In Singapore, despite being an urban hub, there is a niche group of people who enjoy the rugged off-roading lifestyle. However, off-roading in this small island nation is not easy due to the lack of uncharted paths and a limited selection of suitable vehicles. With Jeep no longer available and options like the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class being pricey, there’s a gap in the market. The Suzuki Jimny offers budget-friendly off-roading capabilities, but its compact size makes it less practical for those needing more space. Enter Jaecoo, a new contender that fills the gap between these extremes. Jaecoo is a sub-brand of Chinese carmaker Chery, focusing on high-end, off-road capable SUVs. The Jaecoo J6 stands out with a unique twist: it’s an electric off-roader.

What is Jaecoo?: Jaecoo is one of two Chery sub-brands, with the other being Omoda. While Omoda offers family-oriented crossovers, Jaecoo specializes in high-performance SUVs. Interestingly, Jaecoo’s models are sold under the Chery name in China, and the brand is primarily focused on export markets.

Jaecoo J6: An Off-Roading Machine: The Jaecoo J6 has a classic, rugged design with a boxy, utilitarian shape, but also features unique design elements. The slim vertical headlights and tail lights give it a distinctive look, while the rear door includes a compartment for storing dirty or wet items—an example of thoughtful design for off-roaders. The tailgate opens sideways and can be locked in place to prevent it from closing unexpectedly in the wind. The cargo space offers 450 liters, expandable to 1,238 liters with the rear seats folded down. Inside, the J6 has a modern minimalist cabin with a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, though its user interface can be confusing and unintuitive. The rear offers plenty of legroom and headroom, and a full-length sunroof adds to the sense of space.

Off-Road Performance: If you've driven traditional off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender or Jeep Wrangler, the J6’s driving experience will feel familiar. It has a vague steering response and a floaty suspension designed to handle rough terrain without becoming unstable. The J6 offers nine selectable driving modes, designed for various conditions such as snow, rocks, and sand—features that rival high-end off-roaders.

While its off-road setup excels in tough conditions, it’s not the most comfortable on regular roads, with noticeable noise and vibrations. The J6’s electric motors produce 275 horsepower and 385Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Its range is 342 km on a full charge, which is adequate for most off-roading situations but not exceptional.

The J6’s Appeal: The Jaecoo J6 is a highly capable off-road vehicle with impressive technology and features. However, due to Singapore’s small size and limited off-road opportunities, most drivers may not fully experience its potential. For those who enjoy adventure and outdoor exploration, the J6 is an affordable option at $199,888 with COE (as of April 2025). This makes it an attractive choice for anyone seeking a practical, rugged, and distinctive SUV.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Ben Chia.