Chinese carmaker Jetour has grown significantly from the novelty of the adorable Ice Cream EV. One of the brand’s most popular and recognizable nameplates now seems to be the T2, a big and boxy SUV with seven variants on offer.
Its latest addition, the Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM, introduced plug-in hybrid power to the lineup, while keeping the vehicle’s rugged looks and off-road aspirations. However, this version loses the XWD system—Jetour-speak for 4WD—found on the non-hybrid T2s. That then leaves overlanders with interchangeable drive modes and dual motors.
Still, urban drivers will get a bulky four-wheeler with road presence, ground clearance, a full suite of advanced driver assists, and many more bells and whistles. This T2 certainly looks the part of a capable SUV, but can it deliver on that? Read on to find out.
Styling
All right, we all know what this looks like. It’s Defender-esque, but the T2 Lightning i-DM still has its own character. The blocky Jetour letters up front announce that this is not a Land Rover. Those letters light up at night, too, so everyone knows exactly what you’re driving all the time. It’s complemented by neon-green accents on the grille, the wheels, and the roof rack.
The boxy frame has some functional aspects to it, but also a few pieces just for aesthetics. The front bumper and fender flares add length and width, and will offer some protection to the wheels and lighting units. Step boards, finished in the same matte black as the rest of the cladding, are a great help to occupants since this is such a tall SUV. Notably, the car stands at just 4,785mm long and a bit over 2,000mm wide, but these garnishes make it look much larger.
Under the bumper, you’ll find what looks like front tow hooks, but are just more of those neon-green accents. Around back, there are false hinges that do not connect the tailgate to the car’s frame. These aspects can make the T2 look cluttered at times, but you won’t notice them much because the giant lettering upfront and the squared-off spare tire cover at the rear will take most of your attention, anyway.
Overall, the matte finishes and the large, blocky components give the car a traditionally macho look. It’s the smaller details that discredit the T2’s menacing stance.
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Interior
The rugged design language continues in the cabin, with most materials featuring metallic finishes and outdoor motifs. Etched on the front passenger side is a topographic pattern with a stream of ambient lighting stretched across it. I guess this is Jetour’s way of saying that the T2 can go the distance.
But make sure to pack light. I was disappointed with the T2’s trunk space, as it is simply not proportionate for a car of its size. I could not find the exact cargo capacity, but a 50-inch TV in its box did not fit within the rear cargo area. I ended up having to fold the backseats, which unfortunately do not fold flat. While the tailgate features a bottle opener, cupholders, and a couple of cubbies, the limited cargo area limits the T2’s ability to be a proper weekend vehicle. Perhaps it’s better suited as a day-trip companion.
No matter the journey, however, the drive should be comfortable as the leather-upholstered seats are wide and long. Thanks to its expanded frame, legroom, and headspace, the T2’s passenger cabin is quite good. The stretched-out sunroof is a nice addition, too. For added relaxation, the front seats are ventilated, but the 12-speaker Sony soundf system is what really sets the mood for all five passengers.
It then draws audio from the 15.6-inch main display up front, where the driver will get video from the 540-degree camera system. It complements the wide center console, which features a cooling box on one end and a wireless charging pad on the other. Sandwiched between those is the crystalized gearshift and the drive mode knob. Cornering the drive mode selector are buttons that will let you engage the camera system and other functions.
Mounted across the T2 are two USB ports in the front and back for charging, as well as grab handles left and right. While buyers probably wouldn’t use this particular T2 for off-roading, the grab handles are still helpful for ingress and egress.
Powertrain performance
Jetour’s i-DM, or intelligent dual motor system, is built around a 1.5-liter engine paired with dual motors and a hefty 26.7kWh battery. With this plug-in hybrid powertrain, the T2 claims a combined range of over 1,000km, with 139km on just electric power. From my experience, the car returned around 17.5km/L in mixed driving conditions.
I chose to leave the T2 in hybrid mode; however, I noticed it would heavily favor the fully electric EV mode until the battery charge dropped to around 20%. From there, it would rely on the engine, which would sluggishly carry the T2 until the battery has been recharged—through brake regen if you’re on the move—to an acceptable capacity.
While Jetour Auto Philippines does not display this T2’s exact power outputs on its website, other reports have the engine rated at 150hp and 220Nm of torque, and the electric motors at 221hp and 390Nm. When decently charged, the T2 can get up to speed in a spritely manner, though the three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission struggles at the third shift. It should be fine for highway driving, but do expect some delay when gunning it.
Ride and handling
The T2 feels relatively light on its feet, but that lightness comes with a lot of body roll. As the motors and engine deliver power to the front wheels, the rear often ends up feeling like it’s falling behind. This makes the T2 less than graceful on sharper turns and maneuvering at higher speeds. It could benefit from a bit more weight or a fully loaded cabin with passengers and cargo.
The T2 definitely shines the brightest on long straights, and it remains relatively quiet in almost all driving conditions. That is in part because of the multilayer glass that soundproofs the car.
Those aspects translate into a comfortable city vehicle, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The SUV also handles potholes and other road imperfections well, thanks to its big tires and high ground clearance. However, maneuvering can be a bit tricky given its size, but the light steering feel and the camera systems are a big help.
Extra features
This T2 comes with a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warnings, lane-keeping and departure control, and collision alerts. While these features are appreciated, they could be better calibrated. In heavy traffic, the T2 can pop off with beeps and dings to let you know about the cars and motorcycles stuck in a standstill with you. It can get quite annoying as these particularly unnecessary alerts cut out your music.
Speaking of music, the car is loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which work in great tandem with the Sony sound system.
Jetour claims the tailgate is powered, but we did not see this feature during our time with the T2. That’s also a shame, as the door itself is a bit heavy. The side mirrors are also advertised as heated to help with condensation.
Verdict
Jetour has packed a lot into this large SUV. From a bird’s-eye view, it’s a clean-looking car with impressive fuel economy and great ride comfort. However, the devil is in the details, and there are just some peculiarities that get in the way of a more refined driving experience.
P2.488 million is also a hefty asking price, especially when Toyota Motor Philippines offers the current top-of-the-line RAV4 Hybrid for P2.377 million. For those really looking for an off-road-oriented electrified SUV, the Subaru Forester e-Boxer is just P10,000 pricer than Jetour’s plug-in hybrid. Subaru’s alternative keeps the classic Symmetrical AWD system and a more powerful 2.5-liter engine.
If you’re looking for something completely new with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Jetour T2 can provide that unfamiliar experience. Those looking for a more practical crossover might be more tempted to stick with hybrid Japanese options.
SPECS: 2026 Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM
Price: P2,488,000
Powertrain: 1.5-liter gasoline + dual motors
Transmission: Three-speed dedicated hybrid
Power: 150hp (engine), 221hp (motors)
Torque: 220Nm (engine), 390Nm (motors)
Layout: FWD
Seating: 5
Score: 7.5/10
More photos of the 2026 Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM:
