My Honest Review of JAECOO J7 AWD After 1,200 km: Good & Bad

Honestly, I am first attracted by the premium look of JAECOO J7 – very much similar to a Range Rover. I think it is most men’s dream to own a Range Rover, or at least, it is my dream car.

Assembled at Chery’s Shah Alam facility, the Jaecoo J7 is available at RM138,800 for the 2WD variant and RM148,800 for the AWD version.

Having driven the JAECOO J7 for over 1,200 km now, I can confidently say that it’s definitely worth the price, offering great comfort, decent fuel efficiency, impressive performance and the look of a Range Rover.

However, like any vehicle, it’s not without its quirks. Here’s my honest review of the car after spending some time with it.

JAECOO J7 Review: After 1 Month Driving

About a month ago, I took delivery of my new JAECOO J7 AWD, and I’ve already clocked 1,200 km on it. I can confidently say that this car is definitely worth its price. It’s extremely comfortable on the drive and very fuel efficient. Like any car, though, it isn’t perfect.

So after driving it for quite some time I do have some feedback that I want to share and I’m curious if other J7 owners share the same feelings as well.

I will take you through the 4 weeks of driving on the JAECOO J7 and tell you why it is so good and why it has drawbacks.

A Few Drawbacks Worth Noting about JAECOO J7

No car is perfect, and the JAECOO J7 does have a few quirks that could be improved:

1. Loud Door Handle Sound: The door handle mechanism can be quite loud when retracting, which startled me a few times and made me worry I had accidentally bumped into another car.
2. Tire Noise: Plus point the car has double-glazed windows for extra sound proof, the Giti Tire makes noise that is noticeable especially at highway speed. 
3. ADAS Oversteer: The adaptive cruise control (ACC) system is cool but it feels a bit intrusive at times, it’s like someone trying to wrestle and take over the control of the steering wheel, which made me feel slightly uneasy on long drives.
4. Rear Air Conditioning: The rear air conditioning vents don’t seem to work as effectively as the front, leaving passengers in the back feeling uncomfortably warm.
5. Infotainment Screen Brightness: The central display lacks smart brightness adjustment. It can become blindingly bright when you enter indoor spaces or underground parking lots, even with the automatic day/night mode.

Despite these minor flaws, the JAECOO J7 from Chery Group it’s outstanding in its class. The comfortness, the features, and  the off-road capabilities more than make up for the small inconveniences, and at this price, it’s hard to beat.

For a long-time electric car enthusiast, not something I thought I’d ever say of a petrol powered vehicle, but here I am completely impressed with the JAECOO J7. In fact, I have to say there’s no chance this car doesn’t stand up to outshine my current electric car. Many petrol cars still feel dated, compared to their electric cousins, and while the JAECOO J7 does have the earmarks of a petrol car, the driving experience is relatively modern.

A Look Inside JAECOO: More Than Just Luxury

The JAECOO J7 stands out with its interior design, which brings a sense of high-tech luxury. Every detail seems carefully thought out, and there are many features you might typically find in a premium electric vehicle. It comes equipped with built-in hooks, a pen holder, a phone mount, dual wireless chargers, and a tissue box—all designed for convenience and ease of use. The interior layout is both spacious and thoughtful, creating a driving environment that feels ahead of its time.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Features

What makes the JAECOO J7 even more impressive is its technology and features. The exterior of the car is equally striking with 19-inch alloy wheels, hidden door handles, and LED daylight system, providing an attractive and sleek profile. The large panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel to the cabin, while the heads-up display on the windshield keeps your eyes on the road without distraction.

Read more about: Jaecoo J7 Features in Malaysia

The 14.8-inch infotainment screen dominates the center console, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also appreciate the comfortable, ventilated, and premium seats that enhance the overall driving experience. To top it off, the 540° camera system offers a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Another standout feature of the JAECOO J7 is its impressive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This includes functions like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, all designed to make your driving experience safer and more relaxed. However, I’ll discuss a few things that might need a bit of improvement.

Off-Road Ready: Built for Adventure

If you’re someone who enjoys off-roading or driving in challenging conditions, the JAECOO J7 is equipped with seven driving modes, including special off-road settings for snow, mud, sand, and general off-road conditions—perfect for various terrains. One thing I was really impressed with was just how well the J7 dealt with gravel roads, there was a nice smooth and comfortable ride. Also note that the J7 has an awe inspiring 600mm water wading depth which is beyond the mere rain season floods.

Value for Money

All these features come at an attractive price point of about RM160,000 (roughly $34,000 USD). Given the list of high-tech features, comfort, and performance, the JAECOO J7 offers incredible value. If you’re still a fan of petrol cars, the J7 is a serious contender that might just make you reconsider your current ride.

JAECOO J7: Features & Specs

• Engine: 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol Engine
• Power: 190 hp
• Torque: 300 Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission
• Drivetrain: AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
• Fuel Economy: 9.0 L/100 km
• Infotainment: 14.8-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Advanced Driver Assistance: Level 2 ADAS (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Braking)
• Safety: 540° Surround Camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, 6 Airbags
• Off-Road Modes: Snow, Mud, Sand, and General Off-Road Mode
• Water Wading Depth: 600 mm
• Interior Features: Premium Ventilated Seats, Wireless Charging, Panoramic Sunroof, Heads-Up Display, Spacious Cabin

Final Thoughts

It isn’t without a name: the JAECOO J7 AWD has already made a name for itself as a stylish, tech packed SUV with premium driving experience for a small price tag. It’s a relatively new entrant into the Malaysian automotive market that’s powered by a powerful 1.6L turbo charged engine, has all wheel drive (AWD), an intuitive infotainment system, and a spacious comfortable cabin.

Being someone who likes to do things the little and often approach, and with a preference leaning towards practicality and performance in equal proportions, I chose to try out the J7, to see if indeed there is any truth to the hype.

If you’re searching for a gasoline car with the best of tech, off-road abilities, and also a nice driving experience, then the JAECOO’s J7 is something you are certainly looking at. This delivers far more than you would expect at this price point, and with the versatility to handle it all whether you’re in the city or on some rough trail.