BYD vs. JAECOO
What's the difference between a JAECOO and BYD?
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If you’re choosing between BYD vs. JAECOO – two rapidly growing Chinese car manufacturers – you’re comparing two very different strategies within the EV and SUV world.
This guide covers ownership, driving experience, range, tech, styling, safety, reliability, practicality and full model lineups, helping you decide which brand suits you best.
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BYD vs. JAECOO
BYD is a Chinese multinational founded by Wang Chuanfu in 1995, and is now one of the world's largest EV makers.
It operates globally and is across batteries, electric cars and electronics.
JAECOO is a newer brand, launched in 2023 as the SUV division of Chery Automobile – one of China’s biggest car manufacturers.
It sits alongside sister brand OMODA in Chery’s international expansion strategy.
Our guide will answer:
Are BYD or JAECOO cars better to drive?
Do BYD or JAECOO cars have a better electric range?
Does BYD or JAECOO have better tech?
Which make has the better styling?
Are BYD or JAECOO EVs more reliable?
Which has the better lineup?
BYD vs. JAECOO: what are they like to drive?
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BYD offers a broad range of different cars, using highly refined platforms known for smooth power delivery and high efficiency.
Electric models like the SEAL and DOLPHIN are efficient, comfortable and surprisingly sporty, with top trims completing the 0-62mph sprint in under four seconds.
Even its plug-in hybrids, such as the SEAL 6 DM-i and SEAL U DM-i, are highly efficient and comfortable on longer drives.
JAECOO, on the other hand, focuses on rugged SUVs with off‑road-inspired ability.
Models like the J7 offer higher-riding practicality, all-wheel drive (AWD) and strong off‑road capabilities.
If you want comfort and sporty EV performance, BYD leads. If you prioritise SUV capability and tougher styling, JAECOO has the edge.
BYD vs. JAECOO: range & batteries
BYD is famous for its Blade Battery – praised for its safety, lifespan and efficiency. Many electric BYDs achieve 250-350-mile WLTP ranges, with rapid DC charging and strong thermal management.
JAECOO focuses mainly on plug-in hybrids, giving you the best of both worlds.
The JAECOO 7 SHS PHEV has a claimed electric-only range of 56 miles, which is plenty for most people’s commutes.
But it also makes the 5 BEV, which is electric and has a 248-mile range.
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BYD vs. JAECOO: interior and technology
BYD interiors are modern and tech-led, often featuring rotating infotainment screens (in most pre-2026 cars), premium materials and advanced features.
Highlights include: 50W cooled wireless phone chargers, a built-in voice assistant, a 360-degree camera and vehicle-to-load (V2L) to power anything using the car’s electricity.
JAECOO models feature luxury-inspired cabins, large screens and again, more tech.
Unlike most other cars, they get a portrait infotainment screen, which feels like an iPhone to use. It also gets air purification tech and a clever 540-degree camera with views underneath the car to help with parking/off-road scenarios.
BYD vs. JAECOO: styling
BYD has a tendency to use aquatic themes with its cars. These can be found in ‘water droplet’ light designs and fin-shaped handles.
This gives its cars very sleek and aerodynamic styling, as well as making them look a bit different from the usual sea of electric cars... no pun intended.
JAECOO goes for a tougher, premium SUV aesthetic with bold grilles, upright stances and subtle off‑road cues.
Think of it as getting the Range Rover aesthetic but without forking out a small fortune to own one.
BYD vs. JAECOO: safety and reliability
Both brands are relatively new in the grand scheme of things, especially in the UK. However, over their short time here, they’ve proven to be dependable and forward-thinking companies that put their customers' needs first.
For example, BYD’s Blade Battery has exceptional safety credentials, including passing nail‑penetration tests – that’s seriously impressive.
And JAECOO uses Chery’s mature SUV platforms and strong safety-focused engineering.
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BYD vs. JAECOO: practicality
Because both brands make so many cars, practicality varies massively.
BYD’s smallest car, called the DOLPHIN SURF, has a 308-litre boot, whereas its larger SEAL U DM-i gets 426 litres.
Since JAECOO’s main focus is on SUVs, you get a little more space. The JAECOO 7 gets a 500-litre boot, and the smaller JAECOO 5 gets 480 litres.
BYD vs. JAECOO model lineup
BYD
BYD DOLPHIN SURF
The smallest electric BYD city car with a 200-mile range and lots of tech for its class.
BYD DOLPHIN
This is the next step up with a 265-mile range and unique styling, including fin-shaped door handles and front and rear lights inspired by dolphins jumping out of the water.
BYD ATTO 2
An all-electric compact SUV with a 267-mile range and a roomy interior.
BYD ATTO 3
The first BYD model to arrive in the UK in 2023. This is the step up from the ATTO 2 and has a 260-mile range and a bit more interior space.
BYD SEAL
The SEAL is the Tesla Model 3’s biggest rival, offering a 354-mile range and a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds.
BYD SEALION 7
A true Tesla Model Y and XPENG G6 competitor with a 312-mile range and some nifty interior features, such as a 50W cooled wireless phone charger.
BYD SEALION 5 DM-i
This plug-in hybrid SUV has a combined range of 631 miles and an impressive 53 miles on electric power alone.
BYD SEAL U DM-i
The biggest SUV BYD makes for the UK, with a 699-mile combined range and a massive 78-mile all-electric range.
BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon
A plug-in hybrid saloon car with a 935-mile combined range and 65 miles of fully electric driving.
BYD SEAL 6 DM-i Touring
The estate version of the SEAL 6 DM-i with 839 miles combined range, or 62 miles on fully electric, with a 675-litre boot.
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JAECOO
JAECOO 5 Petrol
A mid-sized petrol SUV powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, producing 147hp.
JAECOO 5 BEV
The all-electric version of the 5, with a 248-mile range and 207hp.
JAECOO 7
JAECOO’s flagship car, with a 500-litre boot and loads of tech.
JAECOO 7 SHS
The plug-in hybrid version of the J7 has up to 56 miles of electric power alone.
Verdict: BYD vs. JAECOO – which should you buy?
BYD pros and cons
Pros:
Large selection of electric cars
Attractive pricing
Cons:
Smaller cabins than some rivals
Slower charging speeds to preserve battery health
JAECOO pros and cons
Pros:
Affordable SUVs
Loads of tech for the price
Cons:
Lower MPG figures than some rivals
Could have more boot space
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