Video: Jaecoo J7 review – RM139K for a Range Rover lookalike?


A Range Rover at just RM140k?! Well, not quite, but with premium features typically found in luxury SUVs costing twice as much, and looks like that, we think the Jaecoo J7 might be as close as it gets at RM138,800 on-the-road and without insurance!

Interested? Click on the link (https://autobuzz.my/grab-a-deal-jaecoo) to request a quote for the Jaecoo J7 through us – and you might just find the best deal in town!

Diving into specifics, the J7 is available both in 2WD and AWD layouts, both powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) providing a total output of 197 hp and 290 Nm.

Equipment-wise, both 2WD and AWD variants largely share the same features except for the AWD variant gaining a slightly larger 14.8-inch infotainment screen and seven driving modes:  Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud, Off-road and Snow (yes… even though we live in a tropical climate!). The 2WD variant comes with a smaller 13.2-inch screen and only offers three modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.

The Jaecoo J7 isn’t a hardcore rock crawler, but it’s no slouch off the beaten path either. With 200mm of ground clearance, It’ll confidently handle those gravel roads in FELDA settlements or off-road excursions to construction sites. Additionally, its 600 mm wading depth means you can confidently tackle those pesky flash floods that often occur during the rainy season. 

Well, here’s the elephant in the room – the exterior design of the Jaecoo J7 clearly draws inspiration from Range Rover, with design elements like tapered side windows, flush door handles and an overall blocky silhouette. This is perhaps no coincidence, as the chief engineer, Peter John Matkin, previously worked at Jaguar Land Rover before joining Chery.  

RELATED: Chery opens Shah Alam CKD plant – first facility to assemble Jaecoo J7 in ASEAN

That said, the Jaecoo J7 is more than just a Range Rover lookalike, as it also incorporates its own unique touches into the design, including the bumper-mounted headlights, accompanied by chequered flag-inspired daytime running lights. These elements, combined with its overall design, give the J7 a sophisticated presence on the road that’s sure to turn heads.

There are, of course, some niggles you’ll have to deal with too. Chiefly, the infotainment system’s UI could use some more refinement, especially when it’s filled with some oddly named options like “Forget Reminder” and “Close to Guests”! 

Still, the Jaecoo J7 undoubtedly offers a lot for its price, especially with a starting price of just RM139k. But is it enough to sway you from established brands like Honda or Toyota?  Watch our video review here!

RELATED: The Jaecoo J7 SUV, is it a Range Rover?