The automotive landscape is shifting, and Chinese manufacturers are making serious waves in Australia. The Jaecoo J8 is Chery’s latest offering under its premium Jaecoo sub-brand, launching in Australian showrooms this month with drive-away pricing starting at $49,990.
After spending time behind the wheel, here’s what Australian families need to know about this large SUV that’s targeting established players like the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe.
What You Get for Your Money
Two Trim Levels, Maximum Value
The J8 comes in two variants: the Track FWD at $49,990 drive-away and the Ridge AWD at $54,990 drive-away. What’s immediately striking is how much equipment you get at these price points.
The base Track model includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a comprehensive safety suite. Step up to the Ridge, and you’ll find torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, on- and off-road driving modes, heated and ventilated rear seats, and even an in-built fragrance system.
Interior That Punches Above Its Weight
Chery has gotten quite good at designing vehicles with a lot of showroom appeal, offering slick technology, a swag of creature comforts, modern design, and plenty of interesting materials and controls. The cabin feels genuinely premium, with soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful design touches throughout.
The dual-screen setup borrowed from Mercedes-Benz styling creates an upmarket feel, while the build quality exceeds expectations for a sub-$55,000 SUV.
Performance and Driving Experience
Engine and Transmission
Power comes from Chery’s ‘Kunpeng Power’ 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 195kW and 400Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
While the drive experience is pleasant but unspectacular, there’s never a perception of sluggishness despite the relatively small displacement for such a large vehicle. The 0-100km/h sprint takes 9.0 seconds for the AWD version, which feels adequate for family duties.
On-Road Comfort
The J8 prioritizes comfort over sportiness, which aligns perfectly with its family-focused mission. For the majority of families – perhaps those that do bulk kilometres each week or have tall kids who play sports all over the state – the lack of sophistication when it comes to driving dynamics will matter not a bit.
The suspension delivers a smooth ride on most surfaces, though it can struggle with larger road imperfections.
Specifications and Features
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Power/Torque | 195kW / 400Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-clutch Auto |
| Drive Options | FWD (Track) / AWD (Ridge) |
| 0-100km/h | 9.0 seconds (AWD) |
| Weight | 1764kg (FWD) / 1892kg (AWD) |
| Wheelbase | 2820mm |
| Seating | 5 seats (7-seat option expected) |
| Price | $49,990 – $54,990 drive-away |
| Warranty | 8 years / unlimited kilometres |
Safety and Technology
Comprehensive Safety Suite
Standard safety gear includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning with emergency lane keep, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and driver monitoring system.
While the J8 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP yet, 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.
Tech Features That Impress
The Ridge variant particularly shines with its technology offerings. Features include automatic parking assist, ambient lighting, fragrance system, and off-road modes including Snow, Mud, Sand, and Off-road settings.
Real-World Ownership
Warranty and Service
The J8 comes with an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with eight years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km, with total servicing costs of $2,952 for the Track and $3,452 for the Ridge over eight years.
Competition Comparison
The Jaecoo J8 undercuts a raft of large SUVs, with even the top-spec Ridge AWD priced in line with the entry-level Kia Sorento, which is currently priced at $54,340 drive-away.
This positioning makes it an attractive proposition for families seeking maximum features without premium pricing.
The Verdict for Australian Families
The 2025 Jaecoo J8 represents very good value and feels like a great family hauler. It looks good on the outside, feels premium on the inside, comes loaded with standard equipment, and it’s laden with tech.
The main considerations for potential buyers include the current five-seat limitation (though seven-seat variants are expected), the relatively unknown brand status, and some transmission calibration quirks that drivers would adapt to over time.
However, for families prioritizing value, equipment levels, and modern features, the J8 presents a compelling alternative to established competitors at a significantly lower price point.
If it delivers on-road as well as it does on paper, the J8 could redefine what Australian buyers expect from a $50K SUV. With its generous warranty backing and competitive pricing, it’s worth serious consideration for anyone shopping in the large SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Jaecoo J8 be available in Australia?
A: The J8 is available in showrooms now, with test drives available from mid-May 2025.
Q: Does the J8 come with a seven-seat option?
A: Currently only five-seat configurations are available, though seven-seat variants are expected in the future.
Q: How does the warranty compare to competitors?
A: The eight-year/unlimited-kilo metre warranty significantly exceeds most competitors, providing excellent peace of mind.
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