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No, you haven’t been imagining that you simply’re seeing extra Range Rovers on the street these days – although you would be forgiven for mistaking Omoda Jaecoo’s catalogue as such.
One of essentially the most distinguished examples of these Range Rover lookalikes is the Jaecoo J7, successfully a extra upmarket model of the mechanically related Chery Tiggo 7 mid-size SUV. It hasn’t bought in fairly the identical outrageous numbers as its smaller J5 sibling, however it’s hardly a whole flop, both.
With roughly 2000 examples bought to date this yr, the J7 is on par with (or barely forward of) established rivals just like the Volkswagen Tiguan. A major motive for that’s value, as a result of, like lots of its Chinese compatriots, the J7 is significantly cheaper than most comparable SUVs from established producers.
That’s very true for the mannequin you see on take a look at right here, the 2026 Jaecoo J7 Track. It’s the most affordable J7 variant at present obtainable, and lacks the Super Hybrid System (SHS) plug-in hybrid powertrain obtainable elsewhere within the vary. In reality, there isn’t any hybridisation right here in any respect.
Is it the decide of the vary, or is a plug-in hybrid Jaecoo the way in which to go as a substitute?
How a lot does the Jaecoo J7 value?
The front-wheel drive Track FWD is the most affordable Jaecoo J7 on sale, priced at $37,990 drive-away. In reality, it was obtainable for $34,990 drive-away as a part of a limited-time deal that ended yesterday (July 31, 2026), until it is being prolonged.
|
Model |
Drive-away value |
|---|---|
|
2026 Jaecoo J7 Track FWD |
$37,990 |
|
2026 Jaecoo J7 Ridge AWD |
$42,990 |
|
2026 Jaecoo J7 SHS Track FWD |
$43,990 |
|
2026 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit FWD |
$47,990 |
There are a great deal of rivals for the petrol-only J7, however we have narrowed down three of essentially the most related. The first is the intently associated Chery Tiggo 7, which in base Urban guise prices $29,990 drive-away.
There’s additionally the GWM Haval H6, which begins at $35,990 drive-away in base Lux guise. A logical rival from one other mainstream model is the Hyundai Tucson, which begins at $40,100 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the Jaecoo J7 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What is the Jaecoo J7 like on the within?
The inside is undeniably spinoff of these present in virtually each different Chinese SUV, however there’s a semi-premium edge to it.
It definitely does not really feel like the most affordable variant of the vary. Omoda Jaecoo has been very beneficiant with its soft-touch cabin surfaces and substantial-looking fittings, and even the design of components just like the air vents and dashboard is tasteful and demure.
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This is what we have come to count on from Jaecoo SUVs, and it is attention-grabbing that this petrol-only J7 is healthier outfitted than its plug-in hybrid equal. The most vital level of distinction is the sound system.
The petrol Track will get an eight-speaker Sony setup, which gives significantly higher audio high quality than the non-branded six-speaker system of the SHS Track. It’s an attention-grabbing disparity that offers a slight benefit to consumers of the base-spec petrol grade – no less than by way of inside amenity.
Overall, nevertheless, the J7’s cabin is essentially a case of kind over operate. This is nothing new for screen-heavy automobiles, however the method taken by Omoda Jaecoo – and, by extension, Chery – seems to offer little or no thought to ease of use.
Most notable is the local weather system, which is locked contained in the infotainment system. It’s straightforward sufficient to entry utilizing the automotive’s native software program, due to the shortcut on the backside of the display, however that modifications whenever you’re utilizing smartphone mirroring.
Because the smartphone interface occupies the complete display, it’s a must to shut it to make primary changes like cabin temperature or air flow fan velocity. That’s a pointless inconvenience that will be simply solved by some precise buttons.
At least smartphone mirroring is wi-fi as normal, and it seems to be fairly sharp with its full-screen interface. Connectivity was constantly dependable throughout our week with the automotive.
The digital instrument show, in the meantime, seems to be ok and stays useful. Its Jaecoo-flavoured animations are usually smoother than its Chery counterparts, and it is easy sufficient to navigate utilizing the steering wheel controls.
Elsewhere, you will discover there are some buttons on the centre console, however not many. You solely get devoted controls for the entrance windscreen demister, drive modes, and the overarching air-conditioning menu.
The drive mode selector alone takes up an enormous quantity of house, and we discover it complicated that this house is not higher utilised. The aviation-style gear shifter additionally feels a bit contrived in contrast with the remainder of the cabin, however it will get the job executed.
The remaining bodily inside controls are on the steering wheel. Again, in typical Chery vogue, they don’t seem to be actual buttons however as a substitute clean, shiny panels that click on when pressed. Because there’s little tactility, it’s straightforward to overlook the button you’re attempting to press. The shiny end additionally smudges simply.
Otherwise, the cabin is snug. The leather-based end on the steering wheel rim feels good, however whereas the artificial leather-appointed seats are supportive, they lack seat base angle adjustment, limiting thigh help. But you do get seat heating as normal, which is a considerate contact within the base J7 Track.
