Jaecoo 7 Leasing Review 2025: UK
Introduction
The Jaecoo 7 leasing (also called J7) marks one of the more ambitious entries by the Chery automotive group (via Jaecoo) into the UK SUV market. Positioned as a premium C-segment SUV, it blends high levels of standard equipment with modern plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and petrol powertrains, striking a balance between technology, eco credentials, and style. For UK drivers and businesses considering Jaecoo 7 leasing, it promises strong value: good spec, competitive pricing, and the opportunity to access high equipment without paying the full purchase price.
As more drivers and fleet operators consider leasing over purchase to manage costs, depreciation, and flexibility, the Jaecoo 7 leasing option becomes especially relevant. In this review, we’ll go through all the sections from At a Glance to Verdict & Next Steps, giving you what you need to know if you’re thinking about leasing a Jaecoo 7 in the UK.
At a Glance
Feature | Key Detail |
---|---|
Trim Levels | Deluxe, Luxury |
Powertrains | Petrol 1.6T (two-wheel drive or AWD), PHEV 1.5T SHS (Plug-in Hybrid System) |
EV-Only Range (PHEV) | ~56 miles WLTP EV range when battery charged and under PHEV mode. |
Combined Range | Very high when using both petrol + EV; claimed total range (tank + battery) up to ~745 miles for the SHS variant. |
Petrol Fuel Economy & Emissions | 1.6T petrol 2WD: ~37.7 mpg / 169 g/km; AWD petrol: ~35.3 mpg / ~182 g/km. |
PHEV Efficiency / Emissions | ~45 mpg combined (if used properly with EV mode), ~23 g/km CO₂ in PHEV mode. |
Performance | PHEV 0-62 mph ~8.5s; petrol 2WD ~10.3s; AWD petrol ~11.8s. |
Pricing (UK List) | ~£29,435 for 1.6T Deluxe 2WD Deluxe; ~£32,850 for 1.6T AWD Luxury; ~£35,065 for PHEV Luxury. |
Typical Monthly Lease Costs | Varies with trim/spec: ~£300-£360/month for many business/personal leases on petrol and PHEV variants. |
Key Features
- Equipment as Standard
Even the base “Deluxe” trim is well specified: panoramic sunroof, large touchscreen (13.8-14.8-inch depending on trim), wireless charging, ambient lighting, synthetic leather seats, front/rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera depending on trim, LED lights. - Interior Technology
10.25-inch instrument cluster, large central portrait (vertical) touchscreen up to ~14.8-inch, head-up display (on Luxury), Sony sound system (Luxury), keyless start, driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport; plus special modes in AWD versions). - Hybrid / Fuel Efficiency Focus
The SHS (Super Hybrid System) is Jaecoo 7 leasing version of plug-in hybrid that aims to keep the battery from depleting fully by regenerating energy and intelligently managing the petrol engine. This is meant to enhance real-world efficiency in daily driving. - Warranty & Support
Jaecoo 7 leasing offers long warranty periods (often around 7 years / ~100,000 miles depending on terms) to instill confidence in a newer brand. - Drivetrain Options
Petrol 2WD, Petrol AWD, PHEV. AWD adds extra traction, higher emissions, slightly slower mpg. - Safety / Assistance
A variety of driver-assist systems: autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, 360-degree camera for parking, etc.
Range & Batteries
- PHEV Electric Range: ~56 miles EV-only for the 1.5T SHS PHEV variant.
- Battery Capacity: ~18.3 kWh for the battery in SHS version.
- Charging Speeds: Public DC fast charging at up to ~40 kW; home charging options likely slower; wallbox charging times around ~6½ hours for full battery charge.
- Combined Range: When combining petrol + electric, Jaecoo claims very big total range (tank + battery) of ~745 miles in certain tests or under certain assumptions.
Performance & Drive
- Acceleration (PHEV): ~8.5 seconds 0-62 mph. Good for daily overtakes, motorway merging.
- Petrol Petrol Only: 2WD 1.6T Deluxe does 0-62 in ~10.3s; AWD versions slower (~11.8s).
- Drive Feel: Mixed reviews. Some see the steering as light; the SHS system can feel complex or inconsistent if charging / battery use is irregular. Comfort is generally good; handling is acceptable but not sporty.
- Transmission: 7DCT (dual-clutch transmission) for petrol versions; for SHS PHEV automatic / CVT type/autonomous operation.
Charging
- The SHS PHEV can charge on public DC chargers up to ~40 kW allowing 30-80% charge in approx 40 minutes.
- Home wallbox / slower AC charging takes around ~6.5-7 hours to fully recharge the battery.
- There is some discussion about battery management: the SHS is designed to prevent battery fully draining by using the petrol engine to regenerate / maintain charge under certain conditions.
Running Costs & Emissions
- Fuel Economy (Petrol): ~37.7 mpg for 1.6T 2WD; ~35.3 mpg for 1.6T AWD.
- Emissions (Petrol): 169-182 g/km CO₂ depending on spec. Higher in AWD.
- Emissions (PHEV): ~23 g/km in PHEV mode. Very low BIK (Benefit-in-Kind) for company car tax in UK when used properly.
- Depreciation & Residuals: As a newer brand, residuals are less proven. Some reports suggest residuals are better than small SUVs like Nissan Juke but may lag behind more established premium marques.
- Running Costs in Practice: The PHEV variant gives big benefits in city driving and short trips if recharged often; but if driven mostly on petrol, savings are less. Maintenance and servicing cost not fully established yet. Warranty helps.
Interior & Technology
- Cabin & Comfort: Panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, synthetic leather seats in base trim, heated/ventilated options in higher trims, driver seat memory + lumbar/ventilation in Luxury.
