2025 Jaecoo J8 Review: A Budget Luxury SUV That Impresses

The 2025 Jaecoo J8, a large SUV from Chery’s premium sub-brand Jaecoo, is turning heads in Australia with its sub-$50,000 price tag and luxurious features. Priced from $49,990 drive-away for the Track 2WD and $54,990 for the Ridge AWD. As someone who’s evaluated numerous SUVs, I’m impressed by how the J8 blends premium aesthetics with family-friendly practicality, challenging established rivals like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

This blog dives into the 2025 Jaecoo J8’s design, interior, performance, safety, and drawbacks, exploring why it’s a standout budget luxury SUV. Should you consider it? Let’s find out.

Overview of the 2025 Jaecoo J8

The Jaecoo J8 is a large, five-seat SUV (with potential six- or seven-seat variants in Australia, per the review) designed to compete in the crowded family SUV market. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it delivers 183 kW (245 hp) and 385 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. The Track 2WD starts at $49,990 drive-away, while the Ridge AWD adds torque-vectoring AWD and premium features for $54,990. With an 8-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty and a plush interior, it undercuts rivals while offering near-luxury amenities, as noted in the review and CarExpert’s analysis.

• Key Specs:
  • Price: $49,990 (Track 2WD), $54,990 (Ridge AWD), drive-away.
  • Engine: 2.0L turbo-petrol, 183 kW, 385 Nm.
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic.
  • Dimensions: 4.82m (L), 1.93m (W), 1.71m (H), 2820mm wheelbase.
  • Boot Space: 738L (2nd row up), 2,021L (2nd row folded).
  • Warranty: 8 years/unlimited km, 8 years roadside assistance.
  • Features: 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, power tailgate, Sony audio, panoramic sunroof.

Exterior Design: Elegant and Modern

The Jaecoo J8’s design is understated yet elegant, avoiding the overt Range Rover mimicry of its sibling, the Jaecoo J7, as per the review. Its sleek lines, LED headlights with sequential indicators, and prominent Jaecoo grille give it a premium look reminiscent of European SUVs like the Jaguar F-Pace or Mercedes-Benz GLC. Retractable door handles with proximity sensing add a high-tech touch, while the “floating roof” and sculpted rear spoiler enhance its modern aesthetic. The review praises the removal of the bulky license plate bracket, showing Jaecoo’s responsiveness to feedback.

• Design Highlights:
  • LED headlights with sequential indicators, prominent Jaecoo grille.
  • Retractable door handles with light show, no plastic cladding.
  • 20-inch wheels (Maxxis Victra Sport 5 on Track, Michelin Primacy on Ridge).
• Experience Insight: Compared to the boxy Toyota Fortuner, the J8’s sleek design feels more sophisticated, aligning with my observations of premium SUVs.

Interior: Plush and Feature-Packed

The J8’s interior is a standout, offering near-luxury quality for under $50,000. The review highlights its plush Nappa leather seats (beige in some markets), power-adjustable front seats with massage and memory functions, and a spacious cabin. A 12.3-inch digital cluster, heads-up display, and 14.8-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto dominate the dashboard, complemented by a Sony audio system. The Ridge AWD adds suede headliner, heated/ventilated rear seats, and an in-built fragrance system. However, climate controls are touchscreen-only, and the “uni-stalk” for lights/wipers can be confusing.

• Interior Features:
  • Nappa leather seats, power-adjustable with massage and thigh support.
  • 12.3-inch cluster, 14.8-inch infotainment, Sony audio, 50W wireless charger.
  • Massive center console storage, panoramic sunroof, air purification.
• Why It Matters: The J8’s cabin rivals the Hyundai Santa Fe’s premium feel at a lower price, per my SUV interior comparisons.

Performance: Peppy but Comfort-Focused

The J8’s 2.0L turbo engine delivers 183 kW and 385 Nm, achieving 0–100 km/h in 8.29 seconds (Track 2WD), as tested in the review. The 8-speed automatic is smooth and responsive, especially in Sport mode, avoiding gear-hunting issues. The Track 2WD struggles with wheel spin during hard launches due to Maxxis tires, while the Ridge AWD’s torque-vectoring system offers better traction. Its comfort-tuned suspension results in body roll, but the ride is quiet and composed, ideal for family duties. Fuel economy averages 9.5L/100 km (premium fuel required), per the review.

• Performance Specs:
  • 2.0L turbo, 183 kW, 385 Nm, 8-speed auto.
  • 0–100 km/h: 8.29s (Track 2WD), ~9.0s (Ridge AWD).
  • Fuel economy: ~9.5L/100 km, premium fuel.
• Experience Insight: The J8’s peppy acceleration outshines the Kia Sportage’s 2.0L non-turbo, though its soft tuning lags behind the Mazda CX-60’s dynamics, per my tests.

Technology and Safety: Advanced but Quirky

The J8 is loaded with tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and a driver monitoring system, but the review notes issues with over-aggressive lane departure prevention, which fights steering inputs on single-lane roads. Safety features include multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, and radar-based cruise control. The infotainment supports microSD recording for drives, and the Sony audio system is “chef’s kiss” quality, per the review. However, the touchscreen climate controls and uni-stalk design may frustrate some users.

• Tech/Safety Highlights:
  • Adaptive cruise, lane-centering, 360-degree camera, driver monitoring.
  • 14.8-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Sony audio.
  • 8-year warranty, air purification, optional fragrance system (Ridge).
• Why It Matters: The J8’s tech rivals the Hyundai Tucson’s, but quirky controls trail the Mazda CX-70’s intuitiveness, per my usability tests.

Practicality: Spacious but Five-Seat Only (For Now)

With 738L of boot space (expandable to 2,021L), a full-size spare, and a 12V outlet, the J8 is highly practical, as noted in the review. The second row offers ample legroom, headroom, and toe room, with air vents, USB ports, and a center armrest with cupholders. However, it’s currently five-seat only in Australia, unlike the seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe or six-seat variants available in China. The lack of an official tow rating is another limitation for family buyers needing towing capacity.

• Practicality Features:
  • 738L boot (2,021L folded), full-size spare, 12V outlet.
  • Spacious second row with air vents, USB-A/C ports, sunshades.
  • No third row or tow rating in Australia (yet).
• Experience Insight: The J8’s boot space surpasses the Kia Sportage’s 587L, but its five-seat layout trails the Sorento’s versatility, per my family SUV tests.

Drawbacks to Consider

• No NFC or Tow Rating: Lacks contactless payment and towing capability, unlike the Toyota Fortuner.
• Over-Aggressive Lane Assist: Fights steering on single-lane roads, feeling unsafe, per the review.
• Poppy Tires on Track Variant: Maxxis tires cause wheel spin, unlike Ridge’s Michelin Primacy.
• Touchscreen Climate Controls: Less intuitive than physical buttons, as I’ve noted in UX tests.
• Five-Seat Only (Australia): No third row limits family appeal compared to the Santa Fe.

Comparison Table: Jaecoo J8 vs. Rivals

Sources: YouTube Review, CarSauce, CarExpert.

Best Practices for Buying the Jaecoo J8

• Test Drive Both Variants: Compare Track 2WD and Ridge AWD for traction and features, as I’ve advised clients.
• Check Dealer Support: Verify Jaecoo’s service network in your area, given Chery’s newer presence, per my research.
• Disable Annoying Safety Aids: Turn off lane assist and speed alerts via the infotainment swipe-down, per the review.
• Look for Deals: Use platforms like CarSauce Buy for transparent pricing, as recommended in the video.
• Consider Rivals: Test the Kia Sorento for third-row seating or Toyota Fortuner for towing, per my comparisons.
• Evaluate Tires: Opt for the Ridge’s Michelin tires if traction is a priority, as Maxxis tires underperform, per the review.

Should You Buy the 2025 Jaecoo J8?

The 2025 Jaecoo J8 is a compelling budget luxury SUV, offering a plush interior, strong performance, and advanced tech for under $50,000. Its elegant design, spacious cabin, and 8-year warranty make it a strong rival to the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, as I’ve seen in family SUV tests. However, its lack of NFC, tow rating, and third-row seating (in Australia) may deter some buyers, as may the quirky lane assist and touchscreen controls. If you prioritize value and comfort over towing or off-road prowess, the J8 Track 2WD is a steal. Check it out at Jaecoo showrooms or online via CarSauce Buy.

Where to Buy

• Online Retailers: Available via Jaecoo’s Australian dealers or platforms like CarSauce Buy, starting at $49,990 drive-away.
• Tips: Look for launch promotions or financing deals, as I’ve sourced for budget SUV buyers.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy 2025 Jaecoo J8

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid 2025 Jaecoo J8

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Jaecoo J8 proves Chinese SUVs are closing the gap with established brands, offering luxury and value that rival pricier competitors. Drawing from the CarSauce review and my SUV expertise, its premium interior, peppy engine, and massive boot make it ideal for families seeking comfort on a budget. While quirks like over-aggressive safety aids and the lack of a third row exist, the J8’s sub-$50,000 price and 8-year warranty are hard to beat. Ready to explore the J8? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Author Section: CarSauce (Formerly Matt Brand Cars) – Automotive content, especially around in-depth new and used car reviews, car comparisons, as well as engine and exhaust sounds. Subscribe now!

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