Omoda Jaecoo J8 FWD vs AWD
Verdict
The FWD is the value play at RM178,800, because the RM198,800 AWD asks RM20,000 more without changing the 1,998 cc petrol engine, 246 hp/385 Nm outputs, automatic gearbox, 9.0-second 0-100 km/h time or RM439 road tax. The gap buys all-wheel drive, a six-seat cabin instead of five and 10 airbags instead of six. If you need the extra driven axle or sixth seat, the AWD has a clear brief. If not, the FWD keeps the same pace and footprint for less.
Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J8 FWD if you want the same engine output, acceleration, size and road tax for RM20,000 less.
Pick the Omoda Jaecoo J8 AWD if you want all-wheel drive, six seats and the higher 10-airbag count.
Key differences
- Price: RM178,800 in the FWD, RM198,800 in the AWD
- Driven wheels: front-wheel drive in the FWD, all-wheel drive in the AWD
- Seats: 5 in the FWD, 6 in the AWD
- Airbags: 6 in the FWD, 10 in the AWD
FWD
- RM20,000 cheaper to buy
- Same 246 hp and 385 Nm output
- Same 9.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- No all-wheel drive
- Five seats versus six
- Six airbags versus 10
AWD
- All-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive
- Six-seat cabin
- 10 airbags
- Costs RM20,000 more
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 178,800✓ | RM 198,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 246 hp | 246 hp |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,820 mm | 4,820 mm |
| Width | 1,930 mm | 1,930 mm |
| Height | 1,699 mm | 1,699 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,820 mm | 2,820 mm |
| Weight | 1,892 kg | 1,892 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 65 litres | 65 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Boot Space | 200 litres | 200 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R20 | 245/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R20 | 245/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size Spare | Full Size Spare |
| Factory Tyres | Maxxis Victra Sport 5 SUV | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Adaptive Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbag and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electronic for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 6 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available For Second Row Seats | Available For Second Row 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 Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver & Front Passenger Powered Seats | Driver & Front Passenger Powered Seats with Seat Ventilation and Massaging Functions |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding and Reclining | Individual Captain Seat Middle Row with Ventilation, Massaging and 2 Person Memory, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof | Panoramic 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, Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Shade, Rear Window Shades | Panoramic Glass Shade, Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 12.3-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-Speaker Sony Sound System | 12.3-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 14-Speaker Sony 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 | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | 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 | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years | 7 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 439 | RM 439 |
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.
FWD vs AWD FAQ
Is the Omoda Jaecoo J8 FWD or Omoda Jaecoo J8 AWD better?
The FWD is better value because performance and key dimensions are unchanged. The AWD is better if you specifically want all-wheel drive, six seats and 10 airbags.
What is the price difference?
The Omoda Jaecoo J8 AWD costs RM20,000 more than the Omoda Jaecoo J8 FWD.
Are the engine and performance the same?
Yes. Both use a 1,998 cc petrol engine with 246 hp and 385 Nm, a conventional automatic gearbox, a 9.0-second 0-100 km/h time and a 200 km/h top speed.