Jaecoo J7 Review: A Great-Value SUV That Delivers More Than Expected

[PCauto] The Jaecoo J7 is a C-segment SUV that makes a strong first impression. Both the 2024 base model and the 2025 PHEV version offer a nice mix of power, safety, and in-car tech. Comfort is also a highlight. For what it costs, the J7 feels like good value, especially for those who want something practical yet a bit more refined. It’s easy to see why more people in Malaysia are starting to take notice.

Part 1: Design and Aesthetics

1. Exterior

The Jaecoo J7 has a clean and confident look. Its streamlined contours give it a contemporary appearance and a sensation of speed. It has a striking profile up front thanks to the big grille and the bright LED headlamps. The wheel arches give a strong, muscular touch, and the lines are straightforward but powerful from the side. The full-width tail lights at the back give the vehicle a sleek appearance and make it stand out, especially at night.

2. Interior

Step inside the Jaecoo J7, and the cabin feels well thought out. The layout is sleek and easy to follow, with a wonderful sense of depth. Materials appear and feel strong, and the overall fit and finish give off a decent impression. The 10.25-inch digital display is crisp and simple to see, and the multifunction steering wheel keeps things within easy reach. Both quick drives and lengthy journeys are made more comfortable by the supportive and cozy seats. All things considered, the interior successfully blends comfort and utility.

3. Color Choices That Stand Out

The Jaecoo J7 comes in four colors, each with its own style. Moonlight Silver has a clean, elegant look with a soft metallic shine whichi is great for those who like something classy without being flashy. Carbon Crystal Black feels bold and sporty, with a deep black finish that catches the light just right. Khaki White gives off a retro vibe with a calm tone that hides dust well. Model Green, on the other hand, is bright and energetic, perfect for drivers who want something fresh and a bit different.

All four options use high-quality metallic paint that holds up well against Malaysia’s hot sun and rainy weather. It not only keeps the car looking sharp but also helps protect the surface over time.

4. Attention to Detail and Quality Feel

The Jaecoo J7 shows solid craftsmanship in the details. The gaps on the body panels are even, and the paint feels smooth to the touch. Inside, the mix of soft materials and metal accents gives the cabin a nice quality feel.

Additionally, Storage spaces are well planned, making it easy for passengers to keep their things organized. Overall, the J7’s attention to small details helps it stand out as a well-built SUV.

Part 2: Performance and Handling

1. Powertrain

The Jaecoo J7 comes with two power options. A 1.6T gasoline engine producing 197PS (145kW) and 290Nm of torque powers the 2024 model. The power delivery is smooth and responsive thanks to its 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2025 PHEV model combines a permanent magnet motor with a 1.5T engine. They provide a powerful 347PS (255kW) and 525Nm of torque when combined. The car has greater power with this configuration, particularly when you need to accelerate quickly. Additionally, it has a 106-kilometer range on pure electricity, which is useful for city driving.

The 2025 PHEV version pairs a 1.5T engine with a permanent magnet motor. Together, they produce a strong 347PS (255kW) and 525Nm of torque. This setup gives the car more punch, especially when you need to accelerate fast. Plus, it can run about 106 kilometers on pure electric power, which is handy for city driving.

2. Driving Experience

The Jaecoo J7 focuses on comfort while driving. Its suspension uses a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link setup, which does a good job of smoothing out bumps. Whether you’re in the city or on the highway, the handling feels solid and reliable.

The steering is sharp, and the car stays stable, especially at higher speeds. The chassis gives enough confidence to drive relaxed. For those looking for extra grip, the 2024 AWD model offers all-wheel drive, which helps a lot on wet or tricky roads.

3. Fuel Economy

The Jaecoo J7 holds up pretty well on fuel. The 2024 1.6T model drinks about 6.5 liters every 100 kilometers, which is decent for its class.

The 2025 PHEV is even better. It can cover around 106 kilometers on electric power alone, which is perfect for city runs. And when the battery runs out, it still sips fuel at just under 6 liters per 100 km. That’s a big step up compared to regular gas cars. If saving fuel and being kinder to the environment matter to you, the J7 PHEV should be on your list.

Part 3: Technology and Entertainment

1. Jaecoo J7 Technology Features

The Jaecoo J7 stands out with its tech. The 2025 PHEV model, as some Jaecoo J7 Malaysia reviews mention, features a large 14.8-inch touchscreen right in the center. The screen is sharp and easy to read.

Accessing settings and apps is made easier by the touchscreen's ease of use. To display additional information while driving, the 10.25-inch digital instrument panel is used in conjunction with the primary screen. The instrument panel allows you to customize the cabin by allowing you to swap between various themes. This dual screen setup adds a modern touch and makes driving more enjoyable.

2. Entertainment System

The Jaecoo J7’s entertainment setup is hard to beat. And it has a reliable audio system that produces high-quality music. There are many apps available on the primary touchscreen, including navigation, music, and video. You may simply tap the screen or use your voice to manage anything.

Additionally, it supports USB and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect your phone or other devices. The entertainment system undoubtedly improves the driving experience for people who spend a lot of time behind the wheel.

3. Connectivity Features

The Jaecoo J7 supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can easily mirror your phone’s screen on the central display and use your favorite apps right from the car. These features make things more convenient and add a bit of extra fun to the drive.

Part 4: Safety Features

1. Basic Safety

The Jaecoo J7 comes with solid safety basics.ABS, EBD, and Electronic Stability Control are features of the 2024 and 2025 PHEV models that help keep the vehicle stable in an emergency.

