I am quite impressed with the Chery Jetour Freelander. The interior, featuring extensive leather wrapping, has a neat off-road style and is easy to maintain, though it lacks luxurious amenities like a refrigerator or large screen compared to some other Chinese models. The cabin space is a highlight, with a flat rear floor that easily accommodated my cat supplies and allowed the cat to move around during a trip home. Three adults can sit comfortably in the back, though the rear seats are a bit hard and non-adjustable.
The 1.5T engine initially felt slow on acceleration, but once I got used to the throttle response, it performs well, especially with strong mid-to-high speed acceleration. The L2级辅助驾驶 is very useful on highways, reducing fatigue during long drives. The suspension is firm but handles small bumps well at controlled speeds, and the high ground clearance is great for off-road adventures like my trip to the grasslands.
The fuel economy is satisfying, with an average of 7.5 L/100km after 2319 km. Urban driving in Beijing gives around 9 L/100km, highway (100km/h) around 8 L/100km, and national roads about 7 L/100km.
However, there are drawbacks: the sound system has poor bass, wind noise becomes noticeable above 120 km/h (due to the lack of double-layer glass in lower trims), the 4G network causes navigation delays and voice assistant issues, and the wireless charging makes my Xiaomi phone overheat with prolonged use.
For city commuting, the 1.5T is cost-effective, but I highly recommend the 2.0T "Conquer" trim. The extra 20,000 yuan is well worth it for features like double-layer glass, SONY sound system, and 4WD, which enhance safety in snowy/rainy conditions and overall driving experience. I regret not choosing the top trim initially.