Jetour, a sub-brand of China’s Chery Automobile, has quickly gained recognition for offering stylish and tech-forward SUVs . The all-new Jetour T1 SUV is the latest addition to its lineup – a compact crossover SUV first introduced in late 2024 . The T1 made its global debut in the Middle East, with an exclusive preview in Dubai on December 16, 2024, followed by a worldwide launch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 20, 2025 . Building on the success of the larger Jetour T2, the T1 is poised to craft its own legacy in the competitive SUV market . It arrives as an “urban light off-road” SUV that blends bold styling, advanced powertrains, and attractive pricing to lure SUV enthusiasts in the UAE and beyond.
Design and Features
The Jetour T1’s exterior embraces a rugged, boxy silhouette with modern touches. Its squared LED headlights, distinctive four-point DRLs, and bold grille give it a commanding presence on the road .
The exterior styling of the Jetour T1 draws inspiration from classic off-roaders while integrating contemporary design elements. Some key design highlights include:
- Rugged, boxy shape: A squared-off body with thick bumpers, black cladding, and roof rails, echoing a tough 4×4 aesthetic . The T1’s three-dimensional sculpted body combines urban and off-road styles, a unique design that even earned a prestigious German Red Dot Award .
- Distinctive lighting: Square headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights, complemented by an eight-piece double-strip grille illumination, give the front end a signature look . At the rear, the tail lamps echo the front’s rectangular motif, providing a cohesive lighting design .
- Off-road stance: 19-inch petal-shaped alloy wheels and pronounced wheel arches enhance the SUV’s stance . The T1 offers up to 200 mm of ground clearance and can wade through about 600 mm of water, underscoring its mild off-road capability . Its approach and departure angles (28° and 29° respectively) further hint at genuine trail cred .
Inside the interior, the Jetour T1 emphasizes comfort and cutting-edge tech. The cabin is spacious (helped by the 2,810 mm wheelbase) and seats five adults comfortably, with premium materials throughout. Notable interior and technology features include:
- High-tech displays: A large infotainment touchscreen (12.8-inch on base models or a generous 15.6-inch on higher trims) serves as the digital hub . Backed by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, the system delivers a slick, smartphone-like experience . A 10.25-inch full LCD digital instrument cluster provides the driver with vibrant gauges and info readouts .
- Comfort and convenience: The T1 offers a flat-bottom steering wheel for a sporty feel and thick “Shuyun” seats designed with a multi-layer structure for ergonomic comfort . A 50 W wireless charging pad (on top trims) allows fast charging of devices on the go . Other amenities include a panoramic sunroof flooding the cabin with natural light , dual-zone automatic climate control , and up to 45 smart storage cubbies for family practicality .
- Advanced safety and tech: Jetour has equipped the T1 with modern safety and driver-assistance features. The body utilizes 85% high-strength steel in a reinforced cage structure to distribute impact forces and enhance passenger protection . On the active safety front, the T1 supports Level 2 ADAS capabilities, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition . Stability control, a rearview camera, and parking sensors are standard, providing confidence to drivers on busy city roads or while maneuvering tight spots .
Performance and Powertrain
The Jetour T1 backs up its looks with robust performance options. It offers multiple powertrains to cater to different preferences, all engineered for a balance of power and efficiency:
- 2.0L Turbo Petrol: At launch, the T1 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering 254 hp (187 kW) and 390 Nm of torque . This engine is paired with an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery . All-wheel drive is available, using a sixth-generation BorgWarner torque-on-demand system that intelligently distributes power between axles . This top powertrain propels the T1 from 0–100 km/h in the mid-8 second range and offers confident overtaking ability, on par with some larger SUV rivals .
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol: A smaller 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is offered in some markets as a base option. This motor produces around 168 hp (125 kW) and 270 Nm of torque , typically driving the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission . While tuned more for fuel efficiency and urban commuting, it still provides decent acceleration (about 150 hp in some regions ) and makes the T1 accessible to budget-conscious buyers. Higher trims upgrade to the 2.0L or add AWD for those needing extra punch or all-terrain traction .
- 1.5L PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid): By late 2025, Jetour is introducing an innovative plug-in hybrid version of the T1 . This powertrain pairs a 1.5L turbo petrol (154 hp) with a powerful electric motor (204 hp), yielding a combined output of 375+ hp and a massive 610 Nm of torque . Backed by a 26.7 kWh battery, the T1 PHEV boasts an electric-only range of ~150 km on the Chinese CLTC cycle – an impressive figure, outclassing many plug-in rivals. Its total driving range can stretch up to 1,300 km with a full charge and tank of fuel , effectively blending long-range touring ability with EV-level efficiency (the hybrid’s fuel consumption is as low as ~1.1 L/100 km under WLTC testing) . This makes the T1 PHEV especially appealing for eco-conscious adventurers.
Despite being a unibody crossover, the Jetour T1 is engineered for mild off-road capability. In AWD guise, it features selectable drive modes (Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock, Eco, Sport, plus an Auto “X” mode) to optimize traction on various terrains . The XWD Intelligent 4WD can automatically switch between 2WD and 4WD as needed, sending torque to the rear wheels proactively to prevent wheel slip . While the T1 lacks a low-range transfer case of true hardcore off-roaders, it can confidently tackle gravel roads, dunes, and shallow water crossings. A central differential lock function is included to help in slippery conditions, and the chassis offers a solid foundation for weekend adventures. Jetour also claims a towing capacity of around 1.6 tons for the T1, adding to its utility .
