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Review
2026 Jaecoo J5 EV: price, specs, range and release date in Australia
RACV
January 07, 2026
The head-turning Jaecoo J5 EV has arrived as one of the cheapest electric small SUVs in Australia, challenging the BYD Atto 2, Kia EV3 and a slew of other rivals. Here’s everything you need to know.
The 2026 Jaecoo J5 EV has launched in Australia, kicking off a new small SUV range for Chery’s upscale, but still affordable, Jaecoo brand that appeals with its attractive designs and undeniable value in terms of pricing, equipment and warranty.
There are hybrid and conventional turbocharged petrol engine variants coming soon, but for now all attention is focused on the Jaecoo J5 EV that stands as one of the most affordable electric cars in Australia. It slots into the fast-growing small SUV segment as a solid rival for the BYD Atto 2, Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona Electric and others.
This newcomer deserves a close look, so here’s a full rundown on the 2026 Jaecoo J5 EV.
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When does the Jaecoo J5 EV go on sale in Australia?
The 2026 Jaecoo J5 EV is now available to order in Australia, based on a single Summit model grade that has incentives attached for the first 1000 customers before bedding down as a standard retail offering.
The J5 EV will be joined by petrol-electric hybrid and conventional turbo-petrol variants during 2026.
The 2026 Jaecoo J5 EV is one of the most affordable battery-electric small SUVs on the market, priced from $35,990 plus on-road costs – or $36,990 drive-away (including optional premium paint) for the first 1000 customer orders. The launch deal ends on March 31, 2026, unless sold out.
A close relation to the Chery E5 (priced from $38,990 drive-away), the Jaecoo J5 is a little more expensive – and slightly larger – than the BYD Atto 2, which is the cheapest electric SUV in Australia at $31,990 plus on-road costs (or $34,782.90 drive-away for Victorian private buyers).
The J5 EV does, however, undercut other key competitors such as the Leapmotor B10 (from $38,990 drive-away), MG S5 EV (from $40,990 d/a), Kia EV3 (from $48,990 d/a), Hyundai Kona Electric (from $49,990 d/a) and the Zeekr X (from $55,773 d/a).
At launch, the Jaecoo J5 EV Summit is the sole variant available. The premium paint thrown in with its special price is normally $600, applying to Arctic White, Carbon Black and Stormy Blue exterior paint options. The standard no-cost colour is Stone Grey.
Given the high spec, no other major options are available. Jaecoo is, on the other hand, touting lifestyle accessories it has developed for the J5, including a karaoke machine ($165) and pet-friendly items like a cargo pet barrier ($110) and even a ‘cat scratcher’ mat ($45).
The J5 is covered by Omoda Jaecoo Australia’s appealing eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which includes the high-voltage battery. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first, and an eight-year/160,000km capped priced servicing scheme is in place, ranging from $155 to $225 per service – or $1520 over the full period. It’s a handy budget for servicing out to 2034.
Despite close ties with Chery, Jaecoo (and Omoda) cars must be serviced through the Omoda Jaecoo network, which now has 50 dealerships across Australia – including some that handle Chery cars, too.
2026 Jaecoo J5 EV has a claimed driving range of about 400km, based on the WLTP standard.
2026 Jaecoo J5 EV design and specification
There are some Range Rover overtones to the styling of the 2026 Jaecoo J5 EV, which creates a positive first impression with its upright stance and squared-off look.
The bluff front end has slim projector-style LED headlights and an aero-optimised fascia with active air flaps in the grille. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels also have an aerodynamic design (combining with 235/55-section Continental EcoContact 7 tyres), while the sloping roofline and prominent overhead rear spoiler accentuate the five-seater SUV’s length – which at 4380mm is generous for this class.
Ditto for width at 1860mm, which helps create a solid stance at the back end that’s likewise reinforced with an LED light bar stretching across the tailgate. It also ties in well with the graphics up front, creating a cohesive design from head to tail.
Overall height is 1650mm and the wheelbase 2620mm, which translates to useful accommodation inside. There is strong attention to detail evident with the cabin presentation, which has a premium look and uncluttered layout with the transmission selector on the steering column and a high emphasis on the 13.2-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen.
The driver and front passenger are both allocated seats with heating, ventilation, six-way position adjustment and synthetic leather trim that’s certified pet-friendly and eco-friendly (good scratch resistance, antibacterial properties, low carbon characteristics, etc).
A broad range of storage facilities are included, including a binnacle under the bonnet, while the cargo compartment holds 384 litres (VDA) with the 60/40-split rear seats upright – measured up to the luggage cover. (It’s 400L from floor to roof.) Unlike its sibling, the Chery E5, (previously known as the Chery Omoda E5), which is equipped with a full-size spare wheel, there is no spare wheel in the Jaecoo J5, just a puncture repair kit.
Sharing its platform with the Chery E5 , the Jaecoo J5 has a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, disc brakes at each corner (ventilated front/solid rear), an electronic park brake with auto hold, and electric power steering. Towing capacity is capped at 750kg.
Jaecoo J5 EV design evokes Range Rover styling cues.
LED light bar stretches across the Jaecoo J5 EV tailgate.
Nice attention to detail at front end of the Jaecoo J5 EV.
Jaecoo J5 EV features 18-inch aero alloy wheels with Continental tyres.
Handy front storage area under bonnet of the Jaecoo J5 EV.
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What is the power and range of the Jaecoo J5 EV?
The 2026 Jaecoo J5 EV uses a single permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 155kW of power and 288Nm of torque. Drive goes to the front wheels and energy is drawn from a 58.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery located under the floor.
For reference, the related Chery E5 has the same 155kW/288Nm e-motor output and 58.9kWh LFP battery with a claimed 430km range (WLTP). The BYD Atto 2 has a 130kW/290Nm electric motor and 51.13kWh battery that offers a claimed 345km range. So, the Jaecoo J5 has an advantage over Atto 2 in terms of power and range, and is close in spec to the Chery E5.
Jaecoo claims the 1710kg (tare) J5 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds and that energy consumption is 14.3kWh/100km. Three levels of regenerative braking are provided to help maximise efficiency. Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes are also included.
Recharging via the port at the front driver’s side of the car accepts AC power up to 6.6kW (single phase) and 10.3kW (three phase), while DC current up to 130kW can be managed. At the latter output, Jaecoo says the J5’s battery can be charged at a DC fast-charging station from 30 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes. No timeframe is provided for AC charging, but it’s safe to assume the battery can be comfortably replenished overnight using a dedicated EV home charger.
A reversing camera works in conjunction with a 360-degree surround-view monitor and front and rear parking sensors. Rear outboard seating positions accommodate ISOFIX child restraints, and all rear positions have a top tether strap anchor point too.
Connected services are offered with the Jaecoo J5 EV, including remote start and remote window open/close, but automatic collision notification via emergency call (eCall) is not provided.
The J5 EV does have Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality that allows electrical appliances such as laptops and camping equipment to be operated from the car using the high-voltage battery.
The 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen supports wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and can be controlled using the car’s onboard voice assistant (Hello Jaecoo).
Up front, the J5 has a USB-A port (for charge and data transmission) and USB-C port (for fast charging), along with a 50W wireless charging pad at the base of the centre screen and a 12V power outlet. There’s a second 12V socket in the cargo area, while the rear seat has a USB-A point (charge only).
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
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