- JAECOO has been named 2026 Brand of the Year by Carwow, recognising its rapid rise and outstanding value in the UK market.
- The J7 has won multiple major awards, including Family Car of the Year 2025 at the Scottish Car of the Year awards, alongside accolades across Europe and Southeast Asia.
- Super Hybrid System (SHS) awarded Best PHEV Technology of the Year by Auto Bild España, validating its real-world efficiency and performance for European drivers.
In the prestigious Carwow Car of the Year Awards, JAECOO – one of the UK’s fastest-growing car brands – received the 2026 Brand of the Year award, a watershed moment in the brand’s success and recognition in the UK automotive industry this year. The award recognises brands that demonstrate originality, breakthrough potential, and an enjoyable driving experience.
The judging panel determined that JAECOO, with its distinctive design language, strong standard specification, and rapidly growing presence in the UK market, has become one of the most noteworthy emerging brands.
The J7, in particular, received praise for its performance across the board, including design, equipment, and its ability to deliver exceptional value. It has consistently ranked highly in Carwow website searches for several consecutive months.
Chief Content Officer for Carwow, Mat Watson, commented, “JAECOO hasn’t been in the UK long, but it’s already taken the market by storm. They look cooler, they’re better equipped, and they cost far less than European, Japanese or Korean alternatives.”
Carwow, which has 10.8 million subscribers to its popular YouTube channel, also expressed anticipation for JAECOO’s future development and expanding product lineup as key factors supporting its growing influence in the UK market.
“Awards like Carwow Brand of the Year and the J7 being named SCOTY Family Car of the Year reinforce what customers are telling us across global markets,” commented Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “From the UK to South Africa, buyers are responding to products that deliver real-world usability without the premium price tag. It’s clear to see that strong design, generous specification and genuine value for money still matter.”
J7 named Family Car of the Year by SCOTY
The Carwow recognition is just one of several accolades bestowed upon JAECOO and its models in recent months. The Scottish Car of the Year Awards (SCOTY) announced their 2025 results, with the J7 being honoured as Family Car of the Year 2025.
Judged by the Scottish Automotive Press Association, this award is one of the most prestigious automotive honours in Scotland and is widely regarded as an important purchasing reference for consumers.
SCOTY evaluations are based on real-world scenarios and genuine user needs, with decisions made by senior automotive journalists, long-term test media, and industry experts following extensive evaluation.
“The JAECOO J7, with its well-rounded and comprehensive product strength, has found an excellent combination of space, comfort, and value, making it an outstanding choice for contemporary family travel,” noted the judges.
The SCOTY adjudicators scored the J7 highly for its overall value, with judges highlighting its ride comfort, interior space, and practicality.
SHS technology awarded best PHEV Technology of the Year by Spanish media
In November 2025, Auto Bild España, Spain’s authoritative automotive media outlet, announced the results of its Best PHEV Technology of the Year selection, awarding the honour to OMODA & JAECOO’s Super Hybrid System (SHS).
The OMODA & JAECOO SHS technology stood out for its ability to deliver low energy consumption in urban use while maintaining stable, sustained power output during high-speed and long-distance driving. Auto Bild España’s recognition of SHS as a leading hybrid technology highlights its alignment with the needs of European motorists.
Consistent global recognition of the JAECOO J7
In the Czech Republic, the JAECOO J7 secured first place in the SUV category, as judged by Fleet Magazine. This award focuses on long-term reliability, energy efficiency, and operational costs, reinforcing the model’s professional and practical credentials for fleet and corporate users.
In Thailand, the J7 SHS, the plug-in hybrid variant, was awarded Best SUV PHEV 2025, while the standard J7 received the Car of the Year – People’s Choice Award and Best Mid-Range SUV in Malaysia.
Alongside the J7’s success in international awards, JAECOO has continued to expand its product line-up in South Africa. The recently introduced J5 offers a more affordable compact SUV option below the larger J7, aimed at customers looking for everyday practicality with an urban-ready off-road character. A hybrid J5 HEV variant is due to arrive later this year. Together, these developments reflect steady recognition of the marque’s user experience across a range of global markets, highlighting the brand’s growing appeal to both the motoring media and everyday drivers.
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Author: Nikki Chennells from Have Your Say ZA on behalf of JAECOO.
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