2026 Jaecoo J8 SHS Review: A Loaded 7-Seat Hybrid SUV That Won't Break the Bank
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If you are shopping for a family-friendly seven-seat SUV with plug-in engines and an extensive set of options, the 2026 Jaecoo J8 SHS should be on your shortlist. The latest iteration of the J8 large SUV adds a third row of seats and plug-in engines to the existing models, delivering more value than many competitors at a lower price. But is the J8 SHS worth buying? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is the Jaecoo J8 SHS?
The Jaecoo J8 is a large-scale vehicle produced by the relatively unknown Chinese car manufacturer Jaecoo. Previously, the J8 was only available in a five-seat petrol engine configuration. However, the new SHS (Super Hybrid System) version adds three extra seats, all-wheel drive (AWD), and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
How much does it cost?
The starting price of the J8 SHS is $45,990, while the top-end SHS Summit is closer to $59,990. Compared to its competitors, the J8 SHS is generally lower-priced, with the closest competitors being the BYD Sealion 8 (starting at $56,990 for the front-wheel-drive version and about $70,000 for AWD), Kia Sorento PHEV (about $69,990 drive-away with mostly standard equipment), Chery Tiggo 9 SHS, Omoda 9 SHS (only five seats), Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and Toyota Kluger Hybrid.
Compared to the competition, J8 SHS Summit has more equipment, making it a better choice for the money.
Interior: Upscale and Roomy
The interior of the J8 SHS is finished to a high standard, with two 12.3-inch displays, including the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The car has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and a built-in dash cam.
The front seats are heated and cooled and have massage functions with multiple intensity levels. There is also a 50-Watt wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Sony sound system with headrest speakers, and a large sunroof with a power shade. The interior is generally plush and sophisticated, with stitched panels and leather seats, albeit with some plastic elements that tend to show dirt.
The second row is very roomy and offers plenty of legroom and headroom for adults. The captain’s seats are also heated and cooled and can be moved forward to free up more space. Unlike many other competitors, the J8 SHS second-row seats have a six-zero split function and can recline, making them perfect for kids.
The third row is the weakest part of the J8 SHS.
It is not recommended for children, and it is not very practical for day-to-day use. The seats in the third row only tilt and slide slightly, making them difficult to reach. There is also no legroom and no air vents in the back, and the car does not have anchor points for child safety seats. However, compared to many other large SUVs on the market, the J8 SHS provides more comfort and space for the third row of seats.
With all seats up, the boot space of the J8 SHS is 200L, which is somewhat small for a large SUV, but it increases to an impressive 738L with the third row folded down. However, the J8 SHS does not have a spare wheel; instead, it has a puncture repair kit.
What’s Under the Hood?
The J8 SHS has a turbo petrol engine and three electric motors: one at the front, one at the rear, and one integrated into the gearbox. The engine produces 315 kW and 580 Nm of torque and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about five seconds. This power output is impressive for a family SUV and is comparable to some sports cars of the early 2000s.
The car has a 34 kWh battery pack, which is relatively large for a PHEV. According to the official figures, it should provide the J8 SHS with a range of up to 169 km on electricity, while the real-world range is closer to 124 km. In combined mode, the car can deliver six to ten kilometers of electric range per 100 km of driving, depending on the driving conditions.
The J8 SHS can be charged at a constant power of 6.6 kW on an AC current and up to 70 kW on a DC current. The car has a towing capacity of 1600 kg braked.
Generally, fuel economy figures for PHEVs are not very relevant, as most owners charge them at home and only use the petrol engine for long journeys when the battery is depleted.
How does it drive?
The J8 SHS is not a dynamic car, as expected from a family SUV; however, its ride quality is generally satisfactory. The independent suspension with continuous damping control copes well with rough roads, although it might be a bit firm for some drivers, especially with 20-inch wheels. The SHS is easy to park, thanks to a powerful parking assist system, and the steering wheel has light movements and is accurate enough.
The AWD system is responsive and provides excellent power delivery to the road, and the car accelerates quite sharply, thanks to the powerful hybrid powertrain. The brakes also have a noticeable difference, depending on the regenerative braking mode, so it might take some time to get used to them. The driving assistance systems are generally very good, with the driver monitoring camera not being intrusive, as it was the case with previous Chery Group vehicles. However, the lane-keeping system is not as strong, and the steering assist in the adaptive cruise control function is too sensitive.
The J8 SHS has a comprehensive set of driver assistance systems,
including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a surround-view camera with parking sensors. The car has ten airbags, including front, side, and curtain bags.
However, the curtain airbags do not protect the third row of seats, which is a significant safety concern. It is also worth noting that the J8 SHS has not been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP; therefore, it is unknown how the car performs in crash tests.
Ownership and Costs
Jaecoo offers an excellent warranty for the J8 SHS, which covers the car for eight years or an unlimited distance and includes the EV battery. The warranty also covers roadside assistance for up to eight years if the owner uses Jaecoo’s service centers. The recommended service interval is every 12 months or 15,000 km, and the average service cost is about $485 per year, or $3,882 for eight years.
Final Thoughts
The J8 SHS is a great-value large family SUV with an extended range of electric driving and luxurious comforts. If you consider a third row of seats as an occasional bonus or do not plan on using it on a regular basis, the J8 SHS is a compelling choice, as it is generally cheaper and more spacious than other five-seat PHEVs, such as the Kia Carnival Hybrid. However, if you need the space for the third row of seats to accommodate your children on a daily basis, it is better to look into other large SUVs or even MPVs.
In summary, the J8 SHS is an impressive car with great value that is well worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much electric range does the Jaecoo J8 SHS get?
The Jaecoo J8 SHS has an official electric range of 169 km, while the real-world range is about 120-130 km.
Is the Jaecoo J8 SHS a true seven-seater?
Yes, although the third row of seats is better suited for occasional use than everyday driving.
How does the Jaecoo J8 SHS compare to its competitors in terms of pricing?
The Jaecoo J8 SHS is generally cheaper than most of its competitors, such as the AWD BYD Sealion 8 and Kia Sorento PHEV, and has more equipment.
Does the Jaecoo J8 SHS have a spare wheel?
No, the J8 SHS does not have a spare wheel, but it has a puncture repair kit.
What warranty does the Jaecoo J8 SHS come with?
The Jaecoo J8 SHS comes with an eight-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and the EV battery is covered for the same period.
Is the third row of the Jaecoo J8 SHS suitable for children?
The third row of the J8 SHS does not have airbags or anchor points for child safety seats, so it is not recommended for children.
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