Saed News: The comparison between the Jack S5 and Tiggo 5 is one of those comparisons that might seem repetitive, but still retains its own unique appeal. This is because these two Chinese crossovers are among the best-selling SUVs in our country.
According to the Saad News car magazine service report, the sale of Chinese cars, especially in the crossover segment, has been so impressive and growing in the past decade that the Iranian car market often experiences more diversity in this segment than in the sedan segment. During a time when imports of vehicles from reputable countries like Korea and Japan have completely stopped, the demand for these Chinese vehicles has increased, and domestic automakers have not hesitated to offer a variety of models in this segment. The two best-selling Chinese cars in Iran’s compact city crossover segment are the Jack S5 and Chery Tiggo 5. The Jack S5 is produced locally through the collaboration of Kerman Motor and Jack Motors from China, while the Tiggo 5 is the result of a cooperation agreement between MVM (Manager's Car) and Chery China. Despite sharing a similar segment, these two vehicles have significant differences, which, when pitted against each other, make them distinct from one another.
Both cars were designed and introduced to the market around the same time. Therefore, the time difference cannot be considered a factor in determining whether their designs are old or new. Upon examining the external design style of both cars, it is clear that both Jack and Chery have used an oval design for these models. As a result, both vehicles have exterior profiles full of curves and relatively large protrusions, with almost no sharp angles or lines on their bodies.
While the Tiggo 5 applies this design approach even in its front and rear lights, the Jack S5, in contrast to the Tiggo 5, incorporates a sharp and angular design for the front and rear despite having a soft and prominent body. This gives the S5 a sportier and bolder look compared to the Tiggo 5.
A comparison of the external dimensions of both vehicles shows that the Tiggo 5 is 31 mm longer and 60 mm taller, while the width of both cars is equal. On the other hand, the S5 has a 35 mm longer wheelbase despite being shorter overall. From an engineering perspective, the S5 has a more pleasant, sportier, and elegant body structure compared to the Tiggo 5. Although many may not consider these details so precisely, it is undeniable that these geometric differences are noticeable to any observer and have an unconscious impact on them. Since the arrival of these two vehicles in the Iranian market, the Tiggo 5 has often appeared a bit awkward and disproportionate, while the S5 bears a closer resemblance to older Korean crossovers. This does not mean the Tiggo 5 is an unattractive car, but undoubtedly, the S5 has a more balanced and appealing body structure.
Since their release, both vehicles have undergone redesigns and face-lifts. Manager's Car, one of the most active domestic automakers, quickly applied face-lifts and launched a new version of the Tiggo 5. However, the locally produced Jack S5 by Kerman Motor continues to be sold with the same old first-series design. While the S5 still maintains an acceptable and popular appearance, the face-lift versions of Manager's Car's products show how much the manufacturer values its target market and final profits, something that is not commonly seen with other domestic automakers.
The interiors of both vehicles can be considered at an equal level in terms of design style and materials used. The extensive use of compressed plastic on the dashboard and door panels gives a very dry and boring feel, which can lead to a lack of interest in the interior design over time. The face-lifted versions of the Tiggo 5 have undergone some minor redesigns, with Manager's Car producing a two-tone interior trim for one of the Tiggo 5 variants, which is undoubtedly a significant step in improving the appearance of an SUV from this class.
The Jack S5 has also utilized two-tone interior trims in some production models, but it can be said that these two-tone versions are relatively rare. However, buyers of these versions would not regret their choice. Upon closer inspection, the Tiggo 5 naturally follows a design style similar to MVM's products, which may not be particularly appealing to Chery buyers. The problem is that MVM products are essentially cheaper versