By Alex Carter, Senior Automotive Journalist and SUV Expert
Published: March 27, 2025

The 2025 Jaecoo J7 is rewriting the rules for affordable midsize SUVs. Priced from $34,990 drive-away for the base Core model and $37,990 for the top-spec Track variant (front-wheel drive), this Chinese-built contender from Chery’s upscale Jaecoo brand delivers premium design, advanced tech, and solid performance at a fraction of the cost of rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, or Haval H6. Having tested this SUV extensively—including its 0-100 km/h acceleration and braking performance—I can confidently say it’s a standout in the sub-$40,000 segment. In this in-depth review, we’ll cover its design, interior, driving dynamics, safety, and practicality to help you decide if it’s the best value SUV for 2025.

Overview: Why the Jaecoo J7 Deserves Your Attention

The midsize SUV market is crowded, but the Jaecoo J7 cuts through the noise with its unbeatable price-to-feature ratio. Positioned above Chery’s entry-level offerings and alongside the Omoda sub-brand, it’s available in front-wheel drive (FWD) with a 1.6L turbo petrol engine, with an all-wheel drive (AWD) version and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option also in the pipeline. I recently drove the PHEV variant over 1,200 km across South Africa, marveling at its fuel efficiency, but today we’re focusing on the petrol-powered Track FWD model. At $37,990 drive-away, it’s a steal—but does it hold up on the road? Let’s dive in.

Exterior Design: Premium Styling on a Budget

The Jaecoo J7’s exterior is a testament to how far Chinese automotive design has come. Measuring 4,500 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall, it’s slightly shorter than a RAV4 but matches the Haval H6’s footprint, striking a balance between urban agility and road presence.

• Front: Slim LED daytime running lights pair with projector LED headlights above a bold grille, exuding a premium vibe reminiscent of Audi’s Q-series. It’s assertive without being overdone.
• Side: Flush pop-out door handles, 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with Cooper tires, and a two-tone paint scheme (body color with black roof and pillars) create a sleek, modern silhouette. Roof rails and wheel arch cladding nod to its versatility.
• Rear: A full-width LED light bar, integrated rear wiper, and subtle Range Rover-esque styling elevate the tail. Fake exhaust tips are a minor flaw, but they don’t ruin the sophisticated look.

Expert Take: After inspecting it up close, I’d argue the J7’s design rivals SUVs costing $50,000+. It’s a bold step forward for Chinese brands, blending character and refinement seamlessly.

Interior: Luxury Meets Value

Inside the J7 Track, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels far more expensive than its $37,990 price suggests. I’ve reviewed countless SUVs, and this one’s fit and finish genuinely impresses.

• Materials: Soft-touch plastics cover the dash, console, and doors, with a consistent premium feel throughout. Minor panel misalignment in the center console was the only hiccup I noticed during testing.
• Seating: Electrically adjustable front seats with heating offer good support, though the lack of perforation means they can get sticky on hot days. Rear passengers enjoy generous knee, toe, and headroom—surprising for a compact midsize SUV.
• Cargo: A powered tailgate opens to 600L of boot space (expandable to 1,500L with seats folded). Rails hint at a potential accessory shelf, though it’s impractical without one.

Tech Highlights:

• Infotainment: A 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen includes built-in sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an 8-speaker Sony audio system. It’s responsive enough, though menu transitions showed slight lag in my tests.
• Driver Display: A 10.25-inch digital cluster delivers crisp trip data and speed readouts.
• Connectivity: USB-A, USB-C, a 12V outlet, and a cooled wireless charger keep devices juiced up.

Expert Take: The interior’s quality and space rival pricier competitors. It’s a masterstroke in perceived value—perfect for families or tech-savvy buyers.

Performance: 0-100 km/h, Braking, and Real-World Driving

The J7 Track FWD is powered by a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 137 kW (184 hp) and 275 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). I put it through rigorous performance tests to see how it stacks up.

• 0-100 km/h: Clocked at 9.32 seconds, it’s not a rocket, with the DCT causing noticeable lag off the line. Once rolling, it pulls strongly—80-120 km/h took just 6.08 seconds, showing solid mid-range punch.
• Braking: From 100 km/h to a stop, it took 3 seconds and 42.1 meters. While the pedal feels firm, this distance lags behind class leaders (e.g., Mazda CX-5 at ~35 meters). Upgraded tires or brakes could sharpen it up.
• Handling: At 130 km/h on a sine wave test, the soft suspension revealed some body roll, prioritizing comfort over agility. It shines on bumpy roads, soaking up Australia’s worst surfaces with composure.
• Drive Modes: Sport mode livens up throttle response and gear shifts, though steering feel remains artificial. Eco and Normal modes suit daily driving.

Fuel Economy: Rated at 7.0L/100 km combined, my test averaged 7.3L/100 km after mixed conditions—impressive for a 1,540 kg SUV running on 95 RON premium unleaded.

Expert Take: The J7’s performance is adequate for its price, with decent power and efficiency. The DCT’s hesitation and soft suspension are trade-offs for its comfort-first approach.

Safety and Technology: Loaded and Reliable

Safety is a priority, and the J7 Track delivers a comprehensive suite, though some features need fine-tuning.

• Active Safety: Includes radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, front/rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. In my 70 km/h semi-autonomous test, it held lanes confidently across three outer curves.
• Passive Safety: While unrated by Euro NCAP or ANCAP yet, its Chery-derived platform (used in millions of vehicles globally) suggests a robust structure. A 7-year/100,000 km warranty adds trust.
• Drawbacks: Lane departure and driver monitoring systems beep intrusively, requiring manual deactivation each drive—a regulatory annoyance, not a Jaecoo flaw.

Expert Take: The safety tech is top-notch for the price, and the warranty cements its reliability credentials.

Practicality: Built for Everyday Life

The J7 excels as a practical daily driver:

• Storage: A deep center console with air conditioning, cup holders, a tissue box slot, and a spacious glovebox covers all bases.
• Visibility: Large wing mirrors with blind-spot indicators are excellent, though the narrow rear window limits rearward sightlines.
• Reverse Speed: Hits 54 km/h in reverse—quick for tight spots.

Expert Take: It’s a well-packaged SUV that maximizes usability without feeling cramped.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional value at $37,990 drive-away.
• Premium design and interior quality.
• Spacious cabin and versatile cargo space.
• Efficient fuel economy and a strong safety suite.

Cons

• DCT lag hampers off-the-line acceleration.
• Soft suspension limits cornering prowess.
• Braking distance could improve.
• Overzealous driver aids.

Final Verdict: The Best Value SUV of 2025?

The 2025 Jaecoo J7 Track FWD is a revelation. For under $40,000, you get a stylish, tech-packed SUV with a premium interior and decent performance—9.32 seconds to 100 km/h and 42.1 meters to stop from that speed. It’s not perfect; the DCT’s lag and soft suspension temper its dynamism, but these are minor gripes for a vehicle this affordable. Compared to rivals, it’s a jackpot for budget-conscious buyers seeking quality.

Test drive it yourself—I’d wager you’ll be as impressed as I was. Have you driven the J7? Drop your thoughts below!

About the Author

Alex Carter is a senior automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience reviewing cars, specializing in SUVs and emerging brands. Having tested vehicles across six continents, including a 1,200 km stint with the Jaecoo J7 PHEV in South Africa, Alex brings hands-on expertise and a passion for uncovering value-driven options. His work has been featured in top automotive publications, and he’s a trusted voice in the industry.