The full-size SUV market is booming, with vehicles catering to everything from off-road adventures to family transport and luxury cruising. The Jaecoo J8, a newcomer to this segment, aims to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag. This analysis pits the J8 Ridge AWD against the popular Kia Sorento Sport diesel to determine which SUV offers the best value and features.
Pricing and Variants
The Jaecoo J8 comes in two trims: Track (front-wheel drive) and Ridge (all-wheel drive). The Ridge, being the higher-spec model, is the focus of this comparison. Kia, in contrast, offers a wide array of Sorento variants, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options across eleven different configurations.
For a direct price comparison, the top-spec Jaecoo J8 Ridge ($54,990 drive-away) will be matched against the entry-level Kia Sorento Sport diesel ($56,500 plus on-roads). This ensures a fair assessment of features relative to cost.
Standard Features: Jaecoo vs. Kia
Both SUVs provide essential comfort and digital conveniences, including power-adjustable driver’s seats, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with embedded navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. However, the Jaecoo J8 significantly outshines the Sorento in terms of extras.
The J8 Ridge boasts larger 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, quilted leather upholstery, heated/ventilated/massaging front seats, a sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, ambient lighting, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. The Sorento Sport, by comparison, sticks with cloth trim and fewer premium features.
Safety Ratings and Systems
The Kia Sorento holds a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2020. While the Jaecoo J8 hasn’t been tested yet, it includes advanced crash-avoidance systems like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot avoidance, and driver attention alert. The J8 adds rear cross-traffic alert, automated parking, a 360-degree camera, and a driver’s knee airbag, suggesting it can match or surpass the Sorento’s safety performance.
Interior Space and Comfort
A key difference lies in seating capacity: the Jaecoo J8 is a five-seater, while the Kia Sorento offers three rows, accommodating up to seven passengers. This makes the Sorento a more practical choice for larger families.
However, the J8 excels in luxury and space for those who prioritize comfort. The cabin is roomy, with generous headroom and legroom. The leather trim and airliner-inspired front seats (with extendable leg rests and massage function) provide a superior experience. Boot space is also larger in the J8, offering 738 liters with the rear seats up and 2021 liters when folded flat, compared to the Sorento’s 608 liters. Both vehicles include a full-size spare tire.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
Both SUVs are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jaecoo J8 uses a 2.0-liter petrol engine producing 183kW and 385Nm, while the Kia Sorento Sport features a larger 2.2-liter turbo-diesel generating 148kW and 440Nm.
The Sorento’s diesel engine delivers more torque at lower RPMs and achieves better fuel economy (6.0L/100km claimed), making it more efficient. The J8’s petrol engine feels smoother and quieter, though towing capacity is not specified.
Ownership Costs and Warranty
Kia offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, a benchmark in the industry. However, Jaecoo surpasses this with an eight-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty. Both brands provide free roadside assistance for the first 12 months (extended with authorized servicing) and capped-price service schemes. The Jaecoo is cheaper to maintain over the long term due to lower service costs.
The Verdict
The Kia Sorento remains the more practical choice for families needing seven seats. However, if luxury, space, and a wealth of features are priorities, the Jaecoo J8 Ridge AWD offers more for less. It provides a genuine sense of premium comfort without breaking the bank, making it a compelling alternative in the crowded SUV market.
