New Jetour T2 Price Positioning in UAE — Who Should Buy It

Abu Dhabi: Chinese automaker Chery has introduced the Jetour T2 in the UAE market at a price range that clearly defines its target buyers. It is positioned between budget crossovers and established mid‑size SUVs; with highly compelling prices, it is difficult to ignore in its category for anyone who is looking for a 4x4, rugged styling and imposing road presence without paying a premium price. If you look at what appears in the specs, the T2 doesn’t fail to impress with its strong value, especially for those upgrading from compact SUVs.

First arriving in 2024 in the UAE, the T2 has received some minor tweaks making it more refined. Chery has also brought the PHEV variant of the SUV, making it more appealing to wider buyer profiles.

Since its arrival, the T2 has created a buzz, largely due to its unique boxy design, high stance, and off‑road‑suitable exterior styling. Buyers looking at a new SUV in this segment should not only see the attractive price; rather, factors such as brand perception, long‑term ownership costs, and everyday usability are equally vital before deciding if it truly fits their needs.

Where the T2 Actually Sits

Looking at the T2, what is clear is that this SUV does not rival the full‑size, popular Prados or Land Cruisers. But rather it is appealing to buyers who really want the look and capability of a true 4x4 but don’t necessarily have the budget of over AED 200,000‑plus for a name badge.

It takes on competitors like the Tank 300, which starts around AED 155,000, and the Ford Bronco Sport, which sits at AED 193,500. In this context, the price of AED 144,000 appears more favourable.

Model	Starting Price (AED)	Origin	Warranty
Jetour T2	144,000 - 146,000	China	10 years/1M km
Tank 300	155,000	China	7 years/150K km
Ford Bronco Sport	193,500	USA	3 years/100K km
Haval Dargo	~140,000	China	5 years/150K km

In terms of its size, the T2 is 4,785 mm long with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. That clearly means a proper space. The ground clearance of 220 mm is great with approach and departure angles of 39° and 30°. These features tell us that we can actually take this thing into the desert without destroying the underbelly on the first dune.

The 2.0‑litre turbocharged engine offers a solid 390 Nm through a 7‑speed DCT. It’s certainly quite sufficient for its size, if not thrilling. The real deal is the BorgWarner 6th‑generation 4WD system, and the seven driving modes let you adjust for terrain, and the car actually responds.

What You Get Inside

The cabin looks upscale and premium and is good value for the price point. There’s a 15.6‑inch touchscreen running on a Snapdragon 8155 chip with responsive performance, and your smartphones work well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration smoothly. The entertainment and music can be enjoyed by the 12‑channel Sony audio system, which provides quality sound.

Standard features:

• Ventilated and heated front seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Atmospheric lighting
• Functional systems across the board

Keep in mind that the seats have synthetic leather rather than genuine leather. The material quality is acceptable initially, though differences may become apparent over time. The expandable tailgate provides cargo flexibility, adding another mechanical component to the vehicle.

Who Should Consider 

First‑time SUV buyers: Young buyers who are looking for their first 4x4, a rugged SUV with good, decent running requirements, also want some fun driving. The T2 offers Defender‑inspired styling, technology, and space. Depreciation should factor into your decision.

Occasional off‑road users: For desert trips to Liwa or weekend camping without thinking of spending on the Land Cruiser. The T2 does the job quite well, with capable off‑road specifications. But aftermarket support and modification options are more limited than established brands.

Families who prefer features: If interior features like ventilated seats, large touchscreens, and cargo space matter more than brand value, then the T2 is the right choice.

Consider Alternatives If

• If you are someone who always wants a guaranteed resale value, also, depreciation patterns are currently steep, and the used market hasn’t fully stabilised.
• You drive over 30,000 km annually, the service package coverage ends quickly, and you mostly will face more mechanical wear on a newer platform in this market.
• You live in remote areas; their service locations are concentrated in major cities. Warranty work from Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah requires travel time.
• If you don’t want to experiment with a newer brand and want the trust and reliability of a tried and tested brand, then this is not for you.

Resale Value Considerations

While the Chinese brands have made huge inroads in the UAE market, and their presence is increasing. But there is still some resistance when it comes to the resale value. Used T2 listings from 2024 range from AED 87,500 to AED 149,750, showing significant variation in retained value.

A new T2 at AED 144,000 potentially dropping to AED 87,500 within one to two years highlights bigger. While some calculators suggest 75% value retention, current market listings indicate varied results.

As we all know, Fortuner and Prado models command higher resale values for obvious reasons, and there is no surprise in that. The upfront price may be higher, but these vehicles recover more value at resale. Whereas for hassle‑free ownership, T2 comes with a promise of a 10‑year warranty that provides coverage, but most owners may not keep the SUV that long.

Service Network

Another big area of concern is the after‑sale service; the Elite Group Holding, the brand’s official dealer in the UAE at present, operates service centres in Al Quoz, Deira, Abu Dhabi, and Musaffah. A 3‑year service package covering up to 30,000 km comes included with purchase.

Parts availability requires consideration; it is quite clear the brand is here for the longer term, and Jetour has a smaller UAE presence compared to established brands like Toyota or MG. The repair timelines and costs outside warranty periods are not very well established, as the brand is relatively new to the market.

The good news is that the growing number of Chinese SUV brands indicates better demand for service capacity and technician expertise. While independent mechanics may have limited Jetour diagnostic experience, they mainly send owners to authorised service centres.

Cost Breakdown

Here is an estimated cost breakdown of ownership if you are really considering buying the 4x4 SUV. The initial price: AED 144,000. Monthly Cost: AED 2,110. Fuel consumption averages 13 km/l, translating to approximately AED 312 monthly for typical driving of 1,300 km/month at AED 3/litre. Annual insurance typically runs AED 3,000–4,000 based on a driver profile.

Annual ownership costs:

• EMI: AED 27,320
• Fuel: AED 3,744
• Insurance: AED 3,500
• Total: AED 34,564 per year (excluding depreciation)

Now let’s look at an alternative; for example, a used Fortuner at AED 100,000 comes at lower financing costs, comparable running expenses, and a stronger and proven reliability with better resale prospects.

The T2 suits buyers who want a brand new SUV with features and technologies and don’t mind paying for it. It tries to balance desired features and budget limitations, promising a lot to buyers in this bracket.

Conclusion

Looking at the T2 purely from the buyer’s perspective, the Chinese brand Jetour is trying to appeal to a certain pocket of the market with some compelling value propositions. It is for those buyers who want an off‑road look and feel with the premium price tag attached. The T2 is certainly impressive, promising genuine capability, impressive features, and a warranty that suggests both confidence and desperation.

So essentially for the T2 if you need the features now and plan to exit before year three. But if resale value, service certainty, or long‑term reliability matter more than a big touchscreen and ventilated seats, then perhaps look for an alternative. The market will decide if AED 144,000 is fair value. Early depreciation suggests it’s still finding that answer.