A French journalist tests the Jaecoo 5 SHS, a Chinese hybrid SUV, and compares it to the Dacia Duster Hybrid, highlighting performance, design, and user experience.
SUV comparison in the French market
Jean-Luc Moreau, an automotive journalist for Sud Radio, tested the Jaecoo 5 SHS, a Chinese non-rechargeable hybrid SUV priced starting at 26,990 €. This model competes with the Dacia Duster Hybrid, which is similarly priced on highways and motorways, with the Duster starting at 26,900 € in the Expression trim.Design and size differences
The Jaecoo 5 SHS is slightly longer than the Duster Hybrid, measuring 4.38 meters compared to the Duster’s 4.34 meters. Its large grille resembles that of certain Land Rovers. Jean-Luc Moreau prefers the Duster’s design, finding the Jaecoo’s styling too conventional and boxy.Equipment and comfort features
The Jaecoo 5 SHS includes 18-inch wheels with Continental EcoContact tires, which enhance comfort. It offers 410 liters of boot space, expandable to 1,214 liters with the rear seats folded. However, Moreau found the Duster more spacious in practice, though rear space remains comparable. The Jaecoo’s Exclusive trim adds a powered tailgate and soft synthetic leather that resists scratches and odors.Interior technology and user experience
The Jaecoo 5 SHS features an 8.9-inch combination screen and a 13.2-inch central display. Most information is displayed in lowercase, and no head-up display is available. The Select trim includes 20 driving assistance systems, 7 airbags, and bi-zone air conditioning. The Exclusive trim adds electric seats, a 540° camera, and a Sony audio system with eight speakers that impress Moreau with their sound quality.Driving assistance and system complexity
The Jaecoo 5 SHS has 20 driving assistance systems, but each must be individually turned off, which Moreau finds cumbersome. He notes that a user profile could soon allow quick deactivation, unlike the Duster’s single shortcut. The system reacts quickly but has menus that require some adjustment.Powertrain and performance
The Jaecoo 5 SHS uses a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine with 143 hp and an electric motor with 204 hp. The combined system produces 224 hp and 295 Nm, outperforming the Duster Hybrid’s 155 hp. It claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds and a range of up to 980 km on a 51-liter tank.Driving experience and features
The Jaecoo 5 SHS offers smooth driving and an excellent balance between comfort and handling. It unlocks automatically upon approach and has no key or start button, but requires the seatbelt to be buckled before starting. The car remains on when left unattended, requiring a dedicated command to turn it off.Fuel efficiency and environmental impact
During a test, the Jaecoo 5 SHS achieved an average of 5.5 L/100 km, slightly better than the Duster Hybrid’s WLTP rating of 4.6 to 4.7 L/100 km. The Jaecoo emits 120 g/km of CO2, resulting in a 310 € environmental tax under the 2026 scale. The Duster Hybrid remains below the 108 g/km threshold.Warranty and pricing
The Jaecoo 5 SHS comes with a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty and 8 years or 160,000 km for electrical components. The Select trim starts at 26,990 €, and the Exclusive at 28,990 €, with a two-tone version priced at 29,890 €. Additional costs include road preparation fees and the environmental tax.
