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Is it a Range Rover? Is it an Evoque? No, it’s a… Jaecoo J7!
When you ask me “What’s that?‘”, what is the question. A budget new plug-in hybrid medium SUV from China, the 2026 Jaecoo J7 SHS Track is a low cost model of Chery’s many sister brands. But if so, ‘SHS’ stands for the word ‘Super Hybrid System’.
Although the plug-in J7 first came to Australia almost a year ago, it has been tested for only’months’ and reduced entry by $4000 to $33,990 drive-away in the initial months of its introduction; at the time of writing you can write one for $40,990 Drive-An as part on this brand’t model Year 2025 (MY 25) plate clearance.
That’s pretty darn good, considering you get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with “up to 106km” of electric range on the NEDC cycle, plus a very long list of standard equipment to boot. For reference, the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – not plug-in – starts at around $50,000 drive-away in Australia, and PHEV versions will cost at least $58,840 plus on-roads.
But the J7 doesn’t look cheap on first impressions either, with a flashy design clearly inspired by several premium players – Land Rover and Range Rover – large screens and plenty of soft-touch surfaces in the cabin to go with the bright lights and off-road-ready looks on the outside.
The J7 SHS sounds very good on paper – but is it too good to be true?
This is the cheapest new car segment in Australia, so we spent a week with the entry-level plug-in SUV to see whether this cut-price PHEV worth looking at.
How much does the Jaecoo J7 cost?
Jaecoo J7 range from $37,990 drive-away (the plug-in SHS start at $43,990) officially – although MY25 promotional pricing offers $3000 cashback discounts across the range.
| Model | Drive-away pricing | MY25 clearance pricing |
| — | — | — |
| 2026 Jaecoo J7 Track 2WD | $37,990 | $33,990 |
| 2026 Jaecoo J7 Ridge AWD | $42,990 | $39,990 |
| 2026 Jaecoo J7 SHS Track 2WD | $43,990 | $40,990 |
| 2026 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit 2WD | $47,990 | $44,990 |
To see how the Jaecoo J7 lines up against the competition, check out our
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What is the Jaecoo J7 like on the inside?
At first glance, as with most products in the Chery-Omoda-Jaecoo stable, the flashy and screen-heavy design of the J7’s interior adds a lot of wow factor.
It certainly doesn’t feel like a bargain-basement model variant, and there are plenty of soft-touch surfaces and high resolution displays for both the free-standing driver’s instrument cluster and central touchscreen.
Although all of the glossy bits look more upmarket than matte and silver hard plastics, the piano black steering wheel controls (and the near-buttonless dashboard) means that the cabin will quickly pick up fingerprint & stains from across the entire body.
It is a touchscreen that controls just about all of the key functions of an automobile, and measures 13 in size. Compared to the larger 14-inch summit’s 2-inches in the base PHEV, which is 2 inches in length. 8-inch display, . The portrait orientation is Tesla-leaning and the native interface is simple but fine, although the menu-heavy layout can be a little convoluted (albeit with’stuffling’) structure.
When you use Apple CarPlay and have to tap out smartphone mirroring into the native software to adjust temperature and recirculation, it’s frustrating that climate controls are hidden in the infotainment system. It doesn’t have a ‘regular camera system’, there is no shortcut to it.
This sound system, which is surprisingly solid (not the more upmarket eight-speaker Sony brand) and has good audio quality but also high depth, is not considered to be the standard six-Speakers sound systems.
I like the Jaecoo skin on the digital instrument cluster compared to the cheaper Chery version, and it has smoother animations that sometimes laggy on speedo and power meter.
Front seats look well bolstered and are cushy, with the style of looking like pews you get in a Range Rover. While they’re generally quite comfortable, the J7 has a seemingly typical Chinese car feature you can’t adjust the angle of the base cushion – long-legged folk like me may find the under-thigh support lacking.
This spec is not without wireless charging but it’s pretty good storage, thanks to large cupholders under the display and two phone-shaped cutouts. A double-lidded cubby under the centre armrest provides more space for things you want to hide away, and small door bins can carry small bottles of bottle.
It also has an under-the-centre shelf under the centre console that’s large enough for smaller bags and the like; there are USB-A, USB–C and 12V outlets if you have to charge stuff.
Boxy dimensions of the J7 mean there’s a lot of space in the back for two adults, even though it is on the smaller side of medium class at just 4500mm long – although this figure here is 2672mm wheelbase. A flat bench is also the means by which you can squeeze three across for short trips.
It’s a good leg and knee room, so I can sit behind my favorite driving position for 6’1′′. The high roofline is also good – there’s no panoramic sunroof in this spec eating into this measurement.
