Jaecoo has introduced fresh petrol-powered editions of the J5 small SUV to its growing Australian lineup and in the process it may have carved out a significant share from its related Chery model.

The new Jaecoo J5 appears quite distinct from the Tiggo 4 offered by the same Chinese maker's sibling brand yet it shares several important components and sits at nearly identical dimensions.

Still the Jaecoo presents a wholly fresh appearance both inside and out while delivering an alternative technology suite compared with its sibling.

It resembles placing a standard fast-food burger beside an appealing food-truck creation prepared for a friend - one looks more enticing while the other still fulfills the need at comparable cost.

Yet with pricing that remains highly competitive in the small SUV segment the Jaecoo J5 may emerge as the most appealing new option.

How much does the Jaecoo J5 cost?

The electric edition of the Jaecoo J5 carries a higher price yet stays reasonable for its class at 36990 dollars drive-away.

Model	Drive-away pricing
2026 Jaecoo J5 Track	25990 dollars
2026 Jaecoo J5 Summit	29990 dollars

Regarding the petrol editions the cost stands out as remarkable given the features and the impression of a compact premium-style vehicle.

Such pricing places the Jaecoo J5 2000 dollars above the affordable Chery Tiggo 4 and roughly 1000 dollars above the entry MG ZS Turbo.

Nothing from Mazda or Toyota appears at this level. Even the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue exceed these figures.

What is the Jaecoo J5 like on the inside?

A key strength of the J5 lies in its cabin which feels refined despite the modest price.

It comes across as more upscale than the related Chery Tiggo 4 thanks to better presentation and an overall more refined atmosphere that feels polished and grown-up.

The cloth upholstery stands out positively. Many Chinese competitors rely on synthetic leather yet quality cloth proves more comfortable in Australian conditions as the seats avoid heat or stickiness. Those seeking faux leather can opt for the higher variant where the leatherette appears quite realistic.

Storage works well with generous door pockets soft-touch surfaces in elbow areas a sizable glovebox space between the seats two cupholders and a reasonably sized centre console compartment.

This base version lacks wireless phone charging so the area ahead of the gear lever appears somewhat unused yet aftermarket options exist to add charging and USB ports sit lower down.

The steering wheel requires adjustment due to its unique shape and the glossy black accents collect fingerprints easily.

Cruise control buttons sit on the wheel though switching between adaptive cruise and lane-centring modes involves a short learning period by pressing and holding the button marked A.

Indicator and wiper stalks remain simple and the hidden rear wiper beneath the roof spoiler adds a neat touch.

A compact digital cluster sits ahead of the driver and remains clear though the driver monitoring system activates frequently if distraction is detected.

Many active safety features can be personalised with lane departure warning and lane keep assist staying off if preferred yet the driver camera reactivates on every restart requiring manual disablement each time.

A swipe-down menu from the top-left of the screen enables quick toggles of common items without deeper navigation though selecting the top-right instead opens a usually empty notifications panel.

The central touchscreen performs adequately after initial familiarisation.

Climate settings live within the screen and use an odd 1-to-16 scale instead of standard temperatures while fan speed and vents also require screen interaction so physical controls would improve usability.

Deeper menus for drive modes and safety adjustments prove straightforward to navigate.

The surround-view camera system ranks among the highlights offering multiple angles front and rear views 3D functionality and automatic activation near obstacles which aids parking confidence.

Other features include an integrated owner's manual and a karaoke mode that needs a separate microphone accessory.

Some expected items are absent such as extendable sun visors illuminated vanity mirrors an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and blank switches where the higher grade gains a sunshade for its glass roof.

Rear space impresses with ample kneeroom and foot space even behind a 6-foot driver plus generous headroom from the squared roofline and light headliner that enhances the open feel.

Back-seat amenities feature map pockets grab handles coat hooks yet only a single rear air vent and one USB-A port which may spark disputes on warm days.

The flat floor improves centre seat comfort and ISOFIX points plus three top-tether anchors support child seats.

This base model omits the fold-down armrest found on the Summit yet the cushions remain comfortable for extended trips.

The boot offers strong capacity for the class with an adjustable floor for flat loading or maximum volume.

A tyre repair kit sits beneath though space exists for a spare wheel which the brand omitted.

Cargo features include bag hooks tie-downs nets and a light though no parcel cover is supplied which may concern those carrying valuables.

Jaecoo J5	Dimensions
Length	4380mm
Wheelbase	2620mm
Width	1860mm
Height	1650mm
Boot capacity	384L to seatback top 480L to ceiling

What is under the bonnet?

Enthusiasts may note disappointment here as the turbo-petrol CVT front-wheel-drive setup is not the most engaging though it remains functional.

Jaecoo J5	Specifications
Powertrain	1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol
Power	108kW
Torque	210Nm
Transmission	CVT
Driven wheels	FWD
Fuel consumption (claimed)	7.5L/100km
Fuel consumption (as-tested)	7.9L/100km
Fuel tank capacity	51L
Fuel requirement	91-octane regular unleaded
Weight	1420kg tare
Payload	523kg
Towing capacity	750kg 75kg towball downweight

Real-world economy over mixed routes proved better than anticipated at 7.9L/100km which suits daily use despite not being class-leading.

How does the Jaecoo J5 drive?

Adaptation takes time.

Heavy throttle use can make the turbo-petrol and CVT pairing feel hesitant until drivers adjust.

Throttle response appears sharp while the transmission may shift less smoothly than ideal.

Once accustomed the setup becomes more pleasant though it never qualifies as sporty even when responsive.

Measured inputs suit the powertrain best.

Smooth driving makes it suitable for commuting while abrupt acceleration highlights typical CVT hesitation and flare which will not sway transmission critics.

Throttle feel can vary so test drives should check consistency and cold starts may produce jerkiness until warmed.

Owners in cooler climates may prefer a brief warm-up period.

For those simply wanting an automatic SUV without technical concerns the behaviour may prove acceptable.

Sport mode adds quicker response at the cost of heavier steering that complicates low-speed manoeuvres though steering weight can be adjusted separately.

Ride quality leans firm yet stays comfortable with a planted suspension feel though uneven roads can introduce some bounce.

Independent rear suspension aids composure in corners and overall handling compared with torsion-beam rivals.

Steering remains predictable with light effort at low speeds and suitable weight at higher velocities though Sport mode increases resistance for parking.

Better tyres than the fitted Chao Yang rubber would improve grip noise and comfort.

Braking feels progressive and confident under pressure.

Driver assistance systems prove less intrusive than in some budget rivals with options to customise or disable chimes lane keep and speed alerts.