Jaecoo may be new to Malaysia, having launched in July 2024, but that hasn’t stopped the Chery-owned brand from rolling out a steady stream of new models.
Following the launch of the petrol variants of the Jaecoo J7 back in July 2024, Jaecoo introduced the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV in Malaysia several months later, in February 2025.
Overview: What is the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV?
The 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV joins the regular petrol variants as the third variant in the J7 line-up. Like the other Jaecoo models, the J7 PHEV is locally-assembled (CKD) at Jaecoo’s Shah Alam plant.
With prices starting from RM 158,800 (on-the-road, without insurance), the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV is currently Malaysia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The next step up is the Volvo S60 T8 Recharge and the Swede is more than double the price.
Crucially, under the bonnet of the Jaecoo J7 PHEV lies a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that outputs 142 PS and 215 Nm, hooked up to an electric motor that outputs 204 PS and 310 Nm and a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Combined system output is 346 PS and 525 Nm – numbers that seem to give the Civic Type R a run for its money, but we’ll get to that later.
Watch: 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV Review in Malaysia
Exterior – Still recognizable as a J7, but with some changes
Still continuing with the Range Rover-lite looks, the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV is definitely a looker. The PHEV variant we have here is almost identical to the petrol variants, albeit with some hybrid-specific changes.
Key differences include the aero-design 19-inch alloy wheels, a PHEV emblem on the tailgate, and slimmer side mirrors. Unlike the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV doesn’t feature an active shutter grille up front.
Interior – More minimalist compared to the regular J7, but not necessarily better
The changes continue inside – the centre console of the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV has been tidied up compared to the regular petrol variants. Gone are the gear lever and drive mode selector, as the former has been relocated as a steering wheel stalk.
The freed-up space now sees the addition of the EV and HEV buttons, as well as realigned cup holders. Also redesigned is the centre armrest, which is now a split-open unit that replaces the sliding unit on the petrol variants.
Furthermore, the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV’s door cards now feature a simpler horizontal design, replacing the petrol variants’ grab handle design.
In the process, the power window and side mirror controls have been redesigned. The former now feature switches that need to be pushed forwards to wind the windows down, and backwards to wind the windows up. Counterintuitive? Definitely.
As for the side mirror controls, it has been relocated as a menu nestled within the infotainment system. Not really ideal for those who share their car with family members, as these simple controls should be left as a physical control and not buried as a software menu. Speaking of mirror, the rear-view mirror also takes some time getting used to, as its wide-angle design could be headache-inducing for some.
Infotainment duties are taken care of by a massive 14.8-inch touchscreen display, pumping audio through a Sony-branded, 8-speaker sound system. Audio quality is par for the course, despite its Sony branding.
Driving Experience – Where power and fuel efficiency meet
Recall that the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV boasts 347 PS and 525 Nm from its Super Hybrid System (SHS)? Behind the wheel, pedal to the metal and the Jaecoo J7 PHEV does not quite feel like the numbers suggest.
The 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV certainly hustles with a sense of urgency, but Civic Type R-beating it certainly isn’t. Jaecoo quotes a century sprint time of just 8.5 seconds, and that’s only marginally quicker than the CR-V e:HEV RS’ time of 9.0 seconds, never mind the Civic Type R’s 5.5 second time.
Performance figures aside, perhaps where the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV shines is in its efficiency. With an NEDC-rated fuel consumption of 4.77 L/100 km, the Jaecoo J7 is impressively fuel-efficient. Even when we returned the car, the trip meter reported an average fuel consumption of roughly 4.6 L/100 km. Mind you, we weren’t exactly being gentle and the figure was obtained with mixed driving and a whole lot of idling for photos and videos.
Combined with its large 60-litre fuel tank and 18.3 kWh Blade LFP battery pack, the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV can return well over 1,000 km with one tank of fuel. Seeing that the government is looking to rationalize the price of RON95, these levels of fuel efficiency could be a massive deciding factor for many.
Moreover, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV supports both 6.6 kW AC charging and 40 kW DC fast charging – the latter isn’t even available on some premium marque PHEV models, mind you. With the 40 kW DC fast charging, it takes just 20 minutes to fully charge the 18.3 kWh battery pack, while the slower 6.6 kW AC charging takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to fully charge. Connect to a conventional 3-pin socket and it would take 8 hours to fully charge the J7 PHEV.
Additionally, the J7 PHEV offers near EV-levels of silence (works in conjunction with the double-glazed windows), and when the petrol engine kicks in to charge the batteries, it’s not nearly as noticeable as some other hybrids.
The steering, while accurate, can feel overly sensitive and twitchy. Long distance driving may be tiring as the driver would need to do micro adjustments every now and then. Road feedback is borderline non-existent as well.
As for ride comfort, the suspension tuning is on the firmer, sportier side of things. Introduce the J7 PHEV to some poorly tarred roads and the firm suspension and low profile, 50-series tyres isn’t the best combination for a pliant ride. But on smooth tarred roads, the J7 PHEV provides a reasonably comfortable ride.
Conclusion – Lots of segment rivals, but only one sub-RM200k PHEV (so far)
With fuel subsidies for RON95 set to be rationalized in the near future, many buyers are looking for fuel-efficient alternatives, making hybrids more attractive than ever. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV enters a competitive segment alongside the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, and Haval H6 HEV.
After spending time with the J7 PHEV, it proves to be a well-rounded option. It offers decent performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and a stylish design. However, minor quirks in ergonomics and usability may require some getting used to.
For those seeking an affordable entry into PHEV ownership without sacrificing practicality and driving range, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV makes a compelling case.
How’s the handling of it on genting road compared to Civic type R ?