Jaecoo 5 (2025 - )

A multitude of previously unfamiliar car brands have surfaced across the UK recently. A common thread among many of these brands is their Chinese origins, although their backstories and the paths that led them to automotive production differ considerably.

Some have emerged as new entities in recent years, while others can trace their roots back several decades, often linked to industries more related to fridges and cameras than to cars. Jaecoo rather fittingly embodies both aspects, according to our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay.

Established in 2023, Jaecoo is a sub-brand of Chery, one of China's leading manufacturers, which has been on the go for nearly 30 years. Nevertheless, Chery has always maintained a strong foundation in the automotive field.

Even if Chery doesn't ring a bell, its substantial financial backing and influence equip Jaecoo for a promising launch. Chery has introduced its own-branded vehicles in the UK, alongside another of its sub-brands, Omoda.

Jaecoo has already launched two out of the three SUVs it intends to offer in this market: the 5 and the 7, with the larger model, the 8, expected to make its debut shortly.

As for the Jaecoo 5, it is nearly identical to the all-electric Jaecoo E5, which we have also tested, with the significant difference being that a 1.6-litre petrol engine powers the 5.

One cautionary note: the sister brand Omoda also includes two models named the 5 and E5, so it's wise to check for distinctions, as they are available from the same showrooms.
 

The 5, in petrol guise, offers a fairly responsive driving experience – but it’s a long way off from being a ‘driver’s’ car. 
It is propelled by a 1.6-litre Turbocharged Direct Gasoline Injection (TDGI) unit from its parent company, Chery International, which features a dual variable valve timing system. 
This engine delivers a maximum output of 147ps and 275Nm of torque, readily available between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The 5 can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 10.2 seconds and maxes out at 113mph, feeling quicker in practice than the numbers suggest. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) provided by Getrag. 
The car comfortably reaches motorway speeds and has no issues with overtaking. In terms of handling, the experience is as expected. There is a noticeable amount of body roll, and the overall drive is somewhat lacklustre. 
Nevertheless, the petrol variant offers a slightly more engaging drive through corners compared with the heavier E5 model. The steering feels exceptionally light, which results in a lack of feedback through the wheel, though.
In terms of comfort, it performs reasonably well on smoother roads. However, when faced with rougher surfaces, it can become unsettled by bumps and potholes, and it takes a moment for the bouncing to settle down.
All in all, it's a decent vehicle, but if a thrilling driving experience is what you're after, there are better options on the market.
 

The Jaecoo 5 may not be a beauty queen, but it's evident that certain well-known brands have inspired its designers. From various perspectives, there's a distinct likeness to Land Rover, with features reminiscent of the original Range Rover Velar or the Evoque.
At the front, it has slender, squared-off headlights. The grill of the petrol engine, with its large vertical spokes, is quite striking, too. The 5 also wears a more purposeful front bumper than its EV counterpart.
The sides present pronounced shoulders, a noticeable crease above the side skirts, and stylish roof rails. Moving to the rear, the small integrated roof spoiler and overall profile also suggest that the design may have been inspired by one of Land Rover's models, presenting a slight wedge shape towards the back.
While it may appear awkward in certain areas, there are angles from which it does look rather impressive. The 5 is available in two specifications, with the base variant, called "Pure," featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a 13.2-inch central LCD equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, acoustically treated glass, and a so-called "540-degree" panoramic view camera.
Opting for the Luxury trim adds a few grand to the price tag, which enhances it with LED headlights, a powered tailgate, heated and ventilated six-way electrically adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system. To sweeten the deal, the pricier model also includes multi-coloured ambient lighting, a cooled wireless phone charger, a refrigerated storage compartment, and dual-zone climate control.
 

The seating in the Jaecoo 5 is quite comfortable and meets expectations, with the synthetic leather upholstery giving a sleek and appealing look (though the entry-level Pure variant features cloth seats). As previously noted, opting for the higher Luxury trim provides electric adjustment for both front seats.
Visibility from the front is decent, aided by relatively slender pillars and a slanted windscreen, although the large, flat bonnet can obstruct the view directly ahead. When looking out from the rear, the pillars are noticeably thicker, and the considerable border around the rear windscreen and the back side windows makes over-the-shoulder visibility less than perfect.
Nevertheless, the car comes equipped with standard front and rear parking sensors, as well as a ‘540-degree’ camera system – aptly named for its ability to offer a view that gives the impression of seeing through the vehicle as if it were transparent.
There’s plenty of space in the front, with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seating area is fairly decent as well, though very tall adults might find it a touch snug. In terms of width, there’s enough room for two adults in the front, but the rear comfortably fits only two grown-ups; a third would likely result in a cramped experience. Those needing extra space might want to look into the larger Jaecoo 7.
Boot capacity stands at 480 litres, which can be expanded to 1,180 litres by folding down the rear seats. Jaecoo also claims that there are over 35 interior storage compartments available for additional items.
 

The Jaecoo 5 has a combined CO2 emissions figure of 159g/km and will sort most families out by returning about 40mpg. It could be better, but then again, the car is competitive to buy, and there's a lot of stuff shoehorned into it. Of course, road tax is a thorn in the side of motorists – and the emissions figure of the 5 means you’ll be forking out £1,360 in showroom (first year) road tax. 

Reliability is still a question mark, as is often the case with Chinese brands entering the UK market, so the 5 has much to demonstrate. On a positive note, Jaecoo provides a reassuring seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, with no mileage cap during the first three years, which adds to the peace of mind for potential buyers.

The new Jaecoo 5 starts at £24,505 on the road, which is £3,000 cheaper than the E5 electric model. It is competitively priced, though, with many similarly sized small SUVs costing more at entry level.

The 5 hasn’t yet been assessed by crash-testing experts Euro NCAP. However, the larger Jaecoo 7 SHS (the plug-in hybrid version) was tested earlier in 2025, achieving a five-star rating, with scores of 81% for adult occupants, 80% for children, and 80% for safety assists.

The similarly sized Omoda 5 from Jaecoo’s sister brand was evaluated back in 2022, also earning a five-star rating with scores of 87%, 87%, and 88% respectively.

As standard, the safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane change assist, driver monitoring system, lane departure prevention, front collision warning, hill descent control, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

If safety is a priority for you, then you'll be in good hands with the Jaecoo 5.

However, despite being well-priced and pretty practical, it’s not overly engaging to drive – so if you’re after a driver’s car, then this won’t be it. 

If you couldn’t give a hoot about driver engagement, though, and you’re after a well-equipped SUV for a small family, then you need to get yourself down to Jaecoo now.