The Jaecoo J5 is a compact SUV from Chery's premium export brand. It officially debuted in late 2024 at an international summit in China before its global rollout began. This small SUV targets urban buyers who want a mix of rugged styling and modern technology. In various European and Asian markets the model is also known as the Jaecoo 5.
The first production models arrived in Australian showrooms in early 2026. This launch marked the arrival of the initial generation which included the battery-electric Jaecoo J5 EV alongside traditional petrol variants. The range features a distinct waterfall grille and a tech-heavy interior with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It is designed to sit below the larger J7 in the local line-up.
Recent updates for the 2026 Jaecoo J5 expanded the range to include hybrid options and a focused pet-friendly interior package. These additions respond to growing demand for versatile and efficient small crossovers. While still in its first generation the model continues to gain traction across international markets through its competitive pricing and comprehensive eight-year warranty.
Available colours for the 2026 Jaecoo J5 are Alpine Green, Arctic White, Carbon Black and Stormy Blue.
As well as a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) tech, all grades of the 2026 Jaecoo J5 come standard with roof rails, all-LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable, heated and folding exterior mirrors, an 8.9-inch digital instrument display, a 13.2-inch multimedia touchscreen, wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and more. Upper grades also feature a glass roof (with powered sunshade) a power tailgate, synthetic leather trim, heated and ventilated power front seats and more.
The 2026 Jaecoo J5 interior design is minimalist although some visual interest is added via a diamond pattern on the upper section of the dash, piano black finish on the front centre console and around the multimedia screen as well as white perimeter piping and cross-stitching on the synthetic leather seats in the EV and hybrid models. There’s no shortage of breathing room upfront and the rear is surprisingly roomy with ample headroom and decent legroom for full-size adults.
The 2026 Jaecoo J5 is offered in Australia in petrol internal-combustion, pure-electric and petrol-electric series-parallel hybrid form.
The pure-combustion version is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 108kW/210Nm to the front wheels via a continuously variable (CVT) auto.
The single-motor, pure-electric J5 sends 155kW/288Nm to the front wheels through a single-speed auto transmission.
The hybrid’s self-charging powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine working in concert with a single permanent magnet synchronous motor which together send 165kW/295Nm to the front wheels through a dedicated hybrid transmission.
| Year | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2026
|
Body Type: SUV | Height x Width x Length: 1650x1860x4380 mm |
Ground Clearance:
170 mm
|
|
2025
|
Body Type: SUV | Height x Width x Length: 1650x1860x4380 mm |
Ground Clearance:
180 mm
|
| Year | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Rim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2026
|
Body Type: SUV | Front Tyre Size: 235x55 R18 | Front Rim: 7.5x18 in |
Rear Rim:
7.5x18 in
|
|
2025
|
Body Type: SUV | Front Tyre Size: 235x55 R18 | Front Rim: 7.5x18 in |
Rear Rim:
7.5x18 in
|
| Year | Body Type | Braked Capacity from | Braked Capacity to |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2026
|
Body Type: SUV | Braked Capacity from: 750kg |
Braked Capacity to:
1250kg
|
|
2025
|
Body Type: SUV | Braked Capacity from: 1250kg |
Braked Capacity to:
1250kg
|
The 2026 Jaecoo J5 is a five-seat small SUV with cloth trim in the pure-petrol grade and synthetic leather in the EV and hybrid. The rear seat in all versions is able to split-fold 60/40 to enhance load flexibility.
Maximum (to the roof) boot capacity with all seats upright for the 2026 Jaecoo J5 is 480 litres in the pure combustion and EV models, dropping to 410L in the hybrid.
Jaecoo doesn’t quote official acceleration times and top speeds for the 2026 Jaecoo J5 but you can expect the petrol version to hit 100km/h in around 10 seconds with a top speed of approximately 175km/h. The EV runs from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds with the same 175km/h top speed, while the hybrid hits the ton in just under 8.0 seconds with a slightly higher 180km/h maximum velocity.
WLTP range for the 2026 Jaecoo J5 on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle is 680km for the pure-combustion model, 402km for the EV and 910km for the hybrid.