The Rise of the Jaecoo J7 — Malaysia’s new SUV darling

A year ago, “Jaecoo” was just another unfamiliar name in Malaysia’s busy SUV market. Plenty of brands have tried to break into this segment before — most fade quietly into the background. But the J7? It didn’t just slip into the scene. It burst in, parked itself firmly in the middle of the action, and started turning heads at every traffic light.

From July to December last year, Jaecoo moved 7,041 units of the J7 in just five months — averaging more than 1,400 SUVs a month. As of July 2025, over 17,000 Jaecoo vehicles have been delivered nationwide, with the J7 making up the bulk of those numbers. Along the way, it has even managed to overtake some well-entrenched segment favourites in monthly sales — an achievement that speaks volumes in a market as competitive as ours.

For a newcomer, this isn’t just “good progress.” This is a proper sales phenomenon.

Why Malaysians fell for the J7

The J7’s success is no accident. It ticks a combination of boxes that many buyers didn’t even think they could get in one package — especially at this price point.

1. Street presence that punches above its price

From the outside, the J7 exudes confidence. The bold, squared-off grille. The muscular, upright stance. The premium off-road-inspired design cues. It’s the kind of SUV that looks equally at home parked in front of a luxury mall in KL as it does pulling up at a weekend getaway in the highlands. Owners have shared stories of being stopped at petrol stations or hearing strangers ask at traffic lights, “Eh, what car is that?”

2. An interior that surprises

Step inside, and you realise the J7 isn’t just about first impressions — it’s about lasting ones. Leather seats with ventilation, 64-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control with N95 air purifier, and a panoramic sunroof make the cabin feel a class above. Up front, you get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 14.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and even a head-up display.The chauffeur mode for the front passenger seat, 50W air-cooled wireless charger, memory seats with welcome function, and acoustic windshield seal the deal.

3. Safety and tech without compromise

Jaecoo didn’t skimp on the safety kit. The J7 comes with a 21-feature ADAS suite, including 540° panoramic cameras, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB). Add driver monitoring, hill descent control, multi-collision braking, and tyre pressure monitoring, and you’ve got one of the most comprehensively equipped SUVs in its price class.

4. Comfort for Malaysian roads

One review famously described the J7’s ride as “a marshmallow soaking up chocolate milk” — and it’s not hard to see why. Double-glazed windows keep out noise, while a well-tuned MacPherson/multilink suspension smooths over potholes, speed bumps, and those all-too-familiar patchy stretches of tarmac. It’s spacious without being bulky, with 412 litres of boot space, and can tow up to 1,300 kg with a 75 kg roof load limit — practicality that extends beyond weekend getaways.

5. Performance with versatility

Both the J7 2WD and AWD share a 1.6L turbocharged petrol inline-four producing 194 hp (197 PS) and 290 Nm, paired to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission from Getrag. The 2WD does 0–100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, while the AWD clocks in at 9.9 seconds. Both top out at 180 km/h, with fuel economy rated at 7.0 L/100 km (2WD) and 7.7 L/100 km (AWD).

6. Value that’s hard to ignore
   Forum users often say the J7 delivers “70% of the luxury SUV feel at 30% of the price.” And that’s the real hook — you get premium looks, generous space, tech, comfort, and safety, all backed by a solid warranty package, without the premium-brand running costs.

A Year of momentum

The sales figures speak for themselves, but there’s another measure of success: community reception. The J7 has built a following not just among buyers, but among those who spot it and say, “That’s my next car.” 

It fills a gap in the Malaysian market — bigger than the compact SUVs many find cramped, more affordable than the big premium players, and with none of the range anxiety that turns some away from fully electric options.

For a first model to make such an impact, Jaecoo has clearly read the Malaysian SUV market right.

Now, your moment to experience It — OMODA & JAECOO Carnival 2025

Automotive excitement meets lifestyle this Merdeka month as OMODA & JAECOO gear up for a four-day carnival that promises more than just shiny cars and sales promotions.

When and where is the OMODA & JAECOO Carnival 2025 happening?
The event runs from 21 to 24 August 2025 at Car Park 3, Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur, offering a mix of exclusive car deals, model previews, and lifestyle activities.

Described as “A Weekend of Style, Thrill & Family Fun,” visitors can expect a curated line-up of immersive experiences — from adrenaline-pumping test drives to family-friendly games, live entertainment, food trucks, exclusive giveaways for all ages, and exclusive promotions that coincide with Malaysia’s most cherished national holiday.

Merdeka-Only deals for the Jaecoo J7

And if you’ve been eyeing the J7, this might just be the perfect time to make a move.

As part of the carnival’s celebration, Jaecoo Malaysia is rolling out a limited-time Merdeka-exclusive promo for its popular J7 SUV line-up, offering buyers a choice between low interest rates or extended service plans:

• Jaecoo J7 AWD: 0.7% Interest Rate or 7 Years Free Service
  

• Jaecoo J7 2WD: 0.8% Interest Rate or 5 Years Free Service & Maintenance
  

• Jaecoo J7 PHEV: 10-Year or 1,000,000 km Battery and Engine Warranty
  

Whether you’re after a fully-loaded AWD model, an urban-friendly 2WD variant, or the high-efficiency plug-in hybrid version, there’s something to gain on all fronts — especially for those who want long-term peace of mind.

Why it is worth considering

The J7 didn’t just arrive in Malaysia — it arrived with intent. In just over a year, it has gone from an unknown badge to a familiar sight on highways, city streets, and Instagram feeds. It offers style, comfort, tech, and value in a way that connects with what Malaysian drivers actually want.

And with the Merdeka Carnival around the corner, there’s no better time to see if this SUV is the right fit for you — especially with the deals on offer. Whether you’re swayed by its road presence, its comfort on long drives, or the sheer bang-for-buck it delivers, the Jaecoo J7 makes a strong case for itself.

From 21 to 24 August at Desa ParkCity, you can find out exactly why it’s become Malaysia’s newest SUV darling — and maybe, just maybe, take one home yourself.

Also read: Jaecoo J8 takes on Off-Road obstacles with confidence and comfort