2026 Jaecoo J5 EV Arrives at $36,990 Drive-Away: Is This Australia’s Best-Value Electric SUV?

The Jaecoo J5 EV is officially landing in Australia — and it’s making a strong case as one of the best-value electric SUVs on the market. Priced at $35,990 before on-road costs, the first 1,000 buyers will benefit from a sharp $36,990 drive-away deal when deliveries begin next month.

That pricing places the J5 EV among the cheapest electric SUVs available in Australia, undercutting most rivals — though the BYD Atto 2 still holds the absolute lowest entry price at $31,990 before on-roads.

Key Rivals and Positioning

The Jaecoo J5 EV shares its platform with the Chery E5 and competes directly with:

• Leapmotor B10

• BYD Atto 2

• Kia EV3

• Hyundai Kona Electric

• Zeekr X

• MG S5 EV

Crucially, all of these rivals cost more than the J5 EV once comparably equipped.

Battery, Motor and Charging

The J5 EV uses a single front-mounted electric motor, delivering strong everyday performance.

Powertrain Highlights

• Motor output: 155 kW

• Torque: 288 Nm

• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

• 0–100 km/h: 7.7 seconds

Energy comes from a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering:

• WLTP range: 402 km

• Energy use: 14.3 kWh/100 km

Charging

• DC fast charging: up to 130 kW (30–80% in 28 minutes)

• AC charging: up to 10.3 kW

Powertrain Specifications

Size, Practicality and Storage

The J5 EV slots neatly into the small SUV segment while offering strong practicality.

Dimensions

• Length: 4,380 mm

• Width: 1,860 mm

• Height: 1,650 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,620 mm

Cargo Space

• Boot capacity: 480 L (to roof)

• Front trunk (frunk): 35 L

Interior: Pet- and Family-Friendly Focus

Jaecoo positions the J5 EV as pet- and child-friendly, using synthetic leather with a durable silicone coating that resists scratches and wipes clean easily — a rare feature in this class.

Cabin Technology

• 13.2-inch central touchscreen

• 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster

• 8-speaker audio system

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 50 W wireless phone charging

Comfort Features

• Heated and ventilated power front seats (6-way)

• Dual-zone climate control

• Multi-colour ambient lighting

• Panoramic glass roof with powered sunshade

• Voice control system

• USB-A and USB-C ports

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability

Standard Equipment (Single Trim)

Jaecoo keeps things simple with one well-equipped trim level:

• 18-inch aero alloy wheels with Continental tyres

• LED projector headlights with intelligent high beam

• Rain-sensing wipers

• Power tailgate

• Electrically folding mirrors

• Premium steering wheel

Safety and Driver Assistance

The J5 EV comes standard with seven airbags and a comprehensive ADAS suite. While ANCAP testing is pending, Jaecoo is targeting a five-star rating.

Safety Tech Includes

• Autonomous emergency braking

• Forward collision warning

• Lane departure warning

• Adaptive cruise control

• Traffic Jam Assist

• Integrated Cruise Assist

• Blind-spot monitoring

• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Driver monitoring system

• Hill descent control

• 360-degree surround-view camera

Pricing in Australia

Warranty and Servicing

• Vehicle warranty: 8 years, unlimited km

• Battery warranty: 8 years, unlimited km

• Service intervals: 12 months / 20,000 km

• Capped-price servicing: $1,520 over 8 years ($190 per service)

• Roadside assistance: up to 8 years (dealer-serviced)

More J5 Variants Coming

Jaecoo has confirmed the J5 lineup will expand in 2026 with:

• Turbo-petrol versions

• Hybrid variants

Both are expected to be cheaper than the EV, broadening the model’s appeal.

Verdict: Is It the Best-Value Electric SUV?

The Jaecoo J5 EV delivers:

• One of the lowest drive-away prices in the segment

• Competitive real-world range

• Strong standard equipment

• A genuinely pet-friendly interior

While it still needs to prove itself against established rivals, the pricing alone makes the J5 EV one of the most compelling electric SUV options in Australia right now.