Jaecoo J7 SHS Review – Can This New Entrant Hybrid SUV
The Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) is their 2025 big swing. It’s not merely another hybrid SUV. It’s meant to outlast Toyota hybrids, outsmart BYD EVs, and underprice Europe’s premium SUVs. Ambitious? Certainly. But with time spent in the J7 SHS, you begin to question: perhaps Jaecoo isn’t shooting too high after all.
Introduction – The New Player With High Hopes
Every so often, a automobile brand comes along and makes the automobile world stop. In the 90s, Hyundai was the “affordable flop” nobody paid attention to — but today it’s a global giant. In the 2000s, the Chinese were dismissed as copiers — today they’re at the front of the electric and hybrid revolution.
Along comes Jaecoo, a new SUV-centric brand in the Chery Group, which has been quietly honing its blades and setting its sights on a very particular target: Southeast Asia’s SUV market. Why this region? Because SEA drivers need a blend of off-road ability (hello, flood-prone Jakarta and Manila roads), family comfort, frugality (thanks to rocketing fuel prices), and naturally, value for money.
Interior and Build Quality – More Than Just First Impressions
The initial shock comes when you get inside. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, you’ll be surprised. The J7 SHS interior is less BMW-lite and more not-bargain-bin-Chinese-SUV.
Soft leather hugs the seats, brushed aluminum accents line the dash, and a giant 14.8-inch infotainment screen dominates the cabin. The 12.3-inch driver’s display is sharp, fluid, with customizable options. Buttons? Minimal.Jaecoo clearly believes in the “one giant screen to rule them all” philosophy.
Sit in the driver’s seat and you’ll notice:
Build solidity: Close the door and it shuts with that satisfying European “thunk.”
Cabin quietness: In EV mode, it’s frighteningly silent — you can hear more of your thoughts than the engine.
Space for passengers: The rear bench is roomy and comfortable, with plenty of knee room (tall uncles rejoice).
The 8-speaker Sony sound system makes the cabin sound-rich with deep bass. Throw in ventilated and heated seats, a sunroof that’s panoramic, and even ambient lighting reminiscent of a nightclub atmosphere if you desire it, and you’re wondering why someone would double-pay for a German badge.
Humor moment: Honestly, the most difficult thing about driving the J7 SHS may be having to tell your friends that, no, you did not secretly win the lottery.
Performance – Where Numbers Meet Real Life
On paper, the J7 SHS seems impressive. A 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine linked with an electric motor combined delivey is 347 hp and 525 Nm of torque. Those are decent numbers for a compact-to-midsize SUV.
But the true magic lies in the Super Hybrid System:
Pure EV mode: As much as 106 km, which is among the longest electric ranges of any PHEV at its price level.
Hybrid mode: The system effortlessly switches power back and forth between engine and motor. You hardly notice the switches, as opposed to some hybrids.
Range king: Jaecoo boasts quite loudly of a tested range of 1,488.8 km in the Philippines — effectively meaning you can drive from Manila to Cagayan de Oro without refueling.
Behind the wheel, the J7 SHS is assertive. Acceleration is sufficiently urgent to pass with ease, and in Sport mode, throttle response tightens just enough to elicit that “hidden muscle” sensation. Steering is not razor-sharp, but is accurate enough for the city streets and firm enough on the highways. Suspension is biased toward comfort, absorbing potholes and speed bumps better than most SUVs in its segment.
Safety Features – Peace of Mind, Digitized
Safety is not an afterthought in this regard. The J7 SHS is also rated Euro NCAP 5-star, which already gives it a leg up on most competitors. It’s full of ADAS and tech such as:
Adaptive Cruise Control that navigates stop-and-go traffic seamlessly.
Lane Keep Assist that doesn’t feel naggy, just intuitive.
Automatic Emergency Breaking that responds faster than most drivers in Manila traffic.
A 360° camera that even has an under-chassis view (handy for avoiding those humongous potholes masquerading as swimming pools).
Driver Monitoring System — yes, it monitors your face for signs of drowsiness. (Translation: no more post-midnight karaoke road trips without coffee stops.)
For families, this SUV is not only eco-friendly — it’s reassuringly future-proofed on safety.
Capabilities – The SUV That Doesn’t Shy Away from Adventure
Unlike most “city SUVs” which are essentially tall hatchbacks, the J7 SHS still pays respect to the SUV name.
AWD option provides it with traction on muddy provincial roads or wet mountain ascents.
Drive modes (Eco, Sport, Snow, Off-road) regulate throttle and traction according to terrain.
Ground clearance is high enough for rough country roads in rural areas.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) allows you to plug a rice cooker at your picnic location (why not?).
Briefly, it’s not a hard-core off-roader, but it’s capable enough for both city jungles and weekend getaways.
Pricing and Availability – The Southeast Asian Strategy
Here’s where Jaecoo has been smart: it recognizes that price is more important in SEA than anywhere else.
Philippines: ₱1.449M (Comfort), ₱1.549M (Premium) — with promo discount reducing both by ₱50K until Sept 2025.
Malaysia: Starting from MYR 158,800.
Thailand: Between THB 899,000–999,000.
Indonesia: IDR 499.9M (with a limited “Discover Edition”).
With respect to Toyota’s Corolla Cross Hybrid or RAV4 Hybrid, the J7 SHS presents more features, greater EV range, and superior pricing. With respect to BYD Song Plus or Haval H6, it is more premium inside and more accommodating with range.
Pros and Cons
What we loved:
EV range that’s realistic for day-to-day city use
Enormous hybrid range that eliminates “range anxiety”
Premium, tech-stacked interior for less than half the cost of Europeans
Solid safety features and 5-star rating
Geo-friendly design (flood-proof clearance, V2L camping hacks)
What can be improved:
Brand recognition is still developing — resale values are still a question mark
Touchscreen-dominant controls will frustrate analog enthusiasts
Dealership and service network still in development in SEA
Final Verdict – The Bold New SUV on the Block
The 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS is a declaration. It says to Southeast Asia’s automobile consumers that you don’t have to shell out Lexus money for superior comfort, you don’t have to compromise on Toyota’s risk-averse hybrids if you want reliability, and you don’t have to trade off range for EV technology.
Is it flawless? Nope. Is it the hottest SUV of 2025? Probably. If Jaecoo set the stage with its after sales service and network expansion, the J7 SHS might be the vehicle that finally gets to say: “Chinese hybrids are here to stay.”
FAQs – Jaecoo J7 SHS 2025
Q: What sets the Jaecoo J7 SHS apart from competitors such as Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Haval H6?
A: Increased EV range (up to 106 km), significantly increased hybrid range (1,488 km), plus premium interior, and killer pricing.
Q: How much is the Jaecoo J7 SHS cost in Philippines?
A: ₱1.449M (Comfort) and ₱1.549M (Premium), with discounts up to September 2025.
Q: Is Jaecoo reliable in Southeast Asia?
A: The brand is new, but it’s supported by Chery, with an 8-year battery warranty and growing dealership networks throughout SEA.
Q: Does it have good flood and bad-road ability?
A: With its high ground clearance, AWD, and heavy-duty underbody protection, it’s better than most urban SUVs.
