While the more rugged diesel pickup-based passenger vehicles dominate the local midsize SUV segment, the sleeker unibody midsize SUV segment is showing signs of a resurgence thanks to a crop of new models featuring electrified drivetrain options.
One of the midsize sports utility vehicles set to launch in the country is the plug-in hybrid Jaecoo J8 SHS, which was previewed by Omoda and Jaecoo Philippines at the recent 2026 Philippine International Motor Show. For this comparo, we’ll be pitting the new midsize Jaecoo SUV against BYD’s popular Tang DM-i.
The PHEV J8 measures 4,820mm long, 1,930mm wide, and 1,710mm tall; this makes it 50mm shorter, 20mm narrower, and 15mm lower than the Tang DM-i. The midsize Jaecoo rides on a 2,820mm wheelbase; this is the same as its BYD rival. The PHEV J8 has a ground clearance of 181mm, this makes it just 1mm less than the Tang DM-i. The midsize Jaecoo rolls on 29.6-inch-diameter 245/50 R20 tires; this is 0.4 inches smaller than the 255/50 R20 rollers of the midsize BYD.
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Here’s a bonus comparison: The PHEV J8 is 5mm longer, 30mm wider, and 15mm taller than the Kia Sorento Hybrid. The midsize Jaecoo’s wheelbase is 5mm longer than its midsize Kia rival. The PHEV J8’s ground clearance is 7mm greater than the Sorento Hybrid.
The J8 is Jaecoo’s midsize three-row, 5+2 or 4+2-seat SUV. According to the LTO homologation papers, both the FWD PHEV and the AWD PHEV could potentially be offered in the local market. Both of the J8 PHEV variants pair a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine to a front electric motor, while the AWD variant gets an additional rear electric motor.
Total system output for the FWD variant is 302hp and 450Nm of torque, while the AWD’s total system output is a more impressive 422hp and 580Nm of torque. The FWD J8 comes with a 19.43kWh battery while the AWD variant packs a much larger 34.46kWh battery.
The Tang is BYD’s midsize three-row seven-seater SUV. Unlike the PHEV J8, the plug-in hybrid Tang is only offered with FWD. The Tang DM-I’s total system output is 267hp and 315Nm of torque. The PHEV BYD gets a 21.5kWh Blade battery. If you want an AWD Tang in the Philippines, you’d have to go straight to the 508hp Tang EV.
As of writing, official pricing for the J8 is still unknown, but O&J will likely price the FWD variant competitively against the Tang DM-I, which now stickers at P2,148,000. For those curious, the Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at P2,188,000 for the base 1.6 EX FWD variant.
What do you think of the Jaecoo’s new J8 SHS? Would you consider this plug-in hybrid midsize SUV newcomer over the popular BYD Tang DM-i? Let us know in the comments.
