In this spec-sheet brawl, we’ll be taking a look at self-charging hybrids. For those without access to a home wall charger, this one’s for you. One of the latest hybrid models to land on our shores is the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H. This new model has gained significant attention at recent auto shows, where it was impossible to miss the test-drive units buzzing around the venue. For this specs comparo, we’ll be pitting the J5 SHS-H against the MG ZS Hybrid+. Let the hybrid battles begin!
Both these crossovers are front-wheel-drive, self-charging hybrids. They use a hybrid system where the electric motor acts as the primary power source, while the internal combustion engine functions as a generator and provides power assistance when needed. The hybrid J5’s electric motor is mated to a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill, while the hybrid ZS’s electric motor is paired to a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gas unit. Both come with similar-capacity 1.83 kWh battery packs, but the hybrid Jaecoo comes with a fuel tank that’s 10 liters larger than the hybrid MG.
The first thing you will notice with the J5 is its size—it seems more like a shortened C-segment crossover rather than an actual B-segment offering. It’s 50mm shorter, 42mm wider, and 15 taller than the ZS. While it might be shorter, the added width and the boxier shape give it a decent 480-liter cargo area—about 37 liters more than its MG rival.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
PH car sales report: Tesla tops BEV sales in May, VinFast still leads year-to-date
Birthday shenanigans gone wrong: ‘Hulidap’ prank results in LTO subpoena
The J5 SHS-H and the ZS Hybrid+ come nicely spec’d with safety tech you’d expect from a range-topping subcompact crossover in the million-peso-plus price bracket, including a full suite of ADAS features. Both are equipped with 360-degree view cameras, but the Jaecoo adds a ‘Transparent Chassis’ view that gives it a total view of 540 degrees.
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The J5 has a fixed panoramic glass roof versus the MG’s power-operated sunroof, but the Jaecoo has a wireless charger that its MG rival lacks. The J5 also gets a multilink rear suspension, while the ZS makes do with a torsion beam.
Here’s a little trivia: Both the recently launched J5 and the current iteration of the ZS were developed for export. This just goes to show that the hybrid and internal combustion SUV segment is still alive and kicking across the globe.
So, how much do they cost? As of this writing, the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H Luxury carries a sticker price of P1,109,000, while the MG ZS Hybrid+ carries a P1,248,888 price tag. Yes, that’s a P139,888 gap between these two models.
Still not sure which one to choose? Take a look at the spec-sheet table we prepared and let us know in the comments which of these hybrid crossover SUVs you’d crown the winner.
SPECS: Jaecoo J5 SHS-H Luxury vs MG ZS Hybrid+
Jaecoo J5 SHS-H Luxury |
MG ZS Hybrid+ |
|
| Price (Philippine peso) | P1,109,000 | P1,248,888 |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Motor type | electric motor | electric motor |
| Power (hp) | 201 | 134 |
| Torque (Nm) | 310 | 250 |
| Battery capacity | 1.83 | 1.83 |
| Assisting power unit | 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line-four gasoline | 1.5-liter in-line-four gasoline |
| Electric motor power (hp) | 141 | 101 |
| Combined power (hp) | 221 | 194 |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 51 | 41 |
| Transmission | dedicated hybrid transmission | 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission |
| Brakes (front/rear) | disc/disc | disc/disc |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy | 18-inch alloy |
| Tires | 235/55 R18 | 215/50 R18 |
| Front suspension | independent MacPherson strut | independent MacPherson strut |
| Rear suspension | independent multilink | torsion beam |
| Seat material | synthetic leather | synthetic leather |
| Driver’s seat | 6-way power | 6-way power |
| Front passenger seat | 4-way manual | 4-way manual |
| Infotainment system | 13.2-inch touchscreen | 12.8-inch touchscreen (rotating) |
| Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay + Android Auto |
| Wireless charger | yes | no |
| Rear A/C vents | yes | yes |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| ABS with EBD | yes | yes |
| Electronic stability control | yes | yes |
| Traction control | yes | yes |
| Cruise control | yes (adaptive) | yes (adaptive) |
| Hill-start assist | yes | yes |
| Collision mitigation system | yes | yes |
| Forward collision warning | yes | yes |
| Rear cross-traffic collision warning | yes | yes |
| Lane-keep assist | yes | yes |
| Blind-spot monitor | yes | yes |
| Camera | 540-degree view | 360-degree view |
| Parking sensors | front + rear | front + rear |
| Headlights | LED | LED projector |
| Taillights | LED | LED |
| Panoramic roof | yes (fixed) | yes (electric sunroof) |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4,380 x 1,860 x 1,650 | 4,430 x 1,818 x 1,635 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,620 | 2,610 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 176 (155 laden) | 161 (140 laden) |
| Cargo volume (L) | 480 | 443 |
