The 2025 Jaecoo J8 is making waves in Australia’s competitive SUV market, offering a compelling blend of premium features, sharp pricing, and robust performance. As a sub-brand of Chinese automaker Chery, Jaecoo positions itself as a premium yet affordable option, and the J8 is its flagship large SUV.
Priced from $49,990 drive-away, it undercuts established rivals like the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Toyota Kluger, while delivering a feature-packed five-seat configuration. For Australian buyers seeking a value-driven, tech-laden SUV for family duties or weekend adventures, the J8 is a serious contender. This article explores the J8’s pricing, specifications, performance, and how it stacks up in the Australian market.
Pricing: A Budget-Friendly Premium SUV
The Jaecoo J8 arrives in Australia with a highly competitive price point, starting at $49,990 drive-away for the Track 2WD variant and $54,990 drive-away for the Ridge AWD. These prices include all on-road costs, making the J8 significantly more affordable than competitors like the Kia Sorento ($50,880 before on-roads), Hyundai Santa Fe ($53,000 before on-roads), and Toyota Kluger ($60,920 before on-roads).
The sub-$50k starting price positions the J8 against mid-spec mid-size SUVs, despite its larger dimensions and premium aspirations.
The J8 is available in two well-equipped variants:
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Track 2WD ($49,990 drive-away): Front-wheel drive, packed with standard features like dual 12.3-inch displays, a 14-speaker audio system, and leather upholstery.
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Ridge AWD ($54,990 drive-away): Adds all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, adaptive damping suspension, second-row side airbags, and luxury touches like a suede headliner.
Optional metallic paint colors add $500–$700, depending on the choice, with Ocean Blue as the standard finish. Jaecoo’s pricing strategy, combined with an eight-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty and 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance (extendable to seven years with dealer servicing), makes the J8 an attractive proposition for cost-conscious buyers seeking long-term peace of mind. Test drives began in mid-May 2025, with sales commencing in June, and interested buyers can contact Jaecoo dealers or platforms like CarExpert for the best deals.
Specifications: Packed with Premium Features
The 2025 Jaecoo J8 stands out with its generous standard equipment, offering a near-luxury experience at a mainstream price. Measuring 4820mm long, 1930mm wide, and 1710mm tall with a 2820mm wheelbase, the J8 is slightly larger than the Kia Sorento (4830mm x 1900mm x 1720mm). Its five-seat layout maximizes second-row space and boot capacity, with 738 liters available behind the rear seats, expanding to 2021 liters with the seats folded. While six- and seven-seat configurations are available overseas, Jaecoo Australia has confirmed no plans to offer these locally, focusing instead on spacious five-seat models.
Both variants are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine, derived from Chery’s ‘Kunpeng Power’ lineup, offers brisk performance, with the Ridge AWD’s torque-vectoring system enhancing traction on varied terrain. Fuel economy is rated at 8.3L/100km for the Track 2WD and 8.6L/100km for the Ridge AWD, competitive with rivals like the Sorento (7.2–9.7L/100km depending on engine). A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, available overseas with 450kW/915Nm, is not confirmed for Australia but could arrive later.
Standard features on the Track 2WD include:
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Dual 12.3-inch displays (digital instrument cluster and infotainment)
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14-speaker audio system with headrest speakers
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Synthetic leather upholstery with heated, cooled, and massaging front seats
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Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
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LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a powered tailgate
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Eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera
The Ridge AWD adds:
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Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive
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Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension
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Second-row side airbags (totaling 10)
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Heated and ventilated second-row seats
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Suede headliner, ambient lighting, and an inbuilt air freshener
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Hands-free park assist
The J8’s cabin draws inspiration from premium European SUVs, with a Mercedes-like column shifter and high-quality materials. The absence of physical HVAC buttons is a minor drawback, but climate controls are easily accessible via a permanent touchscreen tab. The J8’s safety suite is robust, though it awaits ANCAP testing. Based on Chery’s Tiggo 7 Pro and Omoda 5 achieving five-star ratings, the J8 is expected to perform well.
Performance and Driving Experience
The J8’s 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers smooth, responsive performance, with 183kW and 385Nm providing ample grunt for a 1764kg (Track 2WD) to 1892kg (Ridge AWD) SUV.
The eight-speed automatic, sourced from Aisin, shifts seamlessly, and the Ridge’s adaptive dampers ensure a comfortable ride on Australia’s varied roads, from urban streets to rural tracks. While not sporty, the J8 feels sprightly for its size, with reviewers noting its refinement and quiet cabin, thanks to excellent sound deadening.
The Ridge AWD’s torque-vectoring system and CDC suspension enhance handling on loose surfaces, making it suitable for light off-road duties. However, its 159–162mm ground clearance is lower than some rivals, like the Toyota Kluger (200mm), limiting its capability compared to ladder-frame 4x4s like the Toyota Prado (700mm wading depth).
Jaecoo claims a 600mm wading depth for the J8, but this is unconfirmed for Australian models. The lack of an official towing capacity is a notable omission, as competitors like the Sorento offer up to 2000kg (braked). Jaecoo is reportedly addressing this, and future updates may include a tow rating.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The Jaecoo J8 enters a crowded large SUV segment, competing with the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-80, and Toyota Kluger. Its sub-$50k starting price and premium features give it an edge over these rivals, which often start above $50,000 before on-roads. However, the five-seat layout is a key differentiator, as most competitors offer seven seats, appealing to larger families.
The J8 is better compared to five-seat SUVs like the Mazda CX-60 or Subaru Outback, though its price aligns with mid-spec versions of mid-size models like the Toyota RAV4.
Jaecoo’s parent company, Chery, has a strong track record in Australia, and the J8 benefits from the T1X platform, co-developed with Jaguar Land Rover. This platform underpins the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, but the J8 offers a more premium experience.
The upcoming Chery Tiggo 9, a rebadged version of the J8, may complicate branding but is expected to arrive later in 2025 with different specifications. Jaecoo’s eight-year warranty outshines the five-year terms of Kia and Hyundai, and its capped-price servicing (details pending) adds further value.
Why Choose the 2025 Jaecoo J8?
For Australian buyers, the J8 offers a compelling package: a spacious, tech-laden SUV at a price that undercuts established rivals. Its premium cabin, long warranty, and generous standard features make it ideal for families, couples, or professionals seeking a versatile daily driver.
The lack of a third row and towing capacity may deter some, but the five-seat layout maximizes cargo space, and Jaecoo’s off-road credentials, while not class-leading, suit light adventuring. The J8’s value proposition is hard to ignore, especially for those prioritizing cost savings without sacrificing quality.
Australian buyers can explore the J8 at Jaecoo dealerships, with test drives available since mid-May 2025. For those considering alternatives, the Kia Sorento offers more seating, while the Mazda CX-60 emphasizes driving dynamics. However, the J8’s blend of price, features, and refinement makes it a standout. Visit Jaecoo’s website or contact dealers for the latest offers and to confirm final drive-away prices, as optional extras may increase costs.
2025 Jaecoo J8
The 2025 Jaecoo J8 redefines value in Australia’s large SUV segment. With a starting price under $50,000, a well-appointed cabin, and a powerful yet efficient 2.0-liter turbo engine, it challenges pricier rivals while offering premium touches typically found in higher price brackets. Its five-seat configuration may limit its appeal for larger families, but for those prioritizing space, technology, and affordability, the J8 is a game-changer. As Jaecoo establishes itself in Australia, the J8 is poised to attract buyers seeking a fresh alternative in a competitive market.