Founded in Anhui Province, China in 1997, Chery Automobile Co, Ltd. Has become increasingly large and successful. The Chinese state-owned car manufacturer began production of passenger cars in 1999 and started exporting its vehicles across the world by 2001. From small beginnings, Chery gradually became a leading international brand, and by 2012 was the tenth biggest car manufacturer in the world. Such impressive growth for the company resulted from a combination of cooperation with global component suppliers and Chery’s international collaborations and expansion.

The company’s history also shows it was ahead of the game in exploring electric mobility, and in offering a wide selection of more conventional models. It formed a number of international alliances, and set up assembly plants and parts operations in China and elsewhere, including the Israel Corporation and Jaguar Land Rover, to gain a foothold in the global market. The first modern all-electric vehicle was launched in 2009, the S18. That extensive background has now led to a new generation of tough SUVs and off-road-inspired electric vehicles under Jetour, iCar, Jaecoo, and Fulwin.

1. Chery’s Evolution Toward Rugged SUVs

Those who think of Chery as a maker of boxy adventure rides should remember that it launched with a lineup of small sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and economical city cars. For instance, the Chery Arrigo 5 from 2016 was notable for its hydrodynamic profile, roomy interior and well-placed wheel controls. E3, introduced at the end of 2013, was powered by an 80-horsepower, 1.5-liter engine capable of a top speed of 175 kph the E5 came with an aerodynamic design, while the absurdly inexpensive QQ3 was also a major part of the city car manufacturer’s initial focus.

Chery Development Highlights:

• Founded in 1997
• Passenger production began in 1999
• Export markets entered in 2001
• First EV arrived in 2009
• Global expansion followed

As its experience with various types of vehicles grew, the company was eventually ready to take a slightly more aggressive leap into light off-road vehicles and boxy sport utility vehicles. Chery currently employs a handful of sub-brands that incorporate tough, boxy styling in the exterior with high-tech-friendly interiors and relatively affordable pricing. All of this marks a fundamental departure for a brand that initially made its name with diminutive city cars. The broader approach also takes advantage of Chery’s global supplier relationships and manufacturing experience. Over the years, the automaker has worked with suppliers including Visteon, Valeo, Siemens VDO, PPG Industries, Bosch, Futuris, Delphi Automotive, Autoliv and Arvin Meritor, and that international engineering pedigree has helped the company to develop evermore elaborate vehicles at the right price.

2. Jetour T2 Brings Big-SUV Attitude

The Jetour T2, known in China as the Jetour Traveller, is one of the most obvious signs of Chery’s new off-road trend. Jetour has launched a second vehicle called T2 (also known as Jetour iC5), a mid-size SUV sold domestically in China and priced from 139,900 yuan (about $ 19,250). The new vehicle’s exterior design was led by former Porsche design chief Hakan Saracoglu, the front has a strong orientation and a formal design to evoke the trail, with a crystal grille, champagne gold accents, angular window frames, full-width LED headlamps and a vertically mounted tail lamp.Inside, the T2’s interior continues the tech-heavy theme with a red-and-black theme, matte chrome accents, ambient lighting and a massive floating centre display with card-style interface.

Jetour T2 Design Features:

• Boxy midsize SUV design
• 4,785 mm overall length
• 2,800 mm wheelbase
• Full-width LED lighting
• Tailgate storage pod

Practical features include magnetic umbrella storage, built-in beverage coolers, light-up wheel arches and a passenger-dashboard light-up map. Its long 2,800mm wheelbase gives it a generous cabin that’s perfect for everyday chores or adventures over an extended period. Powertrains for the T2 include a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 184 horsepower and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 254 horsepower, while all-wheel drive models will be powered by either Borg Warner’s sixth-generation four-wheel-drive system or the all-new Jetour XWD fully automatic intelligent four-wheel-drive system, along with J7+X drive modes to adapt to different road and trail conditions.

3. Jetour T2’s Off-Road Capability and Market Response

While the Jetour T2 is all about technology and practicality for daily use, its specs also give it some real light off-road capabilities. It sits high with 220 mm of ground clearance, a 28-degree approach angle and 30-degree departure angle, meaning it can take bumps and some moderate off-road obstacles easier than your typical urban crossover. Optional features consist of trailer hitch, wading sensors, roof bike carriers and luggage racks and parking air-conditioning for camping. The combination of trail-friendly geometry and everyday-driving features has helped the T2 generate considerable attention in China.

T2 Trail-Ready Features:

• 220 mm ground clearance
• 28-degree approach angle
• 30-degree departure angle
• Wading sensors available
• Roof luggage rack

That has translated into sales of 15,523 units in September 2024, up 189.4% on a reported year-over-year basis. Its price line-up also offers a lower point than other comparable midsize SUV choices like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe in the comparison chart provided here. Part of the key to the Jetour T2’s success is having a good balance of authentic Trail-ready looks, capable off-road geometry, technology inside and price that is reasonably accessible to many consumers. Instead of being a dedicated off-road machine with a focus on Trail-ready elements at the expense of a practical daily driver, the T2 has been marketed more as an SUV that can be a daily driver during the week and a camping or trail companion on the weekends.

4. iCar V23 Takes Boxy Styling Into the EV Market

Chery’s all-electric iCar brand is introducing a similar approach to the small car market. The iCar V23 is the third vehicle to be based on the iCar label and employs design cues from old-school utility vehicles, notably the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Suzuki Jimny, Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series, and Land Rover Defender. The short overhangs, raised stance, and boxy shape make it look like an off-road favorite even if it’s only an inch or two longer than the Jeep Renegade.The V23 offers a functional off-road layout as a city-based EV also. 

iCar V23 Dimensions:

• 4,220 mm length
• 1,915 mm width
• 1,845 mm height
• 2,730 mm wheelbase
• Up to 212 mm clearance

All-wheel-drive variants have a ground clearance of up to 212mm, with 43 degrees of approach and 41 degrees of departure. Single-motor variants use smaller 19-inch wheels, while dual-motor models use larger 21-inch alloy wheels and are optionally fitted with all-terrain tires. They also feature a 5-link set-up in the rear to keep things stable when crossing tricky terrain. The cabin takes a digital approach with physical buttons as well. The centre screen measures a sizeable 15.4-inches across and is complimented by physical HVAC controls above it. The second row features two independent seats that fold flat to increase the total cargo volume to 774-litres, accessed through a side-hinged tailgate for maximum practicality.

5. iCar V23 Electric Powertrain Options

The iCar V23 can be purchased with a few electric powertrain options that allow the model to satisfy different budgets and technical needs. The basic single-motor version has a 100 kW electric drive system with 180 Nm of torque and a 47.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. It has about 301 km of CLTC range and is priced from RMB 99,800. The upgraded single-motor version doubles the battery size to about 59.9 kWh and has a range of about 401 km.On top, the 80 XE comes with the dual-motor setup rated 155 kW and 292 Nm. The same package employs an 81.8 kWh NMC battery and promises as much as 501 km of range. 

V23 Powertrain Choices:

• 100 kW single motor
• 180 Nm torque
• 47.3 kWh LFP battery
• Up to 501 km range
• Dual-motor AWD available

The top version can sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and has a starting price of RMB 139,800. These options ensure the V23 can address customers on the tight budget for a small electric vehicle while offering a handful of more affordable versions for those who want a slightly more capable package with all-wheel drive. The EV powertrain, package size and dimensions, big approach and departure angles, and the rough styling give the V23 a slightly different identity than conventional city-centric electric crossovers. Chery is smartly using the iCar branding to demonstrate the firm’s point that BEVs can adopt the visual language and pragmatic dimensions of small off-roaders.

6. Chery Tansuo 06 and the Jaecoo J7

For the buyer interested in a tough styling direction without going to fully battery-electric power, Chery has the Tansuo 06 sold internationally as the Jaecoo J7. This micro light off-roader is priced from 116,900 to 139,900 yuan and measures 4,538 mm long, 1,898 mm wide, 1,680 mm high and features a 2,672 mm wheelbase. The exterior design includes a large black matrix grille with big statement Chery letters, daytime running lights, red brake calipers, concealed door handles and a floating-roof look.

Tansuo 06 Design Points:

• 4,538 mm body length
• 2,672 mm wheelbase
• Large matrix grille
• Red brake calipers
• Floating roof appearance

Behind the wheel inside the Tansuo 06 features a symmetrical cabin structure with chrome-coated accents and polygons-style vertical air vents. A 13.2-inch vertical display sits in the center of the dashboard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster mounted ahead of the driver and a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel between them. Also available on the higher grades are a head-up display (HUD), a wireless charging pad, electronically adjustable seats, and off-road and snow driving modes. The Tansuo 06’s advanced driver-assistance system is also comprehensive and includes a Level 2.5 system with a suite of 23 driver aid features like adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, auto emergency braking, and collision avoidance. The Tansuo 06 is a rugged little SUV inside and out.

7. Tansuo 06 Performance and Efficiency

The Tansuo 06 gets a rear-wheel drive layout coupled to a 145 kW/290 Nm, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and is available with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. With a 0-100 km/h time of roughly eight seconds, the compact SUV offers enough punch between daily usability and functionality.Driving range is still an important aspect of the package. Two-wheel-drive variants consume just over 6.98-litres per 100 km, with all-wheel drive versions consuming just over 7.48-litres per 100 km.

Tansuo 06 Performance:

• 1.6-liter turbo engine
• 145 kW output
• 290 Nm torque
• Seven-speed DCT
• 0–100 km/h in 8 seconds

The Tansuo 06 therefore manages to maintain somewhat practical running costs while still delivering the all-wheel drive capabilities and low range you might expect of an SUV. The Tansuo 06 manages to find itself a happy medium in the increasingly expansive Chery model range. It isn’t completely electric power, but it does incorporate many of the design language and technical features you might find in the recent Chery offerings. The two-wheel and four-wheel-drive variants also add great capacity for buyers to find the setup suitable for their purposes.

8. Fulwin X3L Uses Range-Extender Technology

We then have the Fulwin X3L, which introduces a different take on the tall SUV look by pairing a tall body with Chery’s Kunpeng Golden range extenders. This stretched wheelbase model of the X3 is mechanically related to the iCar 03T, and measures 4,545 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,815 mm high. Its large 2,783 mm wheelbase is complemented by plenty of visual references to appliances like the Defender and G-Class. Instead of a pure EV, the X3L employs a 1.5-liter turbocharged I3 with 154hp as a generator only.

Fulwin X3L Dimensions:

• 4,545 mm length
• 1,950 mm width
• 1,815 mm height
• 2,783 mm wheelbase
• 119,900–149,900 yuan

Customers may opt between a single rear-mounted motor with 248hp, or a dual-motor all-wheel drive with 422hp and 373 lb.-ft. Of torque, with the company claiming the dual-motor setup can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 4.7 seconds. Range on pure electric is between 135 km to 215 km depending on configuration, with a total range of up to 1,200 km thanks to the engine and fuel tank in the same propulsion system. This range extender setup gives the X3L a unique operating philosophy compared to traditional gasoline-powered SUVs and EVs; it uses electric propulsion with the backup of a range-extending powertrain.

9. Fulwin X3L’s Adventure-Oriented Equipment

To further enhance its off-road credibility, the Fulwin X3L also boasts a range of specifications built with trail-based use and outdoor recreation in mind. Key equipment comprises a tank-turn function, off-road cruise control, crawling (low speed driving) modes, side steps and a side-opening tailgate. There are also factory off-road upgrade packs so owners can tell even more of an adventure story. Inside, the cabin maintains the same theme with a 15.6-inch infotainment screen.

X3L Off-Road Equipment:

• Tank-turn function
• Off-road cruise control
• Low-speed crawling
• Side steps
• Factory modification kits

Digital instrument cluster, rectangular air vents, and large grab handles all keeping things more utilitarian looking while still pushing the tech-heavy trend of many of Chery’s newer SUV models. With its range-extender tech as well as off-road oriented features, the X3L is a rather unique model for Chery, which is exploring a variety of powertrain options while sticking to the very same idea of selling tech-heavy and capable SUVs at a good price.

10. Chery’s Expanding Global Off-Road Strategy

Jetour, iCar, Tansuo, Jaecoo and Fulwin models Jetour’s increasingly broad lineup shows how much Chery has grown up from its humble beginnings in tiny city cars and compact sedans: The Jetour T2 offers a midsize adventure pack with turbo performance and four-wheel drive, while the iCar V23 offers a compact electric drive with exceptional off-road angles. The Tansuo 06 offers conventional turbocharged power and intelligent driver assistance, while the Fulwin X3L offers an electric drive with a range extender to give a longer total distance.Across these five models, Chery consistently marries boxy aesthetics with digitally modern cabins, forward-thinking powertrains, and useful trail accessories.

Chery Lineup Highlights:

• Jetour T2 adventure SUV
• iCar V23 compact EV
• Tansuo 06 light off-roader
• Fulwin X3L range extender
• Competitive pricing strategy

It isn’t choosing just one formula for its SUV expansion. Instead, it is creating gasoline and battery-powered, as well as range-extended, models that consider the three different ways in which consumers will take a vehicle on the daily grind and thrill ride. Chery’s evolution from a China-only automaker to an international automotive company manifests clearly in its newest SUV lineup. Its more recent models prove that the company’s engineering guys are gaining confidence in their work, as well as their desire to experiment with body styles, powertrains, and feature packages. Whether intended for driving around urban streets and highways, going on a camping excursion, or tackling a light off-road trail, the Jetour, iCar, Tansuo, and Fulwin support Chery’s mission to forge a robust, feature-rich, and broad modern SUV presence.