The automotive landscape in Australia is rapidly evolving, with new brands emerging almost monthly. One such newcomer, Jaecoo – a sister brand to Chery – has launched the J8, a large SUV aiming to disrupt the established players like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. While the J8’s aggressive pricing and premium styling make it stand out, its current configuration with only five seats and a petrol-only powertrain limits its appeal in a market increasingly focused on efficiency and family practicality.
Value Proposition and Initial Impressions
The 2026 Jaecoo J8 starts at $46,990 drive-away, making it remarkably competitive. For that price, buyers get a vehicle that looks significantly more expensive, with large screens, chrome accents, and a cabin design heavily inspired by Mercedes-Benz. However, the key question remains: is this all show and no substance?
Interior Design and Technology
Inside, the J8 impresses with its high-quality presentation. Leatherette surfaces, wood-look trim, and piano black finishes create a luxurious ambiance. Dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system offer good clarity and responsiveness, though some lag remains in the speedometer and tachometer. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though occasional glitches with voice commands have been noted. The 12-speaker Sony sound system delivers impressive audio quality.
The seats are comfortable and well-designed, with power adjustments and even massaging functionality in the base model. Despite the premium feel, some quirks persist: convoluted menu structures and oddly translated functions betray the vehicle’s Chinese origins.
Performance and Driving Experience
The J8 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Performance is adequate for daily commuting, but the engine suffers from noticeable turbo lag, and the eight-speed automatic transmission can be slow to downshift. The ride comfort is commendable, even on 20-inch wheels, but body control can feel slightly wobbly during highway driving. Steering is vague and lifeless, making the J8 uninspiring to drive.
Driver assistance systems are a mixed bag. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist function adequately, but the semi-autonomous highway mode (Integrated Cruise Assist) is unreliable and prone to jerky steering inputs.
Practicality and Safety
The J8’s biggest drawback is the lack of a third-row option, which is standard in many competitors. However, the cargo area is spacious, with 738 liters behind the second row and 2021 liters with the seats folded. The vehicle includes a full-size spare tire under the boot floor.
Safety features include eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking. The J8 has not yet been rated by ANCAP. The flagship Ridge trim adds rear-side airbags, bringing the total to ten.
Ownership and Running Costs
Jaecoo offers an eight-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, providing peace of mind. However, long-term reliability remains to be seen, as this is a relatively new brand in the Australian market.
The Verdict
The Jaecoo J8 is a compelling option for buyers seeking a premium-feeling SUV at an aggressive price point. It delivers strong value, with a well-appointed interior and competent on-road manners. However, the lack of a third-row or plug-in hybrid powertrain limits its appeal to some buyers. The J8 represents a bold move into the Australian market, and if Jaecoo can refine its software and expand its powertrain options, it could become a serious contender in the large SUV segment. For now, it’s a strong offering with a few key compromises.
