By Thulane Madalane
Exciting news for South African SUV enthusiasts: the Jaecoo J5 HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is confirmed to arrive locally in 2026. As the latest addition to Jaecoo and Omoda’s growing range of electrified vehicles, the J5 promises to combine efficiency, performance, and modern tech in an attainable package.
Following the success of the J7 SHS and Omoda C9 SHS plug-in hybrids, the J5 HEV represents the next step in bringing electrified mobility to a broader audience across the country.
What to Expect From the J5 HEV
The J5 line-up currently consists of three variants — Vortex, Glacier, and Inferno — and is positioned as Jaecoo’s entry-level SUV, with a starting price of R379,900 for the petrol variants.
Power & Performance (Petrol version):
- 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine
- 115kW / 230Nm
- Front-wheel drive with CVT
- Fuel economy: 7.5L/100km (range ~680km on 51L tank)
Hybrid Model (HEV version):
- Combines petrol engine + electric motor
- Expected performance: ~150kW / 310Nm
- Acceleration: 0–100km/h in 7.9 seconds
- Top speed: 175km/h
- Fuel consumption: 5.3L/100km (range 1,000km+)
- Eco and Sport driving modes
Interior & Technology
The J5 HEV will include premium features from the top-end Inferno variant:
- Automatic LED headlights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Leather seats & ambient lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- Electric driver seat & ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging & 13.2-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual-zone climate control, multifunction steering wheel
Safety & ADAS:
20 advanced driver-assistance functions, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, traffic-jam assist, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
Auto Lounge Take
The Jaecoo J5 HEV is poised to make a big impact in South Africa for buyers looking to combine sustainability, efficiency, and modern SUV comfort. With a likely price above R500,000, it targets those who want green mobility without compromising on luxury, safety, and tech.
As hybrid and electrified SUVs gain traction locally, the J5 will help establish Jaecoo as a serious competitor in the electrified SUV market — especially for urban and semi-urban South African drivers seeking value and innovation.
