Love the JAECOO J8 SHS? 5 Surprise SUVs Worth a Test Drive in the UAE

Dubai: The JAECOO J8 SHS is a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV from AED 139,900, with up to 428 hp and 169 km of electric range. It also packs up to 10 airbags and 18 driver assistance systems, as our J8 SHS safety guide explains. If it has caught your eye but you want something different, five more SUVs are waiting. 

Here is what each one offers, using official brand information.

Alternative	Why It's Worth a Look
EXEED ET	462 hp range-extender with up to 1,140 km range
BYD Ti 7	Up to 1,813 L of cargo space and a built-in fridge
Jetour G700	Rugged body-on-frame plug-in hybrid
Deepal G318	Up to 850 km range and 600 mm wading depth
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ	Simple petrol 4x4 from AED 139,900

EXEED ET: Big Power, Even Bigger Range 

If the J8 Performance's 428 hp impressed you, the ET goes a step further. Its range-extender (REEV) setup makes 462 hp and 634 Nm, and EXEED claims 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The range is the real headline. Where the J8 manages up to 169 km on electric power alone, as our J8 SHS powertrain guide shows, the ET's brochure lists 1,140 km (WLTC) in total. It seats five, not seven, and comes with a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty.

Category	Details
Powertrain	REEV, AWD, two electric motors
Power / Torque	462 hp (345 kW) / 634 Nm
Battery & Range	40 kWh, 1,140 km (WLTC)
Dimensions	4,980 x 1,975 x 1,694 mm
Seats	5
Price	REEV Pro from AED 149,999; REEV Ultra from AED 199,999

BYD Ti 7: The Practical Family Surprise

BYD's page focuses on everyday usefulness. You get up to 1,813 L of cargo space with the rear seats folded, plus an integrated refrigerator that cools down to -6°C, handy for long UAE weekend drives.

Category	Details
Powertrain	• Plug-in hybrid (DM-p technology) • Up to 480 HP • 630 Nm torque
Cargo Space	• Up to 1,813 litres
Fridge	• Integrated refrigerator • Cools to -6°C
Price	• AED 157,900–170,900

Jetour G700: The Big, Boxy Adventurer

The J8 Performance has Sand, Mud and Off-Road modes, but the G700 is built for tougher trails. It has body-on-frame construction, 230 mm ground clearance, Tank Turn, crawl mode and a transparent chassis view. It pairs a 2.0-litre turbo engine with dual electric motors and supports 800V ultra-fast charging. Seating is 2+3 or 2+2+2, so five or six seats, and a 35.4-inch instrument panel leads the cabin.

Category	Details
Powertrain	2.0 turbo petrol, dual electric motors (plug-in hybrid)
Dimensions	5,153 x 2,050 x 1,960 mm
Wheelbase	2,850 mm
Seats	5 or 6
Price	EMI from AED 2,499 per month

Deepal G318: Range and Off-Road Grit Together

The G318 is a REEV with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, making 430 PS and 572 Nm. It offers up to 850 km total range (WLTP) and up to 142 km on electric power (NEDC), so compare carefully with the J8's figures. Off-road, it brings an intelligent 4x4 system, five terrain modes and 600 mm wading depth. Inside, you get a 14.6-inch display and a 6 kW power outlet for camping gear.

Category	Details
Powertrain	1.5 turbo REEV, intelligent 4x4
Power / Torque	430 PS / 572 Nm
Range	850 km total (WLTP); 142 km electric (NEDC)
Wading Depth	600 mm
Price	TBD

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ: The Simple, Tough Pick

This one is not a hybrid. It uses a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 164 hp and 245 Nm, a 6-speed automatic and part-time 4x4. It is the choice if you want easy, familiar off-road ability at a similar price. The GXR adds Toyota Safety Sense 3 and a panoramic view monitor. Both trims get a rear differential lock and a 12.3-inch display.

Category	Details
Engine	2.7L petrol, 6-speed automatic, part-time 4x4
Power / Torque	164 hp / 245 Nm
Dimensions	4,610 x 1,855 x 1,950 mm
Seats	5
Price	EXR AED 139,900; GXR AED 154,900

So, Which One Should You Actually Test Drive

On paper, the EXEED ET REEV Pro offers the best value: the most power, the longest listed range, a published price and a 7-year warranty. For serious off-roading, look at the Jetour G700 or Deepal G318. The BYD Ti 7 suits practical families, and the Land Cruiser FJ suits anyone who prefers simple petrol power. If you need seven seats, the J8 SHS is still your best bet. Whichever you choose, drive them back-to-back before deciding.

Also Read: 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Safety Features Explained: Toyota Safety Sense 3 and Driver Assistance