When the T2, a new midsize SUV from Jetour (a sub-brand of Chery), was launched earlier this year, I was eager to see if it lived up to the buzz. Jetour has been making waves with its affordable entry-level vehicles, boasting a distinct design language that departs from its parent company.
The T2, also known as the Traveller in China, was introduced in 2023. It’s surprising to see it already on our shores, but I was lucky enough to test drive this intriguing SUV from Quezon City to Clark to witness a renewal of partnership between Midori and Jetour.
A Bold Exterior
The first thing that struck me about the Jetour T2 was its boxy, rugged design. It immediately conveyed a sense of adventure, a vehicle ready to tackle the great outdoors. The design clearly draws inspiration from the iconic Land Rover Defender, but the T2 has a unique charm of its own.
Size-wise, the T2 is shorter than the Toyota Fortuner, yet taller and wider, giving it a robust and commanding presence on the road. The 220mm ground clearance provides a respectable height, though it may not satisfy the most hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
The full LED lighting system is a standout feature. The unique design elements add a modern flair to the vehicle, though I found the LED Jetour wordmark on the grille a bit too flashy for my taste. The yellow-green tow hooks at the front, while visually appealing, are more decorative than functional. The gunmetal gray wheels, however, were a perfect touch, adding a sophisticated edge to the T2’s rugged exterior.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior
The Jetour T2 has a spacious and well-appointed interior. Unlike many SUVs in its class, the T2 foregoes a third row of seats, which translates to generous cargo space and ample room for passengers. The second row features air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, ensuring that all passengers are comfortable and connected.
The seats are a delightful mix of leather and suede inserts, which not only look premium but also feel comfortable. As the driver, I appreciated the spacious seating and the high-tech dashboard featuring two high-resolution screens. The 10.25-inch Digital Gauge Cluster and the 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system both have impressive displays. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging, and the 12-speaker audio system delivers good sound quality. Power-adjustable seats with memory functions for both the driver and front passenger add a premium, especially at this price point.
However, there’s a downside to this sleek, modern interior. Most of the vehicle’s controls are integrated into the infotainment system, including air conditioning and side mirror adjustments. While this keeps the center console clean and modern, it raises concerns about usability if the system were to fail. Moreover, although the display and user interface are state-of-the-art, some menus are not as intuitive as they could be, slightly diminishing the overall user experience.
On the Road
Driving the Jetour T2 on the highway was a pleasure. The ride was comfortable and stable, and despite its size, the T2 was easy to maneuver and stayed firmly planted within its lane. The suspension is well-tuned for urban environments, providing a smooth ride over most surfaces.
Under the hood, the T2 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 251 hp and 390 Nm of torque. While it offers more horsepower than a Toyota Fortuner, it does fall short in terms of torque. However, the T2’s lighter weight compared to other midsize SUVs makes up for this, and it certainly doesn’t lack power. It handled overtaking with ease, and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission shifted smoothly and quickly at higher speeds.
The T2’s AWD system and Xmode, which consists of pre-programmed gearing modes, are not designed for serious off-roading. Without differential lockers, it’s clear that while the T2 can handle light trails, it’s not equipped for challenging off-road conditions. This SUV is more suited for urban environments and occasional light off-road adventures rather than hardcore off-roading. And, with a unibody construction, the T2 is more of a crossover rather than genuine SUV.
A Safety and Technology Haven
One area where the Jetour T2 truly shines is in its safety and technology features. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems that enhance both the driving experience and passenger safety. These include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, and a 360-camera system. The T2 also features Tire Pressure Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Advanced Emergency Braking, and Forward and Rear Collision Warnings.
Additionally, the T2 is packed with convenient driving aids such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assistance, Integrated Cruise Assist, Crawl Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Wade Sensing System. These features not only make driving the T2 safer but also more enjoyable and less stressful.
A Daring Move
At P2.5 million, the Jetour T2 offers remarkable value for its price. Its unique design, spacious and comfortable interior, robust performance, and extensive safety and technology features make it a compelling choice. The T2’s first batch sold out quickly, indicating strong market acceptance.
However, potential buyers must consider whether they prefer the T2’s stylish, attention-grabbing design over a more traditional 7-seater midsize Japanese SUV. The T2’s higher price point compared to other Chinese vehicles can be attributed to its larger, turbocharged engine, which does not benefit from the tax breaks typically available to smaller engines. This bold move by Jetour suggests confidence in the T2’s ability to stand out in a competitive market.
Whether the T2 completes Jetour’s winning hand is still a mystery at this point. Let’s see the numbers by the year’s end.