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Author: Finley Vile | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Published 05/02/2025 | Edited: Finley Vile 09/04/2026
Author: Finley Vile
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Published 05/02/2025
Edited: Finley Vile 09/04/2026
When the JAECOO 7 landed it caused 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.
But does it actually deliver?
We took it for a spin to find out.
*Prices correct at the time of publication
Specifications correct at the time of publication
JAECOO 7
The JAECOO 7 has road presence in abundance.
It's a big, imposing SUV that makes its presence known, and whether you're familiar with the badge or not, it's hard to ignore. The bold front grille is anything but subtle, flanked by square LED headlights that give it an almost Audi-like sharpness.
Around the back there's more than a hint of Range Rover Velar, right down to the flush door handles that retract electrically when you walk away.
Air vents around headlights on the JAECOO 7
It's a confident, premium-feeling design that punches well above its price point, and for a brand still finding its feet in the UK, that matters.
JAECOO 7 interior
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.
JAECOO 7 cupholders and EV/HEV buttons
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. 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. And the full 360-degree camera system means you can see everything around you.
Even underneath the car.
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?
Chilled storage box in the JAECOO 7
In the summer, when your car transforms into a mobile oven, do your snacks end up melting into a sticky mess? 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.
SONY speakers in the JAECOO 7
As for the sound system: It's SONY, so you're in for a treat. Your carpool karaoke sessions are about to sound almost as good as the original (or at least loud enough to drown out any questionable high notes).
Plus, the LED lights flash to the beat of your music like a mini nightclub on wheels.
We’re sold.
JAECOO 7 driving
On the road, the JAECOO 7 is peaceful, just a quiet whirring sound in the background. The hybrid system works its magic, always prioritising electric power while using petrol as a backup generator.
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.
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 the push of a button.
And as our Social Media Executive Tori found out, the cupholders are pretty good too.
JAECOO 7 rapid charger port
You'll never fully run out of charge in the JAECOO 7, and with a combined range of 750 miles (WLTP Comb), you won't be seeing much of your local petrol station.
The PHEV battery offers an electric-only range of 56 miles, making it a genuinely practical choice for daily commutes and town driving without touching the petrol engine at all.
Need a quick top-up on a longer trip? A public DC rapid charger will get you back up to full in around 30 minutes. A domestic socket will need a more leisurely overnight charge of around 12 hours.
JAECOO 7 keys
The JAECOO 7 is a great car, but it does have some quirks. Let’s take a look:
Phone on charge using the wireless rapid charger in the JAECOO 7
Overall Rating: 8.5
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 everyone in 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.
Absolutely, especially if you want a lot of car for your money. Which, let's face it, who doesn't?
The JAECOO 7 arrived with an unfamiliar badge and a price tag that raised a few eyebrows. But spend some time with it and it's hard not to be won over. The spec is generous, the range is genuinely impressive, and the design holds its own against cars costing considerably more.
Yes, the infotainment has its quirks. And the electric-only range trails some newer rivals.
But for the overall package, it's a seriously compelling lease car.
Does the JAECOO 7 sound like your cup of tea?
