The 2026 Jaecoo J5 is set to make its Australian debut in February next year, offering a choice of three powertrains: petrol, hybrid, and electric. This all-new small SUV from the Chinese automaker was initially expected to arrive by the end of this year but has been delayed. The J5 will be positioned below the existing Jaecoo J7 mid-size SUV in terms of both size and price, expanding the brand’s presence in the Australian market.
Omoda Jaecoo Australia has confirmed initial details, highlighting the three powertrain options available. The lineup starts with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Additionally, there will be a petrol-electric 1.5-litre series-parallel hybrid system and a battery-electric version boasting a WLTP range of 402km.
Design and Features
The J5 shares its design language with the larger J7, featuring an upright silhouette, wide shoulders, and a signature waterfall grille. Measuring 4380mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1650mm in height, it sits on a 2620mm wheelbase. This makes it slightly shorter than the brand’s Omoda 5 but up to 50mm longer than the popular Hyundai Kona. The SUV offers 480 litres of cargo capacity, expandable to 1284 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Standard equipment includes a 13.2-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker audio system, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Market Position and Pricing
The J5 is already available in the UK in two trims – Pure and Luxury – with prices starting from £24,505 before on-road costs. This is in contrast to the J7’s base price of £30,115, which translates to $34,990 drive-away in Australia. This suggests a sub-$30,000 starting price for the J5 in the Australian market.
The UK variant features a 108kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, achieving a 0-100km/h time of 10.0 seconds. While the UK model is front-wheel drive, an all-wheel-drive version is available in other markets, though it remains unclear if this option will be offered in Australia.
Electric Variant and Technological Advancements
The all-electric version, known as the Jaecoo E5 in the UK, is equipped with a 152kW/288Nm electric motor powered by a 61.1kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. It offers a WLTP range of 399km and supports DC fast-charging at up to 80kW. In the UK, the electric model is priced £3000 higher than its petrol counterpart.
UK models come standard with a 540-degree camera system and 19 ADAS functions. Luxury trims add features such as power-adjustable front seats with heating and memory, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system.
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
According to Roy Munoz, Omoda Jaecoo Australia’s chief commercial officer, “The J5 represents a significant step forward for Jaecoo in Australia, bringing greater choice in new energy and a more accessible path to premium motoring.” He emphasized that the SUV carries the design, quality, and features that have made the J7 popular into a more compact and attainable package.
The introduction of the J5 is part of a broader strategy to offer Australians more options without compromising on refinement, practicality, or performance. As of September, the Omoda Jaecoo brand, which includes the J7, J8, and Omoda 9 crossover SUVs, has delivered 2144 vehicles in Australia this year.
With the J5’s launch, Jaecoo aims to capture a larger share of the growing demand for compact SUVs that offer both traditional and new energy powertrains. The move aligns with global trends towards electrification and increased consumer interest in versatile, eco-friendly vehicles.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the J5’s arrival in Australia marks a critical milestone for Jaecoo, promising to enhance its competitive edge and appeal to a broader audience seeking modern, premium SUV experiences without the bulk.