Storage-wise, the entrance of the cabin options a big tray under the centre console, which additionally homes a choice of charging shops – USB and 12V. There are additionally cupholders above, numerous slots for telephones or keys, and the requisite lidded storage containers. We additionally like that the wi-fi cellphone charger is ventilated.
Moving to the second row reveals a comparatively spacious space, no less than in contrast with equally sized rivals. The J7’s boxy physique makes it really feel fairly ethereal again right here, and there is loads of room for me, at 173cm tall, to sit down comfortably behind my very own driving place.
The ground is sort of solely flat, apart from a small driveline hump, which makes it straightforward to scoot throughout the bench if want be. The seats themselves aren’t all that supportive, however they’re fully serviceable.
The base mannequin in all fairness nicely outfitted within the second row, too. You get a pair of USB ports and an air vent on the again of the centre console, plus multi-tier map pockets and a padded, fold-down armrest with cupholders.
The boot is impressively spacious. Jaecoo quotes 424 litres with the rear seatbacks upright, though variations in producers’ measurement strategies imply direct on-paper comparisons with figures quoted for the Haval H6 and MG HS is probably not solely consultant.
You’ll discover that the ground sits fairly low as a result of there isn’t any PHEV gear bundled beneath. That provides you extra space, even when it means you will must bend down when loading cargo. Access is made simpler by an influence tailgate, one other sudden inclusion on this ‘base-spec’ SUV.
Being a non-PHEV variant, our tester featured a space-saver spare wheel underneath the boot ground, which is all the time a plus for Australian consumers.
|
Dimensions |
Jaecoo J7 Track FWD |
|---|---|
|
Length |
4500mm |
|
Width |
1865mm |
|
Height |
1680mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2672mm |
|
Cargo capability |
424L (rear seats up) |
To see how the Jaecoo J7 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Powering the non-hybrid Jaecoo J7 is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 137kW of energy and 275Nm of torque. In the bottom Track, drive is shipped to the entrance wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission.
|
Specifications |
Jaecoo J7 Track FWD |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
1.6L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
|
Power |
137kW |
|
Torque |
275Nm |
|
Transmission |
7-speed dual-clutch auto |
|
Drive sort |
Front-wheel drive |
|
Kerb weight |
1534kg |
|
Fuel economic system (claimed) |
7.0L/100km |
|
Fuel economic system (as examined) |
7.3L/100km |
|
Fuel tank capability |
51L |
|
Fuel requirement |
95-octane premium unleaded |
|
CO2 emissions |
163g/km |
|
Emissions normal |
Euro 6 |
|
Braked tow capability |
1350kg |
The non-hybrid J7 can also be obtainable in all-wheel drive configuration, although it retains the identical engine outputs and transmission sort. That setup is reserved for the Ridge trim degree.
Our week with the J7 Track primarily concerned freeway commuting, together with a visit to the Lang Lang proving floor for a YouTube video evaluation.
To see how the Jaecoo J7 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Jaecoo J7 drive?
As far as tech-heavy Chinese SUVs go, the Jaecoo J7 gives a comparatively easy driving expertise.
For one, we might argue that this non-PHEV car reduces some complexity in comparison with its SHS alternate options. That’s to not say the J7 SHS is difficult to drive, however some could recognize the extra conventional engine/transmission mixture supplied right here.
As such, its fundamentals will not be alien to a newcomer. Make positive you could have your seatbelt on earlier than you set off, although, as a result of – like different Cherys – this Jaecoo is not going to launch its handbrake till you’ve got executed so. Most different automobiles mechanically let it go when you contact the throttle, so that is inconvenient and annoying.
But as soon as you’re shifting, the petrol J7 proves itself succesful. Power from the turbo-petrol engine is strong, which suggests this SUV has no challenge getting up and shifting. You will get some torque steer when you’re notably harsh on the throttle, and the shortage of low-down torque means it must rev laborious for fast progress.
The supply of that energy may also be considerably peaky, presumably due to that turbo and the actual fact it is mated with a dual-clutch transmission. It takes some time for all the pieces to ‘get up’ when you want more durable acceleration, and it may be sensitive in low-speed manoeuvres like three-point turns.
That delay in motion after urgent the throttle is most noticeable round city, the place you are continually stopping and beginning. You actually need to pre-empt inexperienced lights to keep away from different drivers pondering you are distracted by your cellphone.
The transmission may also stumble at decrease speeds, a trait typical of dual-clutch autos. It’s removed from the worst gearbox we have ever handled, however some additional finessing would do wonders right here.
Things clean out as soon as travelling at freeway speeds, revealing the actual fact the J7 is pretty refined. Wind noise is properly suppressed, and it is very clean over the undulations you will usually discover on Aussie highways.
The engine solely actually makes itself identified underneath laborious acceleration, too. Road noise is the one factor that’s tough to work round, since you’ll discover there’s various tyre roar on coarse-chip street surfaces.
Unfortunately, the J7’s trip is imperfect. It usually errs on the smooth facet, as is typical for Chinese SUVs, which no less than means it is pretty snug at increased speeds. The trade-off is stability.
