With inflation driving up prices everywhere, it’s no surprise that cars are getting pricier than ever. But what might surprise you is that, for P1,350,000, JAC Philippines (an Astara-led company) has a seven-seater SUV that looks and drives like it’s worth much more.

The JS8 PRO is a genuine three-row crossover measuring 4,825mm long, 1,870mm wide, and 1,758mm tall. That’s midsize territory. The acreage is obvious when you get inside, as there’s ample legroom and headroom for the first two rows, while the third row offers decent space as well. Aside from the roominess, the JS8 PRO’s cabin is beautifully appointed with quality leather, elegant black-and-silver trim, and a large greenhouse area to offer great views out from any seat.

Under the hood, the JS8 PRO impresses with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at a healthy 182hp and 300Nm of torque. The latter offers a plateau of pulling power from 1,500-3,500rpm akin to a diesel, providing effortless and economical acceleration. The standard transmission is a smooth and responsive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with several drive modes to optimize shift response according to your needs.

While passengers will enjoy the JS8 PRO’s thoughtful touches like USB ports, express-down/up windows with anti-pinch feature, front and rear 12V power outlets, and dual-zone climate control with independent rear blower, the driver also gets to join in the fun with a no-nonsense cockpit that strikes a balance between elegance and functionality. The dashboard is topped with a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument screen, and then there’s a similarly sized floating central touchscreen to manage the car’s secondary functions. A panoramic sunroof adds to the feeling of expansiveness, too.

Physical buttons for the climate control are situated below the central A/C vents for quick access, while the touchscreen lets you manage Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the heating functions for the front seats, and the advanced driver aids. The latter includes blind spot detection, lane-change assist, and door-opening warning.

Driving the JS8 PRO is enjoyable and stress-free, thanks to its capable drivetrain and taut suspension. Riding on front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam rear, it favors a supple ride compared to the overly soft tuning prevalent in other crossovers, ensuring a more stable ride even with a full load. Further adding to the stress-free drive are cruise control, 360° cameras, front and rear parking sensors, an auto hold and hill-start assist system, and an overspeed alarm.

When not ferrying passengers, the JS8 PRO functions as a pseudo-van quite well, too. With folding second- and third-row seats, cargo capacity is a sizable 2,153L. Fold just the third row down and it can hold a substantial 1,253L, but keep all the seats up and you still get 418L of space. That’s a lot of room for whether you’re doing your groceries or bringing home that 85-inch TV. Access to the back is also convenient because of its electric tailgate.

Equipped with all-disc brakes, ABS, traction control, dual front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags, the JS8 PRO checks all the boxes in passenger safety. Available in Stylish Black, Carménère Red, and Pearl White, it offers a lot of value and space for a reasonable price.

If you’re looking for a big crossover with plenty of features for the price of a compact, you should check this out at your nearest JAC showroom. Visit the brand’s official website here.

This branded article was produced in partnership with JAC Philippines.