I may not be a fan of the all-electric Jaecoo EJ6 but the new company has another offering that you should turn your attention to: the J7 SHS – a plug-in hybrid EV that saves at the pumps without sacrificing performance. It isn’t a perfect SUV by all accounts, but it does have notable redeemable qualities that I really like. But let’s start with the design first because that will pique your interest when you see one on the road.
At a glance, the Jaecoo J7 SHS draws attention with a stance that’s commanding without being brash. There’s something about the boxy styling – it’s got that trendy Land Rover-vibe, which is hot and it wears confidently. But the J7 SHS isn’t just about looks. Underneath the chiseled sheet metal is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that surprised me in more ways than one.
Because Boxy Is In
Even parked, the Jaecoo J7 SHS has an undeniable road presence. It’s upright, squared-off, and adorned with the right amount of gloss black and chrome to suggest refinement without overdoing it. I’m not a huge fan of the aero-style wheels. They feel like a missed opportunity for something more aggressive-looking, but I get the logic: they’re clearly designed with efficiency in mind.
The lighting setup deserves praise. The automatic LED headlights with follow-me-home function do a great job of illuminating the road, especially in poorly lit areas. Combined with the 540-degree panoramic camera system, visibility – both while driving and maneuvering – is a clear strong suit. And yes, those around-view cameras look sharp on the massive 14.8-inch infotainment screen.
Practical Meets Plush
Inside, the J7 SHS leans premium with a heavy tech influence. The butterfly headrests are surprisingly comfortable and offer good lateral support—a rare find in this segment. The materials used throughout the cabin feel upscale, and space is generous all around. The dual-zone climate control works effectively even under direct sun, and the addition of ventilated front seats is a godsend if you’re constantly parking under open skies.
There’s a learning curve though. Most of the controls are buried inside the touchscreen, which can be frustrating. For example: adjusting fan speed while using Apple CarPlay, for example, takes at least four steps – something that really breaks flow, especially while driving. It’s a strange oversight for a vehicle that otherwise feels well thought-out.
A Genuinely Smart SUV
This is where Jaecoo went all-in. You’re getting the full alphabet soup of ADAS features; everything from lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, to automatic emergency braking and more. What’s nice is that these features work quietly in the background. They don’t interrupt unless they absolutely need to, which makes for a smoother, more confident drive.
It’s also impressively safety-conscious. The car won’t even let you drive off if the driver’s seatbelt isn’t buckled. Seven airbags, a 50W wireless charger, an 8-speaker Sony sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting round out a features list that feels closer to premium Euro offerings than a mainstream Chinese SUV.
Still, there are some quirks. The auto brake hold, for instance, is helpful but a bit jarring when releasing, especially in traffic. And while the heads-up display and massive tablet-type infotainment are slick and easy to the eyes, there’s definitely a tech overload if you’re not used to controlling everything through touch – more so with the fact that it doesn’t have an on/off switch. Just park, get out, and lock the car – simple, but unnerving at first.
Smooth Drive with a Punch
On paper, the numbers are decent: a combined motor and engine output of 265 hp and a meaty 310 Nm of torque. On the road, it feels even quicker than expected, with snappy off-the-line acceleration. The 8.5-second 0–100 km/h time feels believable, maybe even conservative, thanks to that instant electric torque.
But it’s not all roses. The transition from EV to hybrid mode isn’t quite as seamless as I’d like. You’ll feel the engine kick in – not harshly, but it’s noticeable. Also, the steering is a bit too loose at high speeds, robbing you of some confidence on fast curves or lane changes. It could really use some tightening for better road feedback.
Body roll is another area where the J7 SHS could improve. While the suspension soaks up bumps fairly well – more so on city streets than on broken rural pavement – there’s noticeable lean when cornering hard. With this much torque on tap, the chassis is begging for stickier rubber and a firmer suspension tune to really unleash its full potential.
Hybrid Simplicity with Surprising Range
The powertrain is smart enough that you can just leave it alone. I didn’t get a chance to charge the battery during the drive (but it does reel back excess energy quickly), so I still managed to return a very respectable 16.4 km/L in mixed driving. That’s impressive for something this size (and with my driving style), especially since it doesn’t drive like an efficiency-focused appliance.
Its 18.3-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery gives it an EV-only range of up to 91 km (WLTP), which is more than enough for daily errands and even short commutes without firing up the engine. The fuel tank holds 60 liters, and combined with the battery, Jaecoo claims over 1,200 km of range on paper. Over an AAP-monitored mileage run through the northern Luzon loop, the company claims 1,488.8 km in one full tank and full charge. That’s long-haul territory.
Charging times are also reasonable, at least on paper. You’ll get a full charge in about 3.5 hours on a 6.6 kW AC charger, or juice it from 30 to 80% in just 20 minutes via DC fast charging. It’s even got a V2L function with a 3.3 kW discharge rate – handy for camping or emergency power needs.
That Pricing Though
The Jaecoo J7 SHS isn’t perfect, but it’s hard to ignore just how much you’re getting. It’s stylish, spacious, fast, and impressively efficient. More than that, it feels like a product designed to make a mark – one that wants to compete not just on price, but on experience.
Speaking of pricing, Jaecoo hasn’t released its MSRP as of this writing, but estimates it to fall under P1.6 million, maybe even lower. That’s a pretty good deal for the amount of car you get.
Would I change a few things? Definitely. The steering needs more feedback. The interface could be simplified. And I’d prefer a more dynamic chassis tune to match the power. But as it stands, this is a seriously well-rounded and comfortable SUV that’s hard to beat if you’re looking for a smart, feature-packed daily that won’t bleed your wallet at the pumps.
