Jetour T2 7-Seater vs Dongfeng Mage: Family SUV Showdown

The Jetour T2 feels robust and confident, with a high seating position and a commanding view of the road. Its suspension is tuned for comfort on rough surfaces, absorbing potholes and gravel roads easily, making it a good choice for daily commutes in areas with imperfect roads. Steering is light around town but lacks feedback at speed. The Dongfeng Mage, by contrast, feels more car-like and agile. Its lower center of gravity and more responsive steering make it enjoyable on winding roads and in city traffic. The Mage's powertrain delivers smooth, linear acceleration, while the T2’s can feel a bit sluggish unless you push it. For daily urban driving, the Mage is more nimble; for rougher environments, the T2 shines.

Inside the Jetour T2, the cabin is spacious and airy, with large windows enhancing visibility. Seats are wide and supportive, though the third row is best for children. Noise insulation is decent but wind noise becomes noticeable at highway speeds. The Dongfeng Mage offers a more modern, upscale interior with soft-touch materials and excellent sound insulation—wind and road noise are well suppressed. Its front seats are more contoured and offer better lateral support. However, the Mage's ride is firmer over sharp bumps, which may be less comfortable on broken roads. The T2’s softer suspension tends to float over undulations, while the Mage feels more planted but can transmit minor vibrations.

The Jetour T2 is the clear winner for space. With three rows, it can accommodate seven passengers, though the rearmost two seats are tight for adults. The second row slides and reclines, offering flexible legroom. Luggage space behind the third row is minimal, but folding the rear seats creates a large, flat load floor. Storage cubbies are plentiful, including door pockets and a deep centre console. The Dongfeng Mage is a conventional five-seater. Its rear seats are spacious and comfortable for two adults, with ample legroom and a nearly flat floor. The boot is generously sized and easily swallows a bulk of luggage. For families needing occasional seven-seat capacity, the T2 is essential; for those who rarely need more than five, the Mage provides more refined passenger space and a larger boot.

Both SUVs come with large touchscreen infotainment systems. The Jetour T2’s interface is intuitive but graphics are basic, and response time can lag. It includes wired smartphone connectivity and a clear reversing camera. The Dongfeng Mage boasts a sharper, faster screen with seamless wireless smartphone mirroring. Its digital instrument cluster is highly configurable and displays navigation and vehicle info clearly. Both systems offer voice control, though the Mage’s understands natural language better. Driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping are standard on higher trims of both; the T2’s systems are more conservative, while the Mage’s features are smoother in operation, making highway driving less tiring.

Jetour, a sub-brand of Chery, has a growing but still limited global dealer network. Parts availability may be an issue in some regions. Buyers have reported acceptable reliability, with minor electrical niggles. Dongfeng is a major state-owned manufacturer with a longer export history and a more extensive service network. The Mage benefits from more robust build quality and better corrosion protection. In terms of warranty, both brands offer competitive coverage, but Dongfeng’s after-sales support in overseas markets is generally rated higher, with quicker parts supply and more trained technicians. Owners of the T2 should ensure local dealer support is adequate before purchase.