Jaecoo 5 Review 2025

One of the sales sensations of 2025 has been the emergence of Jaecoo. From a standing start at the beginning of the year this Chinese newcomer has attracted more customers in the first half of the year than Jeep — the most storied of SUV brands. That it’s done so with only one model range begs the question what could it do with a second? Well, we’re about to find out with the imminent arrival of the Jaecoo 5.

Given the success enjoyed by the existing Jaecoo 7 when it comes to luring buyers to an unfamiliar marque, it’s no surprise that its new small SUV sibling looks like its neatly shrunken facsimile. It’s a largely successful transition on the styling front, although the Jaecoo 5’s broad, vertically vaned front grille could have done with being scaled-down further, such is the way it dominates its face.

Nose design aside, the Jaecoo 5 similarly apes its larger showroom-mate by also managing to simultaneously convey an impression of both the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar when viewed from the side and rear. A happy coincidence, no doubt.

Not that the new 5 has either of those luxury SUVs in its sights, not least because it’s only 4350mm long. That statistic confirms the new Jaecoo is a little longer than popular alternatives such as the Ford Puma and the Nissan Juke yet a shorter than the still-fresh MG ZS.

It’s a highly competitive corner of the market with a wealth of other well-regarded small SUV rivals the Jaecoo 5 will have to try and tempt buyers away from including the striking Hyundai Kona, the spacious Skoda Kamiq and the new Vauxhall Frontera — some versions of which squeeze seven seats into their compact bodywork.

So, what’s Jaecoo’s gameplay going to be with the 5? Good question because on the engine front it seems a little out of step. A fully electric Jaecoo 5 EV will be following along shortly, but for the time being the sole propulsion choice is a 1.6-litre turbocharged, non-hybrid petrol engine producing 147PS and 275Nm.

Considering it’s the only engine available, those numbers are punchy compared with the Jaecoo’s rivals whose entry-level models are significantly less powerful in the interests of minimising fuel consumption.

Performance and economy figures for the 5 have yet to be published but are incoming — as a reference point, the 150mm longer Jaecoo 7 when fitted with the same setup takes 10.3 seconds to complete the 0-62mph benchmark and averages 37mpg.

Along with the Jaecoo 5’s core underpinnings, the engine’s also shared with other SUVs from within the same manufacturing group including the Omoda 5 and the recently announced Chery Tiggo 7. As per those models, drive is sent exclusively to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

While its close cousins also look very similar to each other inside, the Jaecoo 5’s cabin is more closely aligned with the 7’s — the dashboard is minimalist in theme with a driver’s display screen inset between air vents along the horizontal plane, while reclined, portrait-oriented multimedia touchscreen rises from the centre console.

Disappointingly there are no physical adjusters for its climate control functions, with those also being accessed via the infotainment interface. At least the temperature settings are permanently on show.

Elsewhere around the Jaecoo 5’s interior are 35 separate storage spaces, including centre console trays for smartphones, a pair of cupholders and a lidded cubby beneath the central armrest. Behind the rear seats is a 480-litre boot space which out-volumes the rivals mentioned above, extending to 1180 litres when they’re folded over.

Two levels of specification are available for the Jaecoo 5 with the entry-level Pure model counting automatic lights, a Sony six-speaker audio system plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity among its highlights.

Additional features for the range-topping Luxury specification version include two further speakers, a wireless and cooled smartphone charging pad, dual-zone climate control with ductwork to the central storage cubby, heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, as well as an electrically operated sunroof.

How much does all of this cost? In Pure specification the Jaecoo 5 will set you back £24,505 while the better-appointed Luxury version is priced at £28,000. In other words, for the amount of car, power and equipment it appears to be good value against the opposition — the Nissan, Vauxhall and MG can all be bought for less, albeit with significantly less grunt and kit at your disposal.

Available to order now for delivery from October 2025, the Jaecoo 5 is provided with additional peace of mind thanks to its seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Bookmark this page for further news and information about this important new model and to read our comprehensive full Jaecoo 5 review in the coming weeks.