Kazakh auto blogger Roman Maslennikov tested the Chinese all-wheel-drive crossover Jetour T2 in the foothills of Almaty, now available with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Jetour expanded the T2 lineup with a new Explorer version, and the vehicle was evaluated both on paved mountain roads and off-road, reports site infohub.kz.
The key difference in the new Explorer version is the 8-speed automatic gearbox with a torque converter. Other Jetour T2 modifications continue to use a 7-speed automated manual, while all-wheel drive remains available across all trims.
Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 254 hp and 390 Nm of torque. According to measurements, the crossover accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds. "For a large vehicle on off-road tires, this is a respectable result," Maslennikov noted.
The tests took place not only on asphalt but also on mountain roads near Almaty. On winding roads, paddle shifters proved useful, allowing the driver to keep the engine in the optimal rev range and use torque more actively. However, the reviewer cautioned that drivers should account for the high body and potential luggage load when cornering.
When leaving the pavement, the crossover switches to X mode, designed for challenging surfaces. According to Maslennikov, the car confidently handles broken asphalt, rocky sections, and bumps without wheel spin or fuss. Regardless of the surface, the driver feels little stress — the vehicle simply moves forward.
The Explorer version comes with richer equipment: driver's seat massage, front passenger ottoman, 220V outlet in the trunk, and paddle shifters. The blogger believes this package makes the T2 not just a travel vehicle but a convenient companion for nature trips.
During the test, the author highlighted a feature particularly relevant for Almaty, where mountains begin just a few kilometers from the city and temperatures are noticeably cooler than the summer heat. The Jetour T2 is ideal for such trips: morning work and city errands, then an evening drive to the mountains, reservoir, or forest without worrying about rough roads.
According to Maslennikov, the main advantage of the new version is the sense that no special route preparation is required. Just pick a direction, and the all-wheel drive combined with the classic automatic will smoothly take you to locations inaccessible to sedans and front-wheel-drive crossovers.
Previously, Jetour T2 owners in Kazakhstan shared the model's pros and cons. The publication "Kursiv Avto" also reported on testing the Jetour T1 on challenging off-road terrain near Almaty.