- Infotainment & Displays: Large central portrait touchscreen (~14.8-inch on Luxury), digital instrument cluster (~10.25-inch), head-up display (on Luxury), wireless phone charging, connectivity (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto), multiple USB ports.
- Safety & Driver Aids: 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, parking sensors front/rear, etc.
- Quality & Usability: Mixed feedback: good perceived value, but some criticism that interior materials don’t quite match premium rivals under close scrutiny. Some usability quirks (e.g. control layout, responsiveness) noted in reviews.
Practicality & Boot Space
- Boot / Luggage capacity: ~412 litres. That’s fairly competitive for the class.
- Rear passenger space: Adequate; headroom and legroom decent for average UK occupants; taller passengers may find rear middle seat less comfortable for long journeys.
- Versatility: 60/40 split-folding rear seats (though exact configuration depends on trim). Good for occasional larger loads.
- Storage overall (door bins, centre console, glovebox etc.) – standard mid-class levels. Wireless charging, etc., add convenience.
Safety
- Euro NCAP: The Jaecoo 7 leasing gets 5 stars in its most recent test (April 2025).
- Safety Assist systems are good; driver aids are modern and include many that are becoming expected in this class.
- Warranty & aftersales: The long warranty helps mitigate one concern for newer brands.
Options
- Upgrade trims (Deluxe → Luxury) bring extra tech: larger screens, head-up display, premium sound, more driver aids, ventilation, better seats.
- All-wheel drive is optional (Luxury trim). Useful for those needing better grip, though with penalties in fuel consumption.
- Colour, alloy upgrades, sunroof, heated steering wheel, mood lighting etc. are available as options or included in higher trims.
Rival Cars
Here are some of the key rivals in the UK for the Jaecoo 7, especially for someone considering Jaecoo 7 leasing:
Rival Model | Strengths vs Jaecoo 7 | Weaknesses vs Jaecoo 7 |
---|---|---|
Kia Sportage | Well-known brand, good dealer network, strong residuals, hybrid/EV options | Equipment levels may cost more, fewer luxury touches in base models |
Hyundai Tucson | Reliability, service support, strong resale value | Might lag on tech spec in base trims, PHEV versions usually more expensive upfront |
Skoda Karoq / Skoda Enyaq (if EV) | Practical, good build quality, familiar brand | Jaecoo 7’s PHEV may offer better EV-city range; Enyaq is EV only but costlier |
MG HS PHEV | Competitive price, strong warranty, similar styling options | Brand perception, interior finish and resale value may not match Jaecoo 7 in higher trims |
Toyota RAV4 / Plug-in Hybrid rivals | Reliability, established network, proven resale | Usually more expensive; may not offer all tech features or large touchscreens by default |
Verdict & Next Steps
Verdict
The Jaecoo 7 leasing is a compelling newcomer in the UK SUV market, especially for those who are drawn to high equipment levels, strong PHEV credentials, and competitive lease pricing. It offers:
- Excellent value for tech & spec in its class
- Strong EV-only miles in the PHEV version, which will make a real difference for commuters & urban usage
- Competitive fuel economy & emissions in PHEV mode
- Warranty & features that help with confidence in a newer brand
However, it’s not without its compromises:
- Petrol-only versions are less efficient; emissions are above average for the class
- Real-world charging / EV usage matters a lot: to get the full benefit of the PHEV, you need access to charging and to use the EV mode frequently
- Residual values and dealer/support networks are newer, so leasing deals may reflect some conservatism by funders
- Interior material quality / finish may lag premium established rivals if closely inspected
Should You Consider Jaecoo 7 Leasing?
If you:
- Drive many shorter/commuting trips (where you can exploit EV mode)
- Want premium tech and equipment without paying a premium brand price
- Are okay with newer brand and potentially learning/adjusting around support / servicing
- Like the idea of predictable costs (leasing) and avoiding depreciation risk
Then Jaecoo 7 leasing is a strong choice.
If instead, your driving is mostly motorway and long trips without frequent charging, or you place a heavy premium on resale / brand prestige, you might lean toward more established rivals.
Next Steps
If you are considering Jaecoo 7 leasing, here are the steps you should take:
-
Get Lease Quotes
- Get several quotes from business and personal leasing providers.
- Compare monthly cost, initial rental, contract length, mileage allowances, and maintenance / servicing inclusions.
-
Test Drive the PHEV vs Petrol
- Try both powertrains to feel what EV mode gives you in real life.
- See how the battery charges, how responsive the SHS system is.
-
Check Charging Infrastructure
- Home charging setup (wallbox capability)
- Local public chargers and their speed (especially DC fast chargers)
- How often you will rely on petrol vs EV mode
-
Check Warranty & After-Sales Coverage
- How many years, mileage, what’s included (battery, drivetrain, general)
- Dealer / service network proximity
-
Inspect Features & Trim Options
- Decide which trim (Deluxe vs Luxury) gives you the best value based on features you really need (e.g. AWD, sunroof, heated/ventilated seats)
- Optional extras: bake into lease if possible to spread cost
-
Understand Tax & Business Implications
- For company car users: BIK rates for PHEV are favourable when emissions are low
- Fuel / electricity costs, charging at home vs public
-
Negotiate Leasing Terms
- Mileage, initial payments, maintenance, end-of-lease conditions
- Sometimes lease companies offer incentives or better residual values for newer brands to promote them
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Volkswagen Golf leasing, this model offers excellent value
- 2025 Kia EV4 Review: A Stylish and Practical Electric Choice
- 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc lease Review: Stylish, Compact
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review: A Bold Step into the Future of Electric SUVs
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.