Standard safety equipment in the UAE includes: Dual front, side and curtain airbags
540-degree surround-view camera
Autonomous emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Front collision warning
Lane departure prevention
Traffic jam avoidance assistant
Front and rear radars
Leading vehicle departure alert
Intelligent avoidance
Flagship adds: Emergency lane-keep assist
Blind-spot detection
Lane change assist
Driver monitoring system
Rear collision warning
Reversing lateral emergency braking
Door open warning
Automatic parking assist
In the UAE, Jaecoo vehicles are backed by a seven-year/250,000km warranty, but we'd expect Chery Australia's seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty to apply here too.
That said, we'll wait for official confirmation closer to the brand's local launch.
All told, the Jaecoo J8 is a polished and well-rounded offering that should be able to hold its own against established players in the seven-seat SUV segment. 2025 Jaecoo J8: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert
Solid although unspectacular in its driving characteristics, the J8's fortes lie in its premium cabin ambience (for its price) and overall refinement. We'll deliver a more emphatic verdict once Australian pricing and specs are known.
MORE: Everything Jaecoo J8 Impressive premium feel, well equipped
Clean, albeit slightly generic styling
Strong and refined performer Not hugely exciting to drive; grabby brake pedal
Fiddly column shifter requires a firm nudge
Odd placement of hazard light switch
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MORE: Everything Ram 1500 Content originally sourced from: The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. "Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it," he said. "We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. 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"The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right." Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. 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The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under. MORE: Everything Ram 1500 Content originally sourced from: The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. "Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it," he said. "We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. "The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms," said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. "As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. 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Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. "Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8," said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under. MORE: Everything Ram 1500 Content originally sourced from:
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- 7NEWS
Ram 1500 revives Hemi V8 as brand fixes "mistake", Australian return unconfirmed
The Ram 1500's new Hurricane twin-turbo inline six may produce more power and torque than the Hemi V8 it replaced, but it doesn't have the same sound. Fret not, though – that distinctive burble is coming back. After dropping it for model year 2025 (MY25), Ram will return the 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 to the 1500 lineup for MY26, with vehicles arriving in US dealerships in the northern summer (June to August). Brand CEO Tim Kuniskis, who returned to the top spot late last year, was candid about the Hemi's return. 'Everyone makes mistakes, but how you handle them defines you. Ram screwed up when we dropped the Hemi — we own it and we fixed it,' he said. 'We're not just bringing back a legendary V8 engine, we're igniting an assertive product plan and expanding the freedom of choice in powertrain for our customers.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But there's no guarantee it'll return to the Australian-market 1500 lineup. 'The return of the Hemi V8 is a decision that has been made for the US market. As it stands today, there is no guarantee the Hemi V8 will return to Australian showrooms,' said a Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson. 'As with any development, we will continue to review and evaluate what options are made available to us from the vast Ram catalogue in the US. 'We know there are customers who love the sound of a V8, and the Hemi V8 is still available in our Ram 1500 Big Horn model while stock lasts. 'However, customers have also embraced the new Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in our latest Ram 1500 models. 'The Hurricane engine remains an integral part of Ram's future. With more power and torque – and better efficiency – than the previous 5.7-litre Hemi V8, we believe the new Hurricane engine series will over time become iconic in its own right.' Ram Trucks Australia has previously indicated it takes 12-18 months to complete a local engineering program for a new model variant that will be remanufactured locally in right-hand drive. That would make a Hemi V8-equipped 1500 a late 2026 or early 2027 proposition, should it be approved for our market. The 2025 facelift comprised more than just aesthetic tweaks, with other changes including upgraded infotainment, so this isn't as simple as just figuratively flicking a switch. Indeed, Mr Kuniskis had confirmed earlier this year the Hemi was never designed to be offered with the updated 1500's electrical architecture. In the US, the Hemi will be offered across every trim level bar the sporty RHO and luxurious Tungsten, which will be offered exclusively with the High Output version of the Hurricane six. For the Limited and Longhorn, which also come standard with the high-output six, the Hemi will be a no-cost option. Ram has stood behind the new Hurricane engine in the US, which is also used by Jeep and is being rolled out to the Dodge brand this year. 'Ram will continue to offer the more powerful and more efficient Hurricane Straight Six Turbo, but we heard loud and clear from consumers: there is no replacement for the iconic Hemi V8,' said Mr Kuniskis. The return of the Hemi also sees the introduction of a new badge featuring a Ram's head pushing forward, powered by a Hemi V8 engine block. Ram is calling the badge the 'Symbol of Protest'. The Hemi V8 continues to feature cylinder deactivation to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the eTorque 48V mild-hybrid system which includes idle stop/start and smooths transitions under acceleration and braking. It also enables up to 176Nm of torque to be available on initial throttle tip-in. In total, the Hemi V8 produces 295kW of power and 556Nm of torque. The Hurricane has hardly been downgraded to a tropical storm. Even in Standard Output tune it pumps out 313kW and 635Nm, while the High Output tune well and truly blows the Hemi over with 403kW and 707Nm. This makes all Hurricane-powered Ram 1500s much quicker than the V8 vehicles they replaced, while also consuming less petrol. Currently, all facelifted 2025 Ram 1500s in Australia use these two tunes of the Hurricane; we've never gotten the base naturally aspirated Pentastar V6 offered in low-end versions of the 1500 in North America. While the 5.7-litre has returned, there's no word yet on the return of the supercharged 6.2-litre that powered the defunct TRX. With the move to an all six-cylinder lineup here for the MY25 1500, Ram Trucks Australia ceded V8 power to rival Chevrolet. The Toyota Tundra moved to a six-cylinder lineup globally with its current generation, while Ford doesn't bring V8-powered versions of the F-150 Down Under.
