There are many different reasons to buy a full-size SUV these days.
Some are designed for four-wheel drive to tackle the harsh outback or tow a caravan across the country, while others are simply designed for navigating the urban jungle and have enough space for large families.
And then there is the ever-growing class of luxurious soft-roaders, which are essentially high-riding sedans.
There is something for everyone and (almost) every budget.
And one of the new additions to this segment is the Jaecoo J8, a full-size, five-seater soft-roader that offers a taste of the champagne lifestyle without paying an opulent price tag.
So let’s take a look at how it stacks up on paper against one of the best all-rounders and most popular models in its class, the Kia Sorento.
How much?
The Jaecoo J8 is available in just two model levels – the entry-level Track and the flagship Ridge – which are largely defined by their powertrain; The Track has front-wheel drive, while the Ridge has all-wheel drive.
Aside from a few additional amenities and a suspension system unique to the Ridge, they have mostly the same features (which we’ll discuss in more detail below).
| Jaecoo J8 | Drive-away prices |
|---|---|
| rail | $49,990 |
| ridge | $54,990 |
Kia, on the other hand, offers 11 different variants of the Sorento as well as a choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drives.
The petrol and diesel models are available in four trim levels: S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line. Prices start at $50,880 plus on-roads for the entry-level front-wheel-drive S petrol and top out at $65,790 for the GT-Line petrol. The diesel engine costs $3,000 more across the range and comes with all-wheel drive.
The hybrid Sorento HEV and plug-in Sorento PHEV are limited exclusively to the top-of-the-line GT-Line trim. The Hybrid is available in either front-wheel drive ($70,330 plus on-roads) or all-wheel drive ($73,330 plus on-roads) configuration, while the PHEV is all-wheel drive only and costs $84,660 plus on-roads.
| Kia Sorento | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| S (petrol) | $50,880 |
| Sports (petrol) | $53,500 |
| Sport+ (petrol) | $58,430 |
| GT Line (petrol) | $65,790 |
| S (diesel) | $53,880 |
| Sports (diesel) | $56,500 |
| Sport+ (diesel) | $61,430 |
| GT Line (diesel) | $68,790 |
| GT-Line (Hybrid FWD) | $70,330 |
| GT-Line (Hybrid AWD) | $73,330 |
| GT Line (PHEV) | $84,600 |
For the rest of this comparison, we’ll be comparing the top-of-the-line Jaecoo J8 Ridge with the entry-level Kia Sorento Sport Diesel, which is the closest in price at $54,990 drive-away or $56,500 plus on-road.
What do you get?
Both large SUVs are equipped with the bare minimum of comfort and digital conveniences, although the Kia lacks a lot of equipment compared to the Jaecoo.
They share the following characteristics:
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- Windshield wipers with rain sensors
- Keyless entry with push button start
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Integrated satellite navigation system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
The Sorento rides on 18-inch wheels and gets cloth trim, but the Jaecoo J8 has a lot more and is closer to the GT-Line trim that is the Kia’s top-of-the-line trim.
Extras include larger 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, quilted leather interior, front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, dual-zone automatic climate control with air freshener, sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, ambient interior lighting and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.
Are you sure?
While the Sorento lacks comfort, the South Korean automaker doesn’t compromise on safety and all variants come equipped with a full range of advanced crash avoidance systems and driver assistance systems, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and intersection detection
- Lane keeping assistant
- Blind spot avoidance assistant
- Driver attention warning
- Speed ​​limit assistant
- Parking sensors front and rear
- Reverse parking indicator
- Automated headlights
- Automated high beam
- Safe exit warning
- 9 airbags, including a front center airbag
Therefore, as of 2020, when the current model was first launched, the Kia Sorento receives the highest ANCAP safety rating of five stars.
The Jaecoo J8 has yet to be tested by ANCAP, but has all the key elements required to achieve the Sorento’s maximum safety rating – even under today’s more stringent protocols – with additional features such as rear cross-traffic alert, automatic parking, a 360-degree parking indicator and a driver’s knee airbag.
How are they inside?
Okay, this is where things differ as the Jaecoo J8 only seats five, while the Sorento has three rows of seats, meaning it can accommodate up to seven people.
And that could take the J8 off the shopping list of many large Australian families.
However, if you’re in the upper segment of mid-size SUVs and want something with even more space – and a real feeling of luxury – then the Jaecoo is for you.
The interior is large and spacious, with generous headroom – even with the sunroof – and plenty of leg and knee room for the second-row seats, which also have vents on the back of the center console and on the B-pillars.
The (genuine) leather interior is lavish and the front seats are super comfortable – the passenger even has an extendable leg rest like in an airplane business class seat – and the massage function is one of the best in the industry.
The two digital screens have simple graphics with a logical menu structure for the infotainment system, and the audio system is crisp and clear. Interestingly, the driver’s seat has built-in speakers in the headrest that you can use for phone calls or navigation instructions.
As for the boot space, the Jaecoo J8 reportedly has a capacity of 738 liters – which is huge – when the split/folding rear seat is used, and can be expanded to 2021 liters when folded flat. And it comes with a full-size spare tire, which is a rarity these days.
In contrast, the Kia, with its fabric upholstery, is more of an entry-level variant, but still has a lot to offer: excellent build quality, an interesting overall dashboard design and plenty of well-thought-out storage space.
Like the Jaecoo, the cabin is spacious, the front seats are comfortable, there is excellent visibility and impressive views from the driver’s seat, and middle row occupants have plenty of legroom and have air vents.
Access to the third row is easy, with a one-touch flip-and-slide feature for the middle row seats that creates a large enough opening for rear entry.
Although the middle row of seats can be moved forward and back, the two rearmost seats are best suited for small children.
With the third row of seats, boot volume is limited to just 179 liters, and even in the five-seat configuration, the Kia’s capacity of 608 liters is no match for the Jaecoo’s. A full replacement part is also included.
What’s under the hood?
Both vehicles are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines that drive all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
But that’s where the similarities end.
The Jaecoo has a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque, as well as a conventional torque converter automatic transmission, while the Kia has a larger-displacement 2.2-litre turbodiesel that produces less power (148kW) but more torque (440Nm) and has a dual-clutch automatic with wet clutches.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Thanks to its higher torque, delivered from just 1,750rpm, the Kia is more effortless to drive and uses significantly less fuel, with a claimed average of 6.0L/100km. which is remarkable for a non-electrified car of this size.
| Specifications | Jaecoo J8 Ridge | Kia Sorento S Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 2.0 liter turbo petrol four cylinder | 2.2-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder |
| Performance | 183kW | 148kW |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 440 Nm |
| transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1890kg | 1974 kg |
| Fuel consumption (claimed) | 8.6L/100km | 6.0L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65L | 67L |
| Fuel requirements | 95-octane premium unleaded | Diesel |
| Braked towing capacity | THE | 750kg (unbraked) / 2000kg (braked) |
The Sorento also offers the ability to tow a small caravan or medium-sized trailer, which could be useful for adventurous families.
Jaecoo doesn’t specify the J8’s towing capacity, but the engine and transmission feel smoother, more refined and quieter.
Operating costs
Kia set a new benchmark for customer service when it became the first car brand in Australia to offer a seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty more than a decade ago, which still applies today.
But competing brands have caught up and even surpassed them: Omoda Jaecoo offers a longer eight-year, unlimited mileage warranty for the J8.
| Maintenance and warranty | Jaecoo J8 Ridge | Kia Sorento S Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| guarantee | Eight years / unlimited kilometers | Seven years / unlimited kilometers |
| Roadside assistance | Eight years (service activated) | Seven years (service activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months / 15,000 km | 12 months / 15,000 km |
| Service at top prices | Eight years | Seven years |
| Total service costs at the maximum price | $3452 | $3795 |
Both vehicles also feature free roadside assistance for the first 12 months, which is extended each year when the vehicle is serviced in the authorized dealer network, as well as maximum price service programs for the duration of the warranty.
The maintenance intervals are also 12 months or 15,000 km, but the Jaecoo is cheaper to maintain than the Sorento over a longer period of time.
The choice of Daily Sparkz
If you’re looking for a large SUV that can seat more than five people, there’s only one option here: the Sorento.
However, if you are looking for a spacious family estate with a real luxury feel and the latest amenities that is affordable to buy and own, then the Jaecoo J8 certainly offers more for less in this comparison.
MORE: Explore Jaecoo J8 showroom
MORE: Explore the Kia Sorento showroom
