Kia EV5 vs Jaecoo J8

What's the difference?

Make no mistake, you are looking at the biggest challenge the all-conquering Tesla Model Y has ever faced in Australia.

It’s the Kia EV5, a mid-size, all-electric SUV the Korean brand thinks will be its best-selling EV by some margin.

Oh, and it’s cheaper than the Tesla, by more than a little bit.

So, is this the electric SUV that might finally put an end to Tesla’s winning run in Australia?

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.