All seats in the 2025 PHEV include seatbelt reminders. Only the front chairs have reminders on the 2024 model. This keeps everyone securely fastened. Additionally, there is a lane-keeping alert and a blind spot information system. When changing lanes or straying from their lane, these characteristics assist drivers in maintaining awareness.

2. Intelligent Safety

The Jaecoo J7 also packs some smart safety features. It has Automatic Emergency Braking and a Collision Warning system that can step in and brake if it spots a possible crash ahead, which helps lower accident risks.

The 2025 PHEV model comes with eight airbags, covering the driver, passenger, sides, curtains, and even knees. This gives everyone inside good protection. There’s also an ISOFIX system for child seats, plus an option to turn off airbags if needed, which is handy for families.

3. ADAS Features

The Jaecoo J7 comes with useful driver aids. The 2024 model has adaptive cruise control (ACC), plus front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. These features make driving and parking easier and safer.

It doesn’t have automatic parking, but the parking assist it offers covers most situations well. Hill Start Assist helps keep the car steady when you start on a slope, so you don’t roll back.

Part 5: Comfort and Space

1. Seating Space

We paid special attention to the seating space in the Jaecoo J7. As a C-Segment SUV, it offers plenty of room inside. The back seats have enough legroom for even someone who’s 180cm tall to sit comfortably without feeling cramped.

With a 2672mm wheelbase, both front and rear passengers get enough headroom and legroom. The seats also feel supportive and snug, so long drives won’t wear you out. Many drivers in Jaecoo J7 Malaysia reviews have praised just how comfortable the seating is.

2. Storage Space

The Jaecoo J7 does a good job with storage too. Its trunk holds about 500 liters, which is plenty for daily family trips. You can easily fit big suitcases or even a stroller back there.

Inside the car, there are plenty of storage spots. You get a central armrest box, pockets in the doors, and storage behind the front seats. It’s easy to keep small stuff like phones, wallets, and water bottles within reach.

3. Air Conditioning System

The Jaecoo J7’s air conditioning does a great job keeping things comfortable. Every model comes with automatic climate control and has rear vents, so cool air reaches all corners of the car.

In Malaysia’s hot weather, fast cooling really matters, and the J7 handles that well. Plus, the AC system is quiet even when driving fast, so the cabin stays peaceful. Many reviews from Jaecoo J7 owners praise how well the air conditioning works.

Part 6: Price and Versions

1. Versions

The Jaecoo J7 comes in three main versions. The 2024 2WD is the base model. It’s great if you want the key features but have a tighter budget.

The 2024 AWD adds all-wheel drive, which helps if you want better off-road ability and more stable handling.

The 2025 PHEV 2WD is the plug-in hybrid. This one suits drivers who care about saving fuel and being eco-friendly.

2. Price Comparison

The 2024 2WD model costs RM 138,800.

The 2024 AWD goes for RM 148,800.

The 2025 PHEV 2WD is priced at RM 158,800.

3. How good is the Jaecoo J7’s value for money?

The Jaecoo J7 scores high on value. Take the 2024 2WD model, for example. It costs just RM 138,800 but comes packed with safety features like ABS, EBD, electronic stability control, plus a comfy interior with a multifunction steering wheel and a 10.25-inch digital display. It’s a smart pick for anyone watching their budget.

The 2025 PHEV 2WD is pricier but worth it if you want to save on fuel. It can run 106 km on pure electric power, perfect for daily city driving. Plus, it delivers strong power with 347PS and 525Nm of torque. If you care about both eco-friendliness and performance, this one offers great bang for your buck.

Part 7: What Owners Say

1. What People Like and Don’t Like

Since it hit the market, the Jaecoo J7 has been popular with many drivers in Malaysia thanks to its great value and packed features. The suspension feels really smooth, especially on city roads where you barely notice bumps.

A lot of owners also love the interior design. The 10.25-inch digital display and heads-up display make driving feel more high-tech. Plus, the overall interior quality is better than you’d expect for the price.

That said, a few owners have some suggestions. Some feel the engine gets a bit noisy when driving fast. Also, while the trunk is fine for daily stuff, a few say it can feel tight on longer trips.

2. Market Feedback

The Jaecoo J7 has done really well in Malaysia. In the first three months after launch, sales kept going up, especially in the RM 138,800 to RM 158,800 price range. It quickly became a popular SUV choice for families. Experts say the J7’s success comes from its fair price, good features, and stylish look.

The PHEV version has also caught a lot of attention. Reviews in Malaysia show it uses just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km and can run 106 km on pure electric power. Many drivers say the PHEV is not only eco-friendly but also helps cut down on daily fuel costs. It’s a very practical option for families.

3. Overall Thoughts

The Jaecoo J7 has done pretty well in Malaysia. Both regular and PHEV reviews show it’s strong on comfort, tech, and fuel efficiency. Sure, it has a few small flaws, but with its affordable price and a solid seven-year warranty, it’s definitely a SUV worth considering.

If you’re looking for a family car that gives you good value for money, the Jaecoo J7 is one you shouldn’t overlook.

Part 8: Buying Tips

If your budget is tight but you want good value, go for the 2024 Jaecoo J7 2WD. It costs RM 138,800 and has plenty of features for the price.

If you care about saving fuel and the environment, the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV 2WD is a great pick. It’s priced at RM 158,800 and offers strong power with its plug-in hybrid system.

Need better off-road ability? The 2024 Jaecoo J7 AWD fits the bill. At RM 148,800, its all-wheel drive handles tough roads and long trips well.