JAECOO 5 vs. JAECOO 7: which should you buy?
Which of JAECOO's family SUVs should you consider?
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JAECOO has entered the competitive SUV market with a big splash, and two of its most popular models are the JAECOO 5 and JAECOO 7.
There may just be one number separating them on paper, but in the real world, there’s a big difference between them.
We’re going to dive into the differences between these two Chinese SUVs and help you make an informed decision on which is best for you.
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Our guide will answer:
Which car has better styling?
Is the JAECOO 5 or 7 better to drive?
Does the JAECOO 5 or 7 have better tech?
Is the JAECOO 5 or 7 more reliable?
What are the JAECOO 5 vs. 7 dimensions?
JAECOO 5 vs. JAECOO 7: styling
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Upon first glance, both cars look almost identical. It’s only when you start looking closer that you notice the differences.
The JAECOO 5 is the smaller car, measuring 4,380mm in length, yet it still has the same Range Rover-like front grille as the larger JAECOO 7 (4,500mm long).
If we were going to compare their looks to Land Rovers, the 5 would be best described as an Evoque, and the 7 would be like a Velar. In this respect, they’re both very similar cars, just different sizes.
The real changes happen with the electric JAECOO E5 BEV, which has a blanked off front grille and speakers built into the front to play your music. Why? Because why not?
JAECOO 5 vs. JAECOO 7: what are they like to drive?
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Both the 5 and 7 are petrol cars, though the former is available as an all-electric model, known as the E5 BEV. If you want to embrace fully electric driving, this will be the car for you.
The JAECOO 5 is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 140hp and 275Nm of torque.
This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels only.
It’s capable of hitting 62mph from a standstill in 10.2 seconds – by no means fast, but enough for daily driving.
Sitting under the JAECOO 7’s bonnet is the choice of either the same 1.6-litre engine as in the smaller 5, or a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which can travel up to 56 miles on electric power alone.
JAECOO 5 vs. JAECOO 7: interior and technology
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The similarities continue into the interior, with both cars featuring a 13.2-inch portrait infotainment screen as standard, but the J7 offers a 14.8-inch screen with top trim levels.
Overall, the materials are plush and feel premium, considering the price, and in terms of technology, you’re in safe hands. JAECOO, like many other new car brands, isn’t scrimping in the tech department.
Features include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 540-degree parking camera and a wireless phone charger.
JAECOO 5 vs. JAECOO 7: boot space and practicality
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Being SUVs, boot space is great. The J5 has 480 litres, and the J7 gets a roomier 500 litres. Fold down the rear seats, and this grows to 1,180 litres and 1,423 litres respectively.
Though it should be noted that the J7 plug-in hybrid gets slightly less space due to the extra batteries, leaving you with 410 litres (growing to 1,335 litres).
Rear-seat space is pretty good in both cars, though you are going to have more space in the J7, with it being a longer car with a taller roofline.
JAECOO 5 vs. JAECOO 7: safety and reliability
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JAECOO is no joke when it comes to safety, with the 7 scoring a full five stars following its most recent Euro NCAP safety test (the J5 is yet to be tested).
This is thanks to a range of onboard safety features, such as an attention and drowsiness detector, 360/540-degree parking cameras, autonomous emergency braking and a lane-keep assist.
As for reliability, it’s too early to say because these cars are so new to the market, but we have confidence that they’ll hold up very well against established rivals from Germany and Japan.
JAECOO 5 vs. JAECOO 7: dimensions
JAECOO 5
Length: 4,380mm
Width: 1,860mm
Height: 1,650mm
Boot space: 480 litres
JAECOO 7
Length: 4,500mm
Width: 1,865mm
Height: 1,680mm
Boot space: 500 litres (410 litres for PHEV)
JAECOO FAQs
Is JAECOO 7 worth the extra cost?
For a bigger boot, a more spacious cabin and the choice of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, we think it’s worth the extra cost over the J5.
There’s a few thousand pounds difference, but considering the lower starting price of both cars anyway, it’s an easier pill to swallow.
Does JAECOO 5 have the same tech as JAECOO 7?
More or less, yes. JAECOO has made sure not to favour the J7 too much over its cheaper J5 sibling.
This means both cars get the same 13.2-inch infotainment screen as standard, though the J7’s can be upgraded to 14.8 inches in higher specs.
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone chargers and parking cameras are available in both cars.
Which model is better for towing?
The JAECOO 5 can tow up to 750kg (braked), and the JAECOO 7 can tow up to 1,500kg (braked). Neither is going to beat a big pickup truck or more powerful SUV, but it’s enough for most day-to-day towing needs.
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Verdict: JAECOO 5 vs. 7 – which should you buy?
So, you’ve read our guide but still can’t pin down exactly which car is for you. No worries, it can be a tricky decision to make, and we’re here to help.
You should buy a JAECOO 5 if...
You’re on more of a budget
You need a smaller car for city use
You want the choice of an electric car
You should buy a JAECOO 7 if...
You want more interior and boot space
You want a plug-in hybrid option
You have more money to spend