Jetour T2: hits and misses

When Jetour Auto Philippines Incorporated (JAPI) rolled out the T2 for the local market, the said model immediately caught the attention of folks who like sport utility vehicles (SUV). 

In 2024 alone, JAPI’s annual sales were given a huge boost by the SUV nameplate. In fact, it contributed 32.01 percent of its overall output for the said year. The aforementioned, of course, is a sure sign of the T2’s popularity, and more so its desirable characteristics. 

But, what are the key strengths of the Jetour T2? Also, does it have any notable weaknesses? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Beefy powertrain

One key strength of the T2 is its 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain. At maximum, it can generate up to 251 horsepower and 390 Newton-meters of torque, making it one of the peppiest amongst its similarly-priced rivals. 

Notably, the GDI inline-4 that the T2 uses an aluminum block as well as aluminum heads. The said material, per experts, returns better heat dissipation, improved resistance against corrosion, and, more importantly, less weight. 

Together with its four-banger engine, the Jetour-made ride utilizes a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. It also has seven drive modes, an electronic parking brake, and a real-time 4x4 system. 

The controls for the 4x4 system are conveniently located on the center console in the form of an easy-to-understand dial. 

Meanwhile, ride quality for the T2 is ensured by a MacPherson strut front suspension and a Multi-link rear suspension. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes for the front and rear. 

Other notable mechanical bits present on the T2 include under-body protection for the fuel tank, 20-inch wheels wrapped with 255/55R20 tires, a central limited-slip differential, and a rear electronic limited-slip differential. 

Loads of creature comforts

When it comes to its cabin, the T2 is sure to please all five of its occupants thanks to its vast array of creature comforts. 

For its seats, it utilizes a mix of suede and leather. Everyone inside is also kept cool by an automatic air-conditioning system, while the driver and front passenger have access to ventilated seats. 

Power adjustability ensures ease of use for the front-row seats. The driver, in particular, can be adjusted six ways. Moreover, the model has cup holders for the second row, a rear center armrest, and a heated/cooling function for the front row center armrest storage bin. 

With regard to driving convenience features, the T2 has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, an automatic defogging function, a rear wiper, a manual dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, a keyless entry system, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. 

On-board entertainment and navigation, meanwhile, is handled by a 15.6-inch touchscreen display linked to a 12-piece speaker system. The central screen also has Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. 

To note, the central display of the T2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155, which is manufactured by the same company that produces the chips underpinning Samsung’s line of flagship phones. As such, the processor can ensure the smooth operation of the car’s infotainment system.

Topping up devices inside the Jetour SUV is done easily, thanks to the presence of a wireless charging pad and several USB charging ports. The back row also has a 12-volt accessory outlet, which is able to power various tools or camping-related devices. 

On top of the cushy cabin, the Jetour T2 provides extra comfort through its active noise reduction system and its rear privacy glass. The model also boasts 752 liters of trunk space, which is further enhanced by the presence of six strap anchor points and a trunk storage box. 

Other noteworthy interior features of the T2 include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Ambient lighting system
• Glove box LED light
• Steering wheel-mounted buttons
• Sleep headrests 
• Power-adjust memory function (front seats)
• Voice commands

High-tech safety gear

Car buyers looking at the Jetour T2 will likewise appreciate its very comprehensive safety kit. For its set of basic safety features, it has anti-lock braking, traction control, stability control, a 360-degree view monitor, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a brake assist system, tire pressure monitoring, hill-descent control, bend braking control, wading sensing system, hill-start assist, dual front airbags, and side airbags - among others. 

The aforementioned are further reinforced by a suite of advanced driver assist systems, which include the following: 

• Advanced emergency braking
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• Rear collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic jam assist
• Anti-rollover control

Strong exterior design

Another strong point of the Jetour T2 is its enticing exterior design. 

As expected from a modern SUV, it comes with large LED fixtures, chunky front and rear bumpers, and plenty of black plastic claddings. It also assumes a boxy body style reminiscent of classic off-road models, which is made more handsome thanks to the presence of a large grille. 

While it looks attractive, the exterior also gets points for its amount of features. Specifically, it comes with power-folding side mirrors, exterior mirror heating, automatic adjust puddle lamps, a hydraulic hood stay, and a pair of sturdy step boards - among others. 

Size-wise, the model offers a lot of road presence due to its length of 4,785 millimeters (mm), its width of 2,006 mm, and its height of 1,880 mm. As mentioned above, it has a generous ground clearance of 180 mm. 

Cons

Built on a monocoque chassis

While it looks like it could go anywhere, would-be buyers of the Jetour T2 should be aware that it is built on a monocoque chassis. 

Sure, the said chassis type isn’t a weakness per se, but it does limit what the Jetour nameplate can do when it comes to off-road applications. Many who are experienced in the field of extreme off-roading, after all, will always prefer vehicles built on a ladder-frame chassis for its equal parts of strength and flexibility.

As a result, we can expect that the T2 isn’t really the one to pick for buyers who want to go mudding, rock crawling, or dealing with brutal routes such as the ones found in General Nakar, Quezon. 

On the flip side, monocoque vehicles like the T2 can offer more pliant rides on the road. Cars that use a monocoque or unibody frame also tend to be light and can provide better handling. 

Additionally, do remember that the Jetour model still has a 4x4 system, locking differentials, and a generous amount of ground clearance. As such, it can still fit well as a camping or outdoor activity vehicle or even as the basis of a decked-out overlanding build. 

Jetour T2: specifications

Model	Jetour T2 Terrain
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,785x2,006x1,880
Wheelbase	2,800
Ground clearance	220
Wheel size	20-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Rain-sensing wipers Drive mode selector Push-to-start button Power-adjustable front seats Heated and Ventilated front seats Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning USB ports 12-piece speaker system Locking differentials Electronic parking brake Wireless smartphone charging Active noise reduction Ambient lighting
Instrument cluster	10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	15.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay
Seating Capacity	5
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Horsepower	251
Torque	390 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technologies
ADAS	Blind-spot detection system Advanced emergency braking Lane-keeping assist Lane departure warning Forward collision warning Rear collision warning Traffic jam assist Adaptive cruise control
Safety	Anti-lock braking Stability control Traction control ISOFIX Anti-rollover system Wading sensor 360-degree view camera Tire pressure monitoring  Dual front airbags Side airbags
Security	Car alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P2.598 million

Final thoughts

With the Philippine-spec Jetour T2’s price range of P2.498 million-P2.598 million, it offers good value for the money for its would-be adopters. It has a very comprehensive safety kit, a peppy engine, and loads of creature comforts. 

Sure, it can’t step in the shoes of all-out off-roaders built on ladder-frame platforms, but it can fit the bill as a comfy ride on-road and as a competent chariot for a variety of outdoor activities. 

If you’re a serious buyer, however, do take out the Jetour T2 and its alternatives for a test drive. Doing so will help you find out if the ride is really the right fit for you, even more so than just reading off specs on the internet, after all. 

Also read: 

5 reasons to like the adventure-ready Jetour T2

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