Fuel efficiency figures for the petrol models are competitive for its class – roughly in the 8–9 L/100 km range (around 11–13 km/L). The hybrid, of course, dramatically improves economy when driven in its EV mode. With its blend of power and efficiency, the Jetour T1’s performance should satisfy both urban commuters and those looking for a dash of adventure.
Pricing and Variants
One of the Jetour T1’s strongest suits is its value proposition, offering many premium features at a relatively accessible price. In the UAE market, the T1 launched with a starting price of AED 129,000 (excluding VAT) for the fully-loaded 2.0T petrol model . This pricing positions the T1 just below its bigger sibling (the Jetour T2, which is around AED 139k–144k) and competitive against other compact-midsize SUVs. Booking for the T1 in the Emirates opened in late 2024, with customer deliveries scheduled from April 2025 . Notably, Jetour offers an exceptionally long warranty in the UAE – 10 years or 1,000,000 km – reflecting confidence in its product and aiming to reassure new customers about long-term reliability .
Several variants are expected globally:
- Petrol Trims: The T1 is available in at least two petrol variants – a base trim with the 1.5L engine (FWD) and an upscale trim with the 2.0L engine. In China (where it’s sold as the Jetour Freedom), the 1.5T base model started at ¥129,900 ($17,900 USD) and the 2.0T AWD top trim at ¥159,900 ($22,000) during pre-sales . These aggressive China prices underline Jetour’s value, though import costs mean the UAE-spec 2.0T comes in around AED 129k (~$35k). We anticipate that if a 1.5T variant is introduced in the Middle East, its price could hover closer to the AED 80k–100k range, substantially lowering the entry point to the T1 . For now, UAE buyers get the 2.0T “Topline” configuration with all the bells and whistles included.
- Hybrid Variant: The T1 PHEV (branded Shanhai T1 in China) will likely arrive in the Gulf by late 2025 . In its home market, the Shanhai T1 PHEV launched at ¥154,800 (~$21.7k) for the base hybrid trim . Middle East pricing isn’t announced yet, but expect a premium on the petrol version’s price. Given its 150 km EV range and high performance, the T1 PHEV could still undercut other plug-in SUVs if priced aggressively. Jetour’s local distributor has confirmed the hybrid is on the way , which could make the T1 one of the few SUVs in its class to offer a plug-in option.
Jetour is known for packing their vehicles with features even in lower trims, so even the more affordable T1 variants should come with a solid array of equipment (touchscreen infotainment, alloy wheels, safety tech, etc.). As the brand expands, pricing remains a key advantage – Jetour positions the T1 to offer a luxury feel without the luxury price. This strategy is evident in markets like the UAE where buyers also enjoy extras like free servicing for 3 years/30,000 km and attractive finance offers .
Market Position and Verdict
With the T1, Jetour is staking a claim in the global SUV arena as a disruptor that delivers near-luxury experience at a midsize SUV price. This SUV’s market position can be defined by a few key points:
- Bridging Segments: The Jetour T1 carves out a niche between urban crossovers and hardcore off-roaders – it’s being marketed as an “urban lite off-roader” that’s equally at home cruising city streets as it is tackling a beach or mountain trail . This dual personality broadens its appeal, targeting everyone from young professionals with urban lifestyles to adventure-seekers wanting an affordable 4×4 lookalike. In essence, the T1 brings the spirit of a Toyota FJ or Defender into a more compact, accessible form.
- Value and Equipment: Chinese automakers have been aggressively competing on value, and the T1 exemplifies this trend. It offers a feature set that rivals many higher-priced SUVs – massive touchscreens, comprehensive safety tech, leather-like interiors, etc. – at a price often thousands less than Japanese or European equivalents. Jetour’s generous warranty (10 years in UAE) and planned introduction of hybrid technology show it’s willing to go the extra mile to earn customer trust and differentiate itself. This strong value proposition is likely to put pressure on rivals to up their features or reconsider pricing.
- Challenges: As a newcomer brand, Jetour faces the hurdle of proving its quality and reliability over time. Brands like Toyota enjoy decades of customer trust; Jetour must demonstrate that the T1 can hold up in the harsh Middle Eastern climate and maintain its resale value. The backing of Chery (a major automaker) is a reassuring factor, and initial build impressions of the T1 suggest a solid, well-engineered product. If the T1’s build quality and aftersales support meet consumer expectations, it could rapidly build a reputation as the “smart buy” SUV in its class.
In conclusion, the Jetour T1 SUV arrives as a bold new contender in 2025, one that could very well shake up the status quo in the midsize SUV segment. It combines head-turning design, potent performance (with the promise of cutting-edge hybrid efficiency), and a rich feature set – all wrapped in a highly competitive pricing package. This SUV is poised to solidify Jetour’s position in markets like the UAE, echoing the recipe of success seen with the larger T2 . For buyers, the T1 offers a refreshing alternative to the usual suspects, especially if you’re seeking maximum bang for your buck. Jetour has delivered a vehicle that feels tailor-made for the modern SUV buyer: tech-savvy, budget-conscious, and unafraid to venture off the beaten path. The Jetour T1’s impact on the segment will be closely watched, but early signs indicate it has the ingredients to become a game-changer in the affordable SUV category .