It feels a bit wobbly even on the freeway, the place the physique will bob round over bigger dips and rises. Suburban bumps and holes will usually ship jolts by the cabin too, so the automotive loses some factors for urban-centric commuting consolation. This is usually when there is not sufficient load onboard to settle its smooth damping tune.
Indeed, one other factor price mentioning is how the J7 performs when loaded with passengers and cargo. Its payload of simply 405kg merely is not sufficient for 5 average-weight (~85kg) adults, and even decreasing the passenger rely to 4 limits its authorized cargo-carrying capability.
This is a disgrace, particularly given this explicit J7 is not weighed down by a heavy battery pack. We do not doubt {that a} fully-loaded J7 would lose a substantial chunk of its unladen pep, both.
Despite all that, the J7 gives composed dealing with. It will not fear an MX-5 in bends, however it has a delicate, sharp-ish dynamic edge that stops it from collapsing into physique roll or understeering extensive throughout laborious cornering.
The draw back is the steering is kind of lifeless. There’s little or no really feel, and the actual fact it has comparatively mild weighting means the automotive can appear a tad flimsy when it is thrown round – this contributes to the wobbly really feel we described above. There is a Sport drive mode that gives heavier steering, however it feels synthetic.
On the tech entrance, the J7’s security gear generally is a bit annoying. The most intrusive culprits are the motive force consideration monitoring – harping on with Chery’s attribute “You have been distracted!” warning – and the lane-keep help, each of that are usually overreactive.
This is not a brand new factor for Chinese automobiles, however it’s nonetheless an omnipresent flaw in a car that in any other case gives a fairly nice driving expertise.
To see how the Jaecoo J7 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
There are two variants in Australia’s petrol-only Jaecoo J7 vary.
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2026 Jaecoo J7 Track FWD gear highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Space-saver spare wheel
- Auto LED headlights
- LED tail-lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding heated facet mirrors
- Roof rails
- ‘Premium steering wheel’
- Synthetic leather-based upholstery
- 6-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy entrance passenger seat
- Heated entrance seats
- 10.25-inch digital instrument show
- 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- Bluetooth
- DAB+ digital radio
- Intelligent voice command
- 8-speaker Sony sound system
- Wireless cellphone charger
- 2 x USB-A ports (entrance, rear)
- 2 x USB-C ports (entrance, rear)
- Power tailgate
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Rear air vents
- Interior ambient lighting
- 3 drive modes:
- Keyless entry and begin
Jaecoo J7 Ridge AWD provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size spare wheel
- Red brake calipers
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- Perforated artificial leather-based upholstery
- 4-way driver’s seat lumbar help
- Driver’s seat place reminiscence
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Head-up show
- 14.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Alloy pedals
- Rear privateness glass
- Panoramic sunroof
To see how the Jaecoo J7 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Jaecoo J7 protected?
The Jaecoo J7 SHS has a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on Euro NCAP testing carried out in 2025. However, that score doesn’t at present apply to petrol-powered J7 variants, that are unrated by ANCAP.
Standard security gear highlights:
- 8 airbags, incl:
-
- Front
- Front-side
- Side curtain
- Front centre
- Driver’s knee
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit help
- Surround-view monitor
- Traffic jam help
- Traffic signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
To see how the Jaecoo J7 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Jaecoo J7 value to run?
Omoda Jaecoo Australia backs its vary with an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing for the non-hybrid Jaecoo J7 is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
|
Servicing and Warranty |
Jaecoo J7 Track FWD |
|---|---|
|
Warranty |
8 years, limitless kilometres |
|
Roadside help |
Up to eight years (service-activated) |
|
Service intervals |
12 months or 15,000km |
|
Capped-price servicing |
8 years |
|
Average annual service value |
$369 |
|
Total capped-price service value |
$2952 |
Omoda Jaecoo Australia’s particular person service pricing is detailed under:
|
Service |
Price |
|---|---|
|
12 months, 15,000km |
$299 |
|
24 months, 30,000km |
$299 |
|
36 months, 45,000km |
$329 |
|
48 months, 60,000km |
$499 |
|
60 months, 75,000km |
$299 |
|
72 months, 90,000km |
$329 |
|
84 months, 105,000km |
$299 |
|
96 months, 120,000km |
$599 |
For context, Chery gives a shorter seven-year capped-price servicing interval, throughout which upkeep for the front-wheel drive Tiggo 7 prices $2151.93. Five years of capped-price servicing for the front-drive GWM Haval H6, in the meantime, prices $2025.
Eight years of servicing for the non-hybrid Hyundai Tucson prices $3604.
To see how the Jaecoo J7 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Take on the Jaecoo J7 Track FWD
The non-PHEV J7 is usually strong, and it tends to do sufficient to face out from its intently associated stablemates.
It gives a much more refined presentation than the intently associated Tiggo 7 and, although it’s costlier, you are rewarded for splashing your money with a significantly spectacular record of ordinary gear, regardless of being cheaper than extra fashionable mid-size SUVs.
Granted, there are trade-offs. The J7 does not really feel as well-sorted dynamically as one thing like a Tucson, neither is its security tech as much as scratch, which is a grievance we have leveled throughout the Chery steady for some time now so it is disappointing there hasn’t been extra motion taken right here.