The Jetour Traveller, a light off-road SUV introduced by Chery’s Jetour brand on September 26, combines a rugged design, modern features, and a range of powertrain options. The Traveler targets the compact SUV segment, focusing on mild off-road capabilities. It is priced between 139,900 and 184,900 yuan (19,300 – 25,500 USD) across six models.
Exterior
Designed by former Porsche designer Hakan Saracoglu, the Traveller features a square-box profile, rear spare container, towing hooks, and roof racks, reinforcing its off-road image. Seven exterior color options allow for customization, including black, gray, orange, tan, and silver.
Measuring 4785mm in length, 2006mm in width, and 1880mm in height, with a 2800mm wheelbase, the Traveller offers practical off-road specifications such as a 28° approach angle, 30° departure angle, 220mm ground clearance, and 700mm wading depth.
Interior
The Traveller’s interior is available in black, red, green, orange, and brown and incorporates materials like suede-like fabrics and textured surfaces. The cabin includes a 15.6-inch central touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It features voice and facial recognition, 4G connectivity, OTA updates, and remote control functionality.
Storage solutions and modular seating provide flexibility for various needs. Foldable rear seats create a flat cargo area, and the 64-inch panoramic sunroof enhances natural light and visibility. Rear features like a swing-out tailgate, integrated power outlets (6.6 kW), and hooks further support outdoor use.
Safety and Driving Assistance
The Traveller has Level 2.5 driving assistance, offering over ten functions, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and autonomous parking. These systems provide additional support during daily commutes and longer trips.
Behind the wheel
Driving the Jetour Traveler in urban settings showcases its balanced performance and comfort. Chery’s hybrid drivetrain powers the SUV and provides smooth transitions between electric and combustion modes. The system prioritizes electric propulsion for efficiency and quiet operation in city driving while seamlessly integrating the engine at speeds above 40 kph to achieve peak system efficiency.
Our test car has the 2.0TD engine, developed in-house by Chery. This engine generates 254 hp and 390 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT). This powertrain consumes 8.83L/100km.
On highways, the Traveler maintains steady composure, with its suspension tuned to absorb minor road imperfections while providing a firm grip during cornering. Responsive steering enhances maneuverability, instilling confidence even in tight urban spaces. Off the beaten path, the vehicle’s ground clearance, reinforced handles, and intuitive off-road displays come into play, allowing drivers to tackle rugged terrains easily.
Off-road, the Traveler displays impressive traction, aided by XWD intelligent four-wheel drive, which adapts intelligently to road conditions.
Verdict
The Jetour Traveler is an interesting car because Jetour offers many customizable parts, turning it into a “Range Rover” for the average Joe (as shown in the photos above). This makes it more fun and unique for automotive enthusiasts with budget concerns. The Jetour Traveller combines rugged design, practical features, and versatile performance in a competitively priced package. Its interior is thoughtfully designed, and the intelligent powertrain options support urban commuting and light off-road use. While not a hardcore off-roader, it effectively balances capability and style, making it suitable for everyday use and occasional adventures.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.
