Jaecoo J8 vs Volvo EX30
What's the difference?

Jaecoo J8

$31,990 - $55,590

2025 price

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Volvo EX30

$49,990 - $62,990

2026 price

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Summary

2025 Jaecoo J8

2026 Volvo EX30

By Dom Tripolone

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Nice price
Premium cabin
Long warranty

Decent on all surfaces
Impressive AWD capability
Free five-year/150,000km servicing plan

Dislikes

So-so drive
Servicing kinda expensive
No hybrid

19-inch rims
Squeeze back seat
No cover on panoramic glass roof

2025 Jaecoo J8 Summary

The Jaecoo J8 is an odd car.

It’s hard to place exactly where it sits in the market. It’s premium, but very affordable. It's very big but only has five seats. And it’s petrol only, at least for now, in a world that is obsessed with hybrid or electric power.

You’ve probably never heard of Jaecoo. That’s alright it’s only new, but it’s a fresh Chinese brand with big ambitions. A more accurate description is it’s Chery’s premium sub-brand.

And the J8 is its new flagship SUV that has found a little niche that's been left in Australia’s overflowing SUV segment.

It’s about the same size as the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe family SUVs, but the J8 is five seats only and ditches the third row for a big boot.

The interior wouldn’t look out of place if it had a three-pointed star on the bonnet but the price tag will have you thinking you can buy two for the price of one.

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2026 Volvo EX30 Summary

The EX30 Cross Country is the new adventure-focussed top-shelf variant in Volvo’s small electric SUV line-up.

This five-seat compact crossover has a dual-motor electric set-up, all-wheel drive, raised suspension, more ground clearance than a regular EX30 and an exterior that more than hints at its off-road aspirations.

But just how much potential does this Cross Country have as an all-wheel drive adventure machine?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Jaecoo J8 2026 Volvo EX30

Verdict

It is hard to argue with the sheer amount of stuff you get in the J8 for the price. And that long warranty and capped price servicing program remove the stress of buying into a new brand.

The J8 might be more car than most people need due to its size and lack of third row seating.

It’s okay to drive but isn’t class leading and no hybrid option will count it out for the ever increasing number of Aussies looking to petrol-electric power.

The J8 is a solid machine and well worth a look if you are after glitz and glamour on a budget.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. It’s an impressive AWD EV. Nice to drive, comfortable and offering the extra driver confidence an AWD system brings.

It also looks good, has a decent stack of features onboard and has plenty of appeal for owners, especially in terms of servicing costs.

As an EV tourer, it has a reasonable driving range and offers enough in terms of AWD flexibility to appeal to those people who may like the idea of an all-electric adventure machine.

But it is small, has a limited scope of off-road capability and pricing is ranging upward for what it offers.

Jaecoo J8 vs Volvo EX30 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jaecoo J8 vs Volvo EX30
What's the difference?