You also have rear air vents and USB-A and -C power outlets; map pockets on the front seatbacks, bottle holders in the doors add to the amenities list. Similarly, you also have power seat controls on the inside of the front passenger seat to open up more knee and leg room for the rear passenger-side seat (assuming you’re an Uber driver), so that it can be useful.
Also there’s a cupholder fold down centre armrest and kiddies are served with the standard ISOFIX and top-tether points for child seats, as well as their usual Kiddies. A good tall windows are also when you’re sickening-prone rear passengers, so the is a good thing.
The cargo capacity of Jaecoo is estimated at 340 litres (350 liters) with five seats, up to the cargo cover and 500L to roof. It expands to 1265L (up to the roof), which folds back seats into that, and is a length of 1165 L (in addition to its rear) .
J7 is the smaller side of medium SUV segment, but that’s a good deal considering the overall size of the car. No spare wheel though – just a tyre repair kit.
| Dimensions | Jaecoo J7 SHS Track |
| — | — |
| Length | 4500mm |
| Width | 1865mm |
| Height | 1680mm |
| Wheelbase | 2672mm |
| Cargo capacity | 500-1265L – up to roof |
To see how the Jaecoo J7 lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The J7 SHS is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid system shared with a number of other Chery-Omoda-Jaecoo models.
| Specifications | Jaecoo J7 SHS |
| — | — |
| Engine | 1.5-litre 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Engine outputs | 105kW + 215Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 150kW + 310Nm |
| System outputs | – |
| Battery | 18.3kWh LFP |
| Transmission | Single-speed hybrid transmission |
| Drive type | FWD |
| Weight | 1794kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 1.0L/100km |
| Electric driving range (PHEV) | 90km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 31g/km |
| AC charging capacity | 6.6kW |
| DC charging capacity | 40kW |
| Towing capacity | 750kg – unbraked |
The Jaecoo’s ‘last 50km’ trip computer was the only one we could find, but not a full readout since reset – so let us know if there is something we missed.’ Real-world fuel consumption was slightly hard to measure as we were unable to gauge it.
A. J7 was used next to no fuel for the first few days of commuter-to-and-from office traffic, mostly in peak hours by drawing upon its large battery pack and using it as an example “The J6 has been on my way from one side with zero power.” It would default to EV mode with sufficient charge, but under hard acceleration it would fire up the petrol engine and cause the trip computer to sometimes read as low as possible. 5L/100km – .
When the trip computer compared the battery to about 20-25km of usable EV range, the J7 would usually start in HEV mode and maintain that state of charge (SoC) level after gradually saw indicated fuel consumption increase to the 3 according to its GPS? 0-3,. Mark 5L/100km mark.
The LFP battery is also worth noting, and can be DC fast-charged at up to 40kW – which could have it top of 30 to 80 per cent in as little as 20 minutes. Paraphrasing The 6. The charge on the J7 SHS will be 25-100 per cent in two hours 40 minutes, a rate of 6kW AC charge capacity.
Jaecoo claims that the J7 SHS can reach a range of 1200km with brimmed tank and full battery. I think it was because I managed to get through most of my week without charging, there were 800kms left for me after commuting (one week worth) plus some short trips thrown in between two weeks as well as an additional 800 km distance from home.
To see how the Jaecoo J7 lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
How does the Jaecoo J7 drive?
The J7 SHS was pretty good about it, like the larger J8 I recently reviewed. Save for some sticking points that are worth calling out?
Firstly, the good. The powertrain calibration is very, very good.
It’s a very easy car to live with day to day, and is easily achievable (indicated) efficient because of smooth acceleration, the (lack of) noise and achievable efficiency. It’s nice, refined and with night charging will let you do the most commuting in EV mode.
I really had a moment to realize that the petrol engine was on at one point, such as the insulation from sound and vibration. And if you have music playing, you really don’t know it’s running.
The J7 SHS has a front-mounted e-motor of 150kW/310Nm that is more than enough punch to deliver the nearly 1–1 in comparison to other hybrids with very small and not so powerful electric motors. 8-tonne J7 (right) at a decent clip, s.
It’s even peppier once the 1 is. When you’re walking to the floor and are a little bit for the Kumho PS71 front tyres, 5L petrol motor fires up but it can be just. The J7 has a lot of grunt at the end of the day, it’s meant to be driven with measure.
A good J7 is also a soft Chinese tune that emphasizes comfort over dynamism, but it means the Jaecoo can be wobbly at sharp successive hits or when slinging through dozens of bends.
Combine that with light, almost lifeless steering and this doesn’t feel like a car made for keen drivers. Is it necessary to be? No, but if you’re after a family SUV with’some soul-like personality and some other things may have to look elsewhere. Especially in the wet – Grip levels are fine too, even when it’s okay to push harder. But again you will see J7’S limits quickly if you push hard.
The brakes are a little spongy and inconsistent in feel, often leading to grabbing by stop as you come to an end.’ Another driving gripe is the brake-control which can be ‘non-stopping’ (and sometimes with causing thumpiness) of s. Regen braking, which can be adjusted over a number of different settings, is also inconsistent and porpoise-y.
It is a good idea to have at least general insulation levels from road and wind noise, with the square and upright window line making visibility out the front and sides pretty good (though the skinny rear windscreen is somewhat limiting). But thankfully, there is a pretty handy surround parking camera with very good resolution.
There are the driver aids, a bit of’mix bag bags’ as they come to the . In the past, I’ve complained about using other Chery-Omoda-Jaecoo products that it is too inconsistent to use a semi–autonomous Integrated Cruise Assist function (largely because this means wrestling wheel out of your hands).
But other than that, everything is right. Adaptive cruise control systems do a good job of keeping the set speed (except for downhill) and avoiding the vehicle ahead, though it’s often very conservative with its following distance and will prematurely brake when an automobile merge to go faster than expected or is detected moving more slowly.
While it is a good idea to have standard blind-spot monitoring (and rear cross traffic alert) when you’re driving in heavy traffic, the driver attention monitoring system can often bing and bong if you look away at screen or towards your side mirrors for 2 too long which is just annoying.
To see how the Jaecoo J7 lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
What do you get?
Two grades of J7 SHS are available in Australia – on test here we have the entry-level Track.
Jaecoo J7 SHS Track equipment highlights:
- 19-inch ‘aero’ alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights with automatic high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wireless
- 6-speaker audio
- Leatherette upholstery
- 6-way power driver’s seat with memory
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Surround-view cameras
J7 SHS Summit adds:
- 14.8-inch touchscreen
- 8-speaker Sony premium audio
- Front fog lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power tailgate
- Head-up display
- Built-in dashcam
- 50W wireless phone charger
- Configurable ambient lighting
To see how the Jaecoo J7 lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
Is the Jaecoo J7 safe?
SHS versions of the Jaecoo J7 have a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on Euro NCAP testing in 2025.
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| Category | Jaecoo J7 SHS |
| — | — |
| Adult occupant protection | 81 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 80 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 80 per cent |
| Safety assist | 84 per cent |
Standard safety features include:
- 8 airbags incl. front-centre
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian
- Cyclist
- Junction
- Reverse pedestrian (backover)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver monitoring system
- Emergency Lane Keeping assist
- Lane centring assist
- Lane departure warning
- Lane change assist
- Parking sensors – front, rear
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Surround-view camera
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
J7 Ridge AWD and SHS Summit add:
- Built-in dashcam
To see how the Jaecoo J7 lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
How much does the Jaecoo J7 cost to run?
One of the more comprehensive warranties available in the market is Omoda Jaecoo – eight years coverage (no mileage limit) for the vehicle and PHEV battery, as well as up to eight year roadside assistance if you service within the network.
| Servicing and Warranty | Jaecoo J7 SHS |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 8 years, unlimited kilometres – Vehicle 8 years, unlimited kilometres – Battery |
| Roadside assistance | 8 years – service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 8 years or 120,000 kilometres |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3372 |
To see how the Jaecoo J7 lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Jaecoo J7
I wasn’t sure what to expect of the J7 SHS, but it’s an adequate and affordable way into PHEV ownership.
But you can forgive some of its software and tech pirks, which is so expensive relative to its competitors, and even this ‘base’ model does quite well with an attractive drive that drives pretty well regardless of the quibbles.
If you’re wary of putting a punt on an unknown brand, Omoda Jaecoo’s long warranty gives peace of mind and service is relatively cheap until you get the $779 service at 96 months or 120,000km.
It is arguably the J7 choice, as the standard petrol variant can be slightly jerky due to its dual-clutch transmission and saves a ton of fuel in the long run if you regularly… Ahem… plug in your plug-in.
But, if you’re like me and want to be as refined as the in-car and assistance tech (and even the drivetrain) it might be a little short of Jaecoo J7. The e-power and the combustion engine handover can be cumbersome, but its dynamic polish is degraded by vague steering and lack of body control.
If you can look past those complaints, the J7 SHS could be worth a look.
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