Jaecoo 7 Review: The budget-friendly SUV that exceeds expectations

Join us as we take a closer look at the Jaecoo 7, an affordable yet luxurious super-hybrid SUV.

The Jaecoo 7 has landed, and it's causing quite the stir.

If you're after a budget-friendly SUV that punches well above its weight, this might just be the car lease for you. It’s got the looks, the tech, and the kind of price tag that makes you do a double-take.

This 'super-hybrid' SUV comes loaded with all the bells and whistles (and maybe a few you didn’t even know you needed). It's a car that wants to do it all – and for a fraction of the price of some of its premium rivals.

But does it actually deliver? 

We took it for a spin to find out.

What we drove:

• Model: Jaecoo 7 1.5T PHEV Luxury 5dr Auto
• Transmission: DHT
• Power: Petrol Hybrid
• Colour: Granite White
• OTR: £35,065
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph (8.5 sec)
• Max Torque (2000-4000rpm): 310 Nm/rpm

*Prices correct at the time of publication

But before we dive in, let’s talk price. How much is the Jaecoo 7? OTR prices range from £29,435 to £35,065, depending on the model you choose.

We know, that sounds surprisingly affordable for a super hybrid SUV. In fact, it makes quite a cheap car lease. 

But don’t let the price fool you – it doesn’t skimp on technology, quality, or sleek design.

In fact, it won over the hearts of many at Carparison HQ.

Tech Galore – This car is smarter than you

First things first, the Jaecoo 7 comes with so much tech that you might as well call it your personal assistant.

It’s got Apple CarPlay, so you can blast your guilty pleasure Spotify playlists (we chose High School Musical), while Maps ensures you don’t miss your turn.

The rapid wireless phone charger sits neatly under the infotainment system – perfect for keeping your phone alive during long trips.

Your passengers aren't left out either, with rear charging points (which sadly aren’t wireless) readily available to keep all electronics charged up.

Forget your phone in the car? No worries – it’ll let you know before you walk off, so there’s no need to panic later.

Driver assistance is also working overtime. If you’re not paying attention, it’ll remind you to focus. Yawn, and it’ll flash up a little coffee cup, suggesting you take a break (because the Jaecoo 7 cares about your safety).

It’s got lane-keeping assist, speed limit assist, and rear cross-traffic assist, making sure you don’t unintentionally weave into traffic.

Oh, and the full 360-degree camera system means you can see everything around you – even underneath the car.

Parking just got a whole lot easier.

Lights, comfort, and the widest panoramic sunroof

The LED lights are a party trick in themselves – flashing to the beat of your music like a mini nightclub on wheels. Paired with a Sony sound system? I'm sold.

The interior is just as fancy, with heated and ventilated seats (to keep you toasty in winter and cool in summer), a heated steering wheel, and a memory seat function that moves back to help you get in and out like an absolute VIP.

Forget about your bad back, this car helps you get in and out. 

And let’s talk about the panoramic sunroof – not just any sunroof, but the widest opening panoramic roof in its class.

Because why just let a little light in when you can bask in natural lighting and always look your best in selfies?

In the summer, when your car transforms into a mobile oven, do your snacks end up melting into a sticky mess? Those rare occasions when the British weather decides to be hot.

Well, Jaecoo has thought ahead.

The storage box between the driver and passenger seats is chilled. Yes, you read that right.

No more sweets glued to their wrappers—your driving snacks are officially safe.

But what’s the sound like?

Well, it’s got a SONY sound system—so you’re in for a treat. 

A solid brand that ensures your carpool karaoke sessions sound almost as good as the original (or at least loud enough to drown out any questionable high notes).

Driving experience – smooth, silent, and surprisingly sprightly

On the road, the Jaecoo 7 is peaceful, just a quiet whirring sound in the background. The hybrid system works its magic, always trying to prioritise electric power while using petrol as a backup generator.

You’ll never fully run out of charge, and with a total range of 750 miles, you won’t be seeing much of your local petrol station.

Clever air vents around the headlights help disperse airflow, reducing drag and boosting aerodynamics. It’s little details like this that help explain why the Jaecoo 7’s range is so impressive – a smart design that makes a real difference.

Need a quick boost? The Jaecoo 7 is the only hybrid with a rapid charge function, taking it from 0 to full in just 30 minutes – though a domestic socket will require a 12-hour nap.

Suspension-wise, it’s a dream. We took it to Dartmoor (yes, including those dreaded cattle grids), and it soaked up the bumps like they didn’t exist.

It’s got sharp turning, responsive braking, and even at over six feet tall, you’ll still find yourself comfy on long journeys (even if you're a back seat passenger).

You can easily switch between hybrid and full electric power with a push of a button. 

And as our Marketing Executive Tori found out, the cupholders are pretty good too.

Downsides? 

For all its cleverness, the infotainment system has a bit of an Achilles' heel.

If you’re using Apple CarPlay and need to access car settings, you have to exit CarPlay completely. And when you’re done, it doesn’t automatically come back, which means bye-bye Maps.

Not ideal if you’re mid-journey and relying on your phone to navigate.

Lucky for us, we didn't have to exit the A38 for a few miles, giving us time to figure it out.

Final Verdict

The Jaecoo 7 is packed with tech, incredibly comfortable, and offers an impressive range for a hybrid. It’s practical, stylish, and so affordable that even the office was buzzing about it.

No one was expecting much given the price tag, but it won everyone over – even compared to some more premium brands.

Sure, the infotainment quirk is a bit annoying, but for the price and everything else you get, it’s a small price to pay.

If you want a feature-packed SUV without the premium price tag, this might just be the car for you.