Feature rich Jaecoo J5 petrol arrives

CHINESE challenger brand Jaecoo is about to introduce a budget priced, petrol-powered J5 small segment SUV pitched a touch higher than some of the direct Chinese competition though with generous levels of kit.

Due this month, the attractive newcomer is available in entry level Track spec’ at $25,990 driveaway and better equipped Summit at $29,990 d/a, the J5 petrol joining Jaecoo’s recently introduced fully electric J5 EV.

Petrol-powered competitors for the J5 petrol include the slightly pricier GWM Haval Jolion ($26,990 d/a) with the non-turbo MG ZS ($22,990 d/a), and related Chery Tiggo 4 ($23,990 d/a) both undercutting the J5’s entry point by a significant margin in a price sensitive market.

While Jaecoo has aggressively embraced electrification through the popular J5 EV, the company says many buyers still prefer conventional petrol powertrains.

Omoda Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Muñoz said the petrol-powered J5 remains a critical part of the brand’s strategy.

“Not every customer is ready to make the switch to EV today,” he said.

“For many Australians, petrol still plays an important role, whether because of charging accessibility, driving patterns, regional usage, affordability considerations, or simply where they are in their purchasing journey.”

Both variants are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 108kW/210Nm driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Fuel consumption on 91RON is rated at 7.5 litres per 100km.

Jaecoo talks up spec’ levels in the J5 saying, “even the entry-level Track arrives with a generous equipment list”.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, automatic headlights and wipers, automatic high-beam assist, acoustic front side glass, and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The base model J5 Track further includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, six-speaker audio system, intelligent voice control, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera system, remote engine start, remote climate-control activation, and selectable drive modes.

Stepping up to the J5 Summit adds a panoramic glass roof, powered sunshade, powered tailgate, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, 50W wireless phone charger, eight-speaker audio system, and a soft-touch dashboard and door trims.

The J5 rides on a 2620mm wheelbase, providing accommodation for five occupants.

Cargo capacity is rated at 480 litres with rear seats upright and 1284 litres with rear seats folded.

The cabin adopts a minimalist design centred around the large portrait-oriented touchscreen, mirroring the layout found in larger J7 and J8 models.

On the safety front we find seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, emergency lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, lane departure systems, and comprehensive driver-assistance technologies.

Like the broader Jaecoo range, the J5 is backed by an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with eight years roadside assistance and eight-year capped-price servicing program.

Service intervals are scheduled every 12 months/15,000km with total servicing costs across eight years claimed at $3326.

The J5’s launch further intensifies competition in Australia’s small SUV segment, where Chinese brands continue to gain market share through aggressive pricing and high specification levels.

With a starting price below $26,000 driveaway, extensive standard equipment and one of the longest warranty packages in the segment, the J5 petrol may give Jaecoo another strong entry point into one of Australia's largest and most fiercely contested vehicle categories.

2026 Jaecoo J5 petrol pricing*:

*National driveaway price.