March 11, 2025
By CarExpert

The automotive world is buzzing with new players, and the 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is set to make waves in Australia and beyond. As part of the Chery family—a Chinese automaker rapidly expanding globally—Jaecoo positions the J7 as a premium midsize SUV with bold styling, cutting-edge hybrid tech, and an astonishing claimed range of 1200 kilometers. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll dive into its design, performance, interior, and real-world potential, drawing from an international first drive in South Africa by automotive expert Paul Maric. Whether you’re eyeing competitors like the Toyota RAV4, BYD Sealion 6, or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, here’s everything you need to know about the Jaecoo J7 PHEV ahead of its Australian launch later in 2025.

Exterior Design: Bold and Modern with a Premium Edge

With its sleek, contemporary design, the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV stands out in the crowded midsize SUV segment. Sized similarly to the Toyota RAV4 (around 4500mm long), it’s a direct rival to plug-in hybrids like the BYD Sealion 6 and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The front fascia features a striking vertical-slat grille, flanked by slim LED daytime running lights and lower-set LED headlights, giving it a futuristic yet rugged vibe. This is a step up from older Chery designs—like the Omoda 5—embracing what Maric calls “the next generation of Chery styling.”

Around the sides, you’ll find 19-inch alloy wheels with an eco-friendly finish and low-resistance tires, paired with wheel arch cladding that hints at off-road capability—though its 200mm ground clearance suggests it’s more suited to light adventures than serious trails. The rear boasts full-width LED taillights, “JAECOO” branding, and a subtle diffuser, all neatly integrated with a hidden rear wiper tucked into the spoiler. It’s a head-turner, blending luxury cues (think Range Rover Evoque influences) with practical SUV proportions.

Interior: Premium Features at a Budget Price

Step inside, and the J7 PHEV impresses with a cabin that punches above its expected price point. While exact Australian pricing isn’t confirmed, the petrol J7 starts at around $40,000 drive-away, and the PHEV is tipped to land at under $50,000—a remarkable value if this spec makes it down under. Here’s what stands out:

• Tech: A 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the dash, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. It’s intuitive but lacks physical climate control buttons, forcing you to exit smartphone mirroring to adjust settings—a minor frustration.
• Displays: A digital driver’s cluster and head-up display keep critical info in view.
• Comfort: Heated and cooled synthetic leather seats, wireless charging, and a cold center console add luxury touches. Globally, darker brown interior options exist—fingers crossed for Australia.
• Space: The second row offers ample legroom and headroom, outshining tighter rivals like the Mazda CX-5. The boot swallows two large suitcases plus extras, and the cargo blind doubles as a projector screen—a quirky, family-friendly perk.

Quality feels solid, though road noise intrudes more than expected. At this price, it’s a compelling alternative to pricier hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ($42,260+) or the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ($57,290+).

Powertrain and Performance: 1200km Range Unpacked

The star of the show is the Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with an 18.3 kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor. Total output? A robust 255 kW of power and over 500 Nm of torque. This setup delivers versatility with four driving modes: pure EV, series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and deep-discharge EV for maximum electric range.

• Electric Range: Up to 90 km in pure EV mode (WLTP), ideal for daily commutes.
• Total Range: A claimed 1200 km with a full tank and charge, verified in a South Africa fuel economy challenge where Maric and his team hit the mark driving “normally” at speed limits—no hypermiling tricks needed.
• Performance: 0-100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds—quick, though not face-meltingly so.

However, there’s a catch: it’s front-wheel drive only (an AWD version is coming), and with all that torque, you’ll notice some torque steer if you floor it from a standstill. The steering is light and slow to return to center, dialed in to manage this, but it sacrifices some driving feel. On smooth South African roads, the ride is plush with a softer suspension tune, soaking up bumps well—even on gravel with potholes and corrugations. Expect a proper Australian test later in 2025 to confirm how it handles our rougher coarse-chip surfaces, where road noise was more noticeable.

Charging: It supports both AC (up to 6.6 kW) and DC fast charging (up to 40 kW), making it a fully equipped PHEV with vehicle-to-load capability—perfect for camping or powering gadgets.

Real-World Test: The 1200km Challenge

During the South Africa drive, Maric tackled a 1200 km fuel economy challenge without recharging the battery mid-trip. Driving normally—not coasting or crawling at 60 km/h in 100 zones—they hit the target with fuel to spare, averaging around 5L/100km once the EV range depleted. This proves the J7 PHEV’s hybrid system seamlessly manages battery discharge and recharge on the fly, making it a genuine long-haul contender. For Aussies, that’s a Sydney-to-Melbourne trip (900 km) with room to spare—no range anxiety here.

Australia Availability and Pricing

The Jaecoo J7 PHEV is slated for an Australian launch between January and March 2025, alongside petrol 2WD and AWD variants. While pricing is TBD, the sub-$50,000 estimate positions it as a value-packed rival to the BYD Sealion 6 ($48,990) and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. An AWD PHEV and the performance-focused C9 tri-motor hybrid are also in the pipeline, though unconfirmed for Oz. Stay tuned for local specs and a full review on Australian roads.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional 1200 km combined range
• Premium design and interior for the price
• Strong tech and comfort features
• Versatile hybrid system

Cons:

• Torque steer in FWD setup
• Light steering lacks feel
• No physical climate controls
• Off-road ability limited by ground clearance

Verdict: A Hybrid SUV to Watch in 2025

The 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Plug-in Hybrid blends bold styling, advanced hybrid tech, and unbeatable range into a package that could shake up Australia’s midsize SUV market. It’s not perfect—torque steer and steering feel need work—but at under $50,000, it’s poised to challenge the Toyota RAV4, BYD Sealion 6, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with value and versatility. When it lands in early 2025, expect it to turn heads and wallets alike. What do you think—could this be your next hybrid SUV? Share your thoughts below!