JAC JS8 Pro: jack of all trades

JAC Motors Philippines rolled out the all-new JS8 Pro sport utility vehicle (SUV) in August of 2024. Having been out of the market for just a little over six months, the latest iteration of the nameplate continues to catch the attention of many Filipino buyers. 

With a can-do-anything attitude backed by a suite of impressive features, it has the potential to tick all the right boxes for those looking to purchase their first vehicle or enthusiasts wanting an upgrade. 

Here are Zigwheels Philippines’ thoughts after spending some time with the JAC JS8 Pro. 

Dimensions 

The JAC JS8 Pro boasts a beefy body that not only translates to a roomy cabin but also an improved road presence. 

Below are its measurements: 

Overall length (in mm)	4,825
Overall width (in mm)	1,870
Overall height (in mm)	1,758
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,830
Ground clearance (in mm)	160

 

Length-wise, the JAC JS8 Pro is as long as most SUV on the market — like the Mitsubishi Montero Sport (also measuring 4,825 mm long). It is also wider than the Toyota Fortuner (measuring 1,855 mm), which allows it to score points over the two mainstay models in the segment in the battle of length and girth. 

However, it is shorter (in terms of height) than the two aforementioned SUV models. 

Nevertheless, it enjoys decent ground clearance, so potholes and speed bumps won’t be much of an issue. Likewise, owners won’t have to worry about scratching their bumpers on concrete stoppers when parking. 

Modern, stylish exterior 

JAC took advantage of the JS8 Pro’s wide body and gave it a large, imposing fascia. 

The front end is mainly squarish and boxy with a modern-looking grille. The latticework is made up of long horizontal slats with short lines in between. They are finished in chrome and give the SUV a three-dimensional radiator shield. 

Flanking the said appointment is a cluster of LED lights, which combines the main headlamps and daytime running lights. These are height-adjustable and have automatic functionality, which could be helpful when passing through tunnels, navigating the basement parking lot, or when driving at dusk. 

Breaking the linear frontal design are its sides with contoured surfaces. They help give the JAC JS8 Pro an elegant look, while still offering some level of athletic appeal. Here, one will find blacked-out claddings, which come in the form of wheel arches and protective covers at the bottom of its doors. 

Some chrome is applied to its window surrounds, which blends well with its silver roof rails and two-tone 19-inch aluminum wheels. Sporting a black-on-chrome design, they are wrapped with 235/50 radial tires. 

It is also worth noting that the JAC JS8 Pro gets two-tone side mirrors with turn signals, cameras, and puddle lamps. 

At the back, JAC’s SUV flaunts a horizontal light bar that connects the two LED taillamps. A third brake lamp can be found integrated into its roof-mounted spoiler. 

Allowing ease of operation is a power tailgate, which gives access to decent space despite having third-row seating. 

Rounding up its exterior features are reflectors on each of its hind cheeks as well as chrome appliques on the rear bumper, which give the effect of having dual exhaust ports. 

Overall, the JAC JS8 Pro looks like a proper SUV. Its styling gives it modern flair, which could attract many of today’s car buyers. 

Tech-savvy interior

Reflecting a similar vibe, the cabin of the JAC JS8 Pro looks the part of an SUV released in recent years. 

Immediately taking one’s attention are the pair of screens sitting atop its dashboard. Past the multi-functional steering wheel is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Displayed in crisp detail are relevant driving information, which we have listed below: 

• Selected light mode
• Engaged gear
• Speedometer 
• Seatbelt reminder
• Tachometer 
• Driving range 
• Temperature 
• Connected media  

Accompanying the aforementioned instrument panel is a similarly sized (12.3 inches) infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. This not only serves as a display for smartphone apps like Google Maps and Spotify but also acts as a monitor for the JAC JS8 Pro’s 360-degree view camera. 

Below the infotainment unit is the center air conditioning vent as well as physical buttons to control the temperature, fan speed, and the button for the hazard light. 

Right within reach is the gear knob, the electronic parking brake switch, and the driving mode selector. I appreciate that the wireless charging pad was positioned horizontally so the smartphone wouldn’t get exposed to too much sunlight when docked. 

I also would like to point out that under the JAC JS8 Pro’s center armrest is a cubby that can keep your cold drinks cool. It is spacious enough to accommodate small water bottles and soda cans. 

Further, it has a panoramic sunroof, which is perfect for young car owners (and passengers) who need warm, natural lighting for selfies. 

Below are other notable features offered by the JAC JS8 Pro: 

• Multi-functional leather steering wheel
• Leather seats with heating functionality 
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Folding second-row seats
• Folding third-row seats 
• Second-row armrest
• Dedicated rear air conditioning vents 
• Ambient lighting 
• Six-speaker audio system 

Spacious, practical cabin

With a long and wide body, the JAC JS8 Pro offers plenty of space for its occupants. The driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat do not feel cramped. Likewise, those occupying the second row will have ample leg and elbow room. 

It also has cup holders for everyone. The author has counted and there are approximately 10 cup holders available for keeping drinks. Some pockets for snacks can also be found on the sides of the cabin. 

Should the need to carry cargo arise, the JAC JS8 Pro’s third-row seats can be folded. For longer items, the second-row seats can also be bent down. 

Capable powertrain 

Under the hood of the JAC JS8 Pro is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Below are its performance figures: 

Maximum power (in hp)	182
Maximum torque (in Nm)	300

 

Behind the wheel, the said numbers translate to decent power delivery. It was able to accelerate easily in city driving with stop-and-go traffic. Surprisingly, the JAC JS8 Pro did not feel jumpy despite having a dual-clutch transmission. With some footwork, one can easily make it take off smoothly. 

On the expressways, the bulky SUV may take some time to build momentum. Nevertheless, it can sustain power across the entire rev range. 

Braking and deceleration are facilitated by disc brakes, front and back. As for its suspension, the JAC JS8 Pro uses a Mac Pherson-type setup at the fore and a torsion beam semi-independent arrangement at the rear. That said, the ride quality is supple and will not rock its occupants out of their socks. 

And while we’re on the topic of ride comfort, engine noise is kept to a minimum thanks to a full engine compartment cover and engine hood noise isolation. 

Safety

When it comes to safety, the JAC JS8 Pro is no slack. Below are its standard safety features: 

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• Seatbelt reminder 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake force distribution 
• Electronic stability program 
• Hydraulic brake assist 
• Hill-start assist control 
• Brake override system 
• Parking sensors 
• 360-degree camera 
• Over-speed alarm 

Here are its advanced driver-assist technologies: 

• Blind spot detection
• Lane change assist 
• Door opening warning 

Final thoughts 

Having driven the JAC JS8 Pro for almost a week, I can say that the SUV is able to provide answers to the common needs of many Filipino families. 

To begin with, it is spacious enough to accommodate extended family members. The versatile seating means that it can be used not only to carry passengers but also to haul common cargo, like boxes of groceries or one’s weekly laundry. 

Its imposing road presence and decent ground clearance make it a good ride for both daily errands and spontaneous weekend getaways. 

Plus, it gets modern gadgets that allow it to keep up with today’s drivers and passengers. 

JAC Motors Philippines is offering the JS8 Pro in a single Flagship variant. It is priced at P1.35 million. 

Also read:

JAC displays T9 pickup at Auto Guangzhou 2024, defers PH arrival to Q2 2025

JAC PH boosts expansion efforts, opens Iloilo dealership

JAC celebrates 60th anniversary, highlights NEVs at Auto Guangzhou 2024