We get to take it on a short off-road session in the 2025 Jaecoo J8 All Wheel Drive variant courtesy of OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia recently. The editor, enjoyed the short test drive session and basically explains how the J8 SUV performed. This J8 AWD actually makes it quite a decent drive for under RM200,000. A lot of decent off-road prowess for something essentially used in urban settings. This is very much a budget Range Rover for those wanting a SUV with some ability.
Measuring 4,820 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height with a generous 2,820 mm wheelbase, the China designed and for Malaysia, locally assembled JAECOO J8 SUV offers a spacious, well-proportioned cabin.
The JAECOO J8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged, direct-injected inline four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 183 kW and 385 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is delivered to the front wheels (2WD variant) or via an advanced all-wheel-drive system offering intelligent torque vectoring, ensuring confident traction and stability across dynamic terrains.
The JAECOO J8 2WD completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds, while the AWD variant takes 9.0 seconds. Both versions have a top speed of 200 km/h. Meanwhile, fuel economy is rated at 7.8L/100km (WLTP standard) for the 2WD variant and 8.1L/100km (WLTP) for the AWD variant.
The JAECOO J8’s powertrain is calibrated for enhanced thermal management and fuel efficiency, prioritising long-term durability especially for high-load and off-road driving conditions which explains the conservative acceleration times, which makes more sense to long term owners than outright performance. the JAECOO J8 is equipped with a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension system that delivers comfort and control, adjusting the suspension within milliseconds depending on terrain and traction requirements.
The interior has a lot of equipment and premium feel – which explains the ‘first class travel’ tagline Inspired by first-class travel (which was the theme of the launch gambit and all), the JAECOO J8 AWD variant features a refined six-seater layout (2+2+2 configuration), while the 2WD variant adopts a five-seater design, prioritising boot space for versatility. Inside twin 12.3-inch widescreen displays, and a wide Head-Up Display (HUD) designed for convenience and intuitive control, complemented by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. the J8 AWD variant features a first-in-class “Queen’s” front passenger seat with adjustable leg support, as well as Heated, Ventilated, Massage, and Memory (HVMM) seats for the driver, front passenger, and second-row occupants. Audiophiles will appreciate the premium audio systems tailored for each variant: a 12-speaker Sony system for the J8 2WD, and 14-speaker Sony setup with headrest speakers in the J8 AWD, delivering a rich listening experience.
The SUV is equipped with an advanced Level 2.5 ADAS suite inclusive of full speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Driver Monitoring System (DMS), Lane Change Assistance (LCA), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Forward Distance Monitoring (FDM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Event Data Recorder (EDR) and Fully Automatic Parking in the AWD variant. Complementing this is the OneBox brake-by-wire system, seamlessly integrated into the J8’s ADAS safety architecture, which has been specially calibrated for the vehicle’s proportions and driving dynamics.
OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia’s ’ J8 2WD is priced from RM178,800, while the J8 AWD starts from RM198,800.