Verdict
At RM178,800, the Omoda Jaecoo J8 undercuts the RM188,000 Suzuki eVitara by RM9,200 while bringing D-segment proportions: it is 545 mm longer and 130 mm wider. Its 246 hp, 385 Nm 2.0-litre turbo also reaches a 200 km/h top speed. But the eVitara is the sharper urban and EV choice, doing 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, carrying a 61.1 kWh battery rated for 426 km, and providing a more useful 306-litre boot against 200 litres. Home-charging access is the deciding factor here.
Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J8 if you want the larger 4,820 mm SUV, a 246 hp turbo petrol drivetrain and more rear-seat climate and parking equipment for RM9,200 less.
Pick the Suzuki eVitara if you can charge an EV regularly and prioritise its 426 km claimed range, quicker 8.7-second sprint and 306-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Omoda Jaecoo J8 RM178,800; Suzuki eVitara RM188,000.
- Powertrain: J8 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 246 hp and 385 Nm; eVitara single motor with 172 hp and 193 Nm.
- Acceleration/top speed: J8 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and 200 km/h; eVitara 8.7 seconds and 150 km/h.
- Dimensions: J8 4,820 mm long, 1,930 mm wide and 2,820 mm wheelbase; eVitara 4,275 mm, 1,800 mm and 2,700 mm.
- Boot space: J8 200 litres; eVitara 306 litres.
- Road tax: J8 RM439 yearly; eVitara RM120 yearly.
J8
- Larger 4,820 mm D-segment body and 2,820 mm wheelbase.
- 246 hp and 385 Nm, with a 200 km/h top speed.
- Dual-zone rear air-con, powered boot and auto parking.
- 200-litre boot is 106 litres smaller than the eVitara's.
- Slower 0-100 km/h time: 9.0 seconds versus 8.7 seconds.
- RM439 annual road tax versus RM120.
eVitara
- 61.1 kWh battery with 426 km EV range.
- Quicker 8.7-second 0-100 km/h time and lower RM120 annual road tax.
- 306-litre boot and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Much smaller body: 4,275 mm long versus the J8's 4,820 mm.
- 150 km/h top speed trails the J8's 200 km/h.
- No rear air-con, auto parking or head-up display.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM178,800✓ | RM188,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 246 hp | — |
| Torque | 385 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 172 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 193 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 61.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 426 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 67 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9 seconds | 8.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h✓ | 150 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,820 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,930 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Height | 1,699 mm | 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,820 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,892 kg | 1,788 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 65 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 200 litres | 306 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R20 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R20 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size Spare | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Maxxis Victra Sport 5 SUV | MRF Wanderer Ecotred |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | India (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-links |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available For Second Row Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver & Front Passenger Powered Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, 4-way Power Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding and Reclining | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof | Front Sunroof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Shade, Rear Window Shades | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 12.3-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-Speaker Sony Sound System | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Infinity Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km BEV Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used J8 & eVitara for sale
J8 vs eVitara FAQ
Is the Omoda Jaecoo J8 or Suzuki eVitara better?
The J8 is better for buyers needing a substantially larger SUV, turbo petrol power and more comfort equipment. The eVitara is better for regular EV charging, a 426 km claimed range, faster acceleration and a larger boot.
What is the price difference?
The Suzuki eVitara costs RM9,200 more than the Omoda Jaecoo J8. The J8 also has higher annual road tax, at RM439 versus RM120 for the eVitara.
Can the Suzuki eVitara suit long-distance driving?
Its 61.1 kWh battery is rated for 426 km, and it supports 7 kW AC plus 67 kW DC charging. It can suit longer trips if charging stops fit your route; the J8 instead uses a 65-litre petrol tank.