Sharp-styled crossover duel: Jetour Dashing vs. GAC Emkoo

In the current Philippine automotive market, it can be argued that the compact crossover segment is one of the largest and most competitive. So, in recent years, many brands, old and new, have sought to expand their respective lineups with the aforementioned vehicle class. 

Jetour Auto Philippines Incorporated, for example, officially entered the country at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) with the sleek-looking Dashing compact crossover. At the very same 2023 edition of MIAS, GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group Company Limited) Motors Philippines introduced the Emkoo. 

Both models mentioned above are Chinese-made rides designed to provide a high level of practicality and comfort without breaking the bank. Plus, the two are definite head-turners due to their striking exterior designs.

But which nameplate is better on paper? Let’s find out by comparing the specifications of the Jetour Dashing 1.5L against the GAC Emkoo GL. 

Tale of the tape

To start our comparison between the two compact crossovers, let us take a close look at the two model’s dimensions. 

The Jetour Dashing is 4,590 millimeters (mm) long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,680 mm in height. Its wheelbase spans 2,720 mm, and it has a ground clearance of 160 mm. 

Meanwhile, the GAC Emkoo has a length of 4,680 mm, a width of 1,901 mm, and a height of 1,670 mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2750 mm and a ground clearance of 160 mm. 

Based on the figures above, the GAC model is slightly longer than the Jetour. Otherwise, both have the same width, and only a smidge of difference in terms of height. The GAC, however, does have a longer wheelbase, though the two sides have the same amount of ground clearance. 

As a note to would-be car buyers, paying close attention to the dimensions of a vehicle is crucial when shortlisting a model. Doing so, after all, will help one determine if the vehicle can even fit in your garage or not. Additionally, a car’s dimensions may also provide clues as to how roomy its interior is. 

Exterior

On the outside, both crossovers come with a sharp, somewhat futuristic look rich in sharp angles and lines. Both also feature LED headlamp clusters, LED daytime running lamps, rain-sensing wipers, flush door handles, a roof-mounted spoiler, and black plastic claddings. 

Other notable equipment present on the two vehicles include the following:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Power-folding side mirrors
• 19-inch wheels
• Power tailgate
• Anti-fog function (rear window)

As indicated above, both rides have power tailgates, but only the Jetour has a hands-free kick-to-open feature. 

Interior

Inside, both crossovers feature a comfy cabin with ample space for up to five occupants. The two boast leather-clad upholstery, plenty of soft-touch surfaces, and well-arranged control surfaces. 

For their drivers, the Dashing and the Emkoo both have an electronic parking brake, a push-to-start button, a key-less entry system, a front center armrest, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, ambient lighting, and power-adjustable front seating. 

The two also come with 60:40 split-folding rear seats, but only the GAC has a dual-zone feature for its automatic air-conditioning system. The climate control system inside the Emkoo also has an air quality monitoring system and a negative ion filter, which are not available on the Dashing. On the one hand, the Jetour does have a CN95 filter. 

Additionally, the Jetour model relies on a “Break Code” digital strip to display relevant driving information. The GAC, meanwhile, comes with a larger seven-inch digital gauge cluster. 

Where on-board entertainment is concerned, the Jetour Dashing utilizes a sizable 12.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound inside the Jetour model is outputted by six speakers, and it also comes with an array of USB ports, as well as a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Comparatively, the GAC Emkoo, was kitted out with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with Apply CarPlay only. It also uses a total of six speakers, and it also has a set of USB ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Based on the details above, the Jetour model has a larger infotainment screen, and it has more smartphone linking capabilities as well. Then again, the GAC’s larger driver display may be more function and more visible compared to the smaller Break Code gauge on the Jetour. 

Safety

As expected from modern crossover nameplates, both the Jetour Dashing and the GAC Emkoo were kitted out with a comprehensive list of safety equipment.

Both come with anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, a tire pressure monitor, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, speed-sensing door locks, seatbelt warnings, 360-degree view camera, and an engine immobilizer. The two crossovers also come with six airbags each. 

Only the Jetour has an anti-rollover control system, which is not available on the GAC model.

Each of the two nameplates also comes with an array of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). ADAS features present on both rides include the following:

• Blind-spot detection
• Lane change warning
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Forward collision warning

The one ADAS bit that is present on the GAC but unavailable on the Jetour is a traffic sign recognition system. The aforementioned leverages the vehicle’s exterior cameras to inform the driver about prevailing speed limits, lanes, stop signs, and many other relevant road regulations.

Powertrain

Under the hood of the Jetour Dashing is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine capable of producing up to 153 horsepower (hp) and 230 Newon-meters of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). 

The GAC Emkoo, meanwhile, uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder mill that’s good for 177 hp and 270 Nm of torque. It uses a seven-speed DCT, and it is also a front-wheel-drive ride. 

On paper, the GAC Emkoo has a leg up against the Jetour Dashing when it comes to making peak power and torque. Otherwise, both vehicles depend on a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear end. Stopping power for the two cars is likewise ensured by front and rear disc brakes. 

For a clearer comparison between the two model’s mechanical specifications, please refer to this table: 

Model	Jetour Dashing 1.5L	GAC Emkoo GL
Engine	Turbocharged inline-4
Displacement	1.5-liters
Fuel type	Gasoline
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Transmission	Six-speed wet-type dual-clutch	Seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch
Peak horsepower	153	177
Peak torque	230 Nm	270 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Multi-link

Pricing

In the Philippine market, the Jetour Dashing 1.5L is priced at P1.373 million. The GAC Emkoo GL, meanwhile, currently retails at P1.498 million. 

As a side note, both models are also offered with hybrid versions. For the Jetour Dashing, its electrified trim is the Lighting i-DM, which retails for P1.748 million. The GAC Emkoo Hybrid trim, on the other hand, is available locally for P1.698 million. 

Final thoughts

In summary, the Jetour Dashing and the GAC Emkoo appear to be up-to-par against each other when it comes to creature comforts and safety. There are slight differences, but the two ride’s specsheets show that they have the tools to keep every commute convenient, easy, and safe. 

The key difference between the two, however, is their engine outputs. Per the details above, the GAC boasts a much peppier engine compared to the Jetour nameplate. Sure, the Dashing’s 153-hp mill is more than enough for daily driving, but having 24-hp more on tap means an easier time doing overtakes on the highway. And, of course, potentially more fun and engagement when tackling winding backroads (within reasonable speed).

Like we always say in our other comparison articles, however, folks who are making a choice between the two models above should give each one a thorough test drive. Sure, reading off specs on the internet is a good start, but having actual real-life experience with the vehicle you are looking to buy will make for a more informed purchase in the end. 

Also read: 

Check out Jetour X50's feature-rich cabin

5 reasons to like the adventure-ready Jetour T2

Check out the GAC Empow’s classy, sporty cabin