Jaecoo J7 SHS |
If you’ve ever been curious about plug-in hybrids but nervous about going full electric, the Jaecoo J7 SHS or “Super Hybrid System” might just be the perfect transition you’ve been waiting for. This stylish crossover looks premium, drives smoothly, and sips fuel like it’s on a strict diet, all while letting you skip the constant hunt for charging stations. For Filipino buyers, it feels like a practical blend of new energy tech and everyday usability.
Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and an 18.3-kWh battery. The electric motor is the real star of the show, delivering a total system output of 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque. On the road, this translates into a lively character in city traffic and a composed, confident feel on expressways. Jaecoo claims the J7 can run up to 106 kilometers on pure electric drive, and the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) has verified that figure locally. With a full tank and a full charge, the total range stretches an impressive 1,488 kilometers. Charging is straightforward: AC charging at 6.6 kW takes about two and a half hours from 25 to 100 percent, while DC fast-charging (at up to 40 kW) can juice the battery from 30 to 80 percent in roughly 20 minutes. For added practicality, the J7 also offers a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function rated at 3.3 kW, making it handy for powering equipment during a beach trip or even running household essentials during a brownout. Day to day, the drivetrain switches seamlessly between full-electric, series, and parallel hybrid modes, and the car consistently feels like it’s “always in the torque.” International figures place the J7’s EV-only range between 90 and 106 kilometers, with fuel consumption rated between 14-21 km/l depending on cycle and specification. These numbers match well with how thrifty the system behaves once you start plugging it in.
Inside, the cabin tech feels very much on trend. A large 14.8-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, controlling everything from HVAC to ambient lighting and even the 540° camera system. It is paired with a 10.25-inch digital cluster and Heads-Up Display (HUD) that delivers crisp driving data. For Filipino buyers, the J7 supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless phone charging with a cooling vent as standard. Music lovers will appreciate the Sony audio system, which brings eight clear, punchy speakers to the cabin, definitely a step up from the usual fare in this price segment. Rounding out the premium feel are power ventilated and heated front seats, leather upholstery, tasteful ambient lighting, and even an available wide full-length moonroof, all of which combine to give the J7 a “mini-luxury” vibe.
A large 14.8-inch touchscreen dominates the dash |
Safety is another area where the J7 comes loaded. It features a full Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS), including Adaptive Cruise Control with the handy Traffic Jam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping and Prevention Systems, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with automatic braking, Rear Collision Warning, and Intelligent Headlights. A driver monitor keeps tabs on driver attentiveness, while the 540° Camera System provides extra confidence when maneuvering in tight spaces, perfect for crowded mall parking lots in Manila.
The AAP has verified figures north of 24 km/L, with the 1,488-kilometer combined range available when charging and driving sensibly. For most urban commutes and school runs, the J7 can operate purely on electricity, making daily life nearly fuel-free. When trips stretch longer, the hybrid system blends engine and motor operation so smoothly that fuel consumption still stays impressively low compared to non-plug-in rivals.
Despite its tidy exterior footprint, the J7 offers a roomy interior with a luggage capacity of around 424 liters (VDA) up to the cargo cover. Fold the second-row seats, and the space expands generously, more than enough for a long weekend’s worth of bags and gear. While the cargo figure is solid, it’s not the largest in its class, though it remains competitive for families who value practicality.
On the road, the J7’s driving character is smooth and quiet, particularly in stop-and-go traffic where the electric motor makes take-offs feel calm and refined. Unlike the droning of some e-CVT hybrids, the DHT delivers power in a composed and linear way. The mid-range is punchy thanks to the motor’s instant torque, which makes merging and overtaking easy. Steering feels light, and parking is a breeze with the support of cameras and sensors. The car’s footprint never feels bulky, so it’s equally at home weaving through city streets or cruising on the highway.
Comfort levels are high for this segment. The power-adjustable, ventilated front seats are supportive even during long drives. The cabin itself is finished with leather and soft-touch materials, enhanced by ambient lighting that adds a premium touch at night. Everyday convenience is covered, too, with wireless phone charging, seamless phone mirroring, tire pressure monitoring, and plenty of USB ports scattered around the cabin. For drivers with range anxiety, the V2L function and the ability to top up quickly via DC fast charging provide peace of mind.
In the Philippines, the Jaecoo J7 SHS launches at ₱1,449,000 for the Comfort variant and ₱1,549,000 for the Premium variant, with introductory deals announced around mid-August 2025. Buyers can choose from five classy colors: Moonlight Silver, Khaki White, Carbon Crystal Black, Olive Gray, and Model Green.
The J7 SHS feels tailor-made for city commuters who crave EV smoothness but can’t commit to pure electric ownership. It suits small families who love to take to the road and buyers who appreciate thoughtful design and tech features. Those who might want to look elsewhere are hardcore off-roaders, since the Philippine spec is front-wheel drive only, and audiophiles who demand more than the eight speakers provided out of the box.
The strengths of the J7 are clear: a genuinely useful EV-only range of up to 106 kilometers (verified locally), outstanding total range, and a punchy combined output of 275 PS with smooth DHT operation. The cabin is pimped out with premium touches like Sony audio, a large touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and wireless charging, all at an attractive price point. Safety is comprehensive with a full ADAS suite and 540° cameras, while the 3.3 kW V2L system is genuinely useful for Filipino life, whether it’s powering gear at the beach or appliances during a blackout.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS is a crossover that does more than tick boxes. It blends them. It is city-smart and eco-friendly, yet it has the heart of a road-trip warrior. This is the kind of car that feels just as at home crawling through traffic in EDSA as it does cruising up Kennon Road on the way to Baguio. If you have been curious about electrification but are not ready to go full EV, this is the perfect transition: a stylish, tech-loaded ride that gives you the best of both worlds without the stress of charging anxiety. For the Monchster, that is a win.
For more info, go to a Jaecoo / Omoda showroom near you or visit https://www.omodajaecoo.ph/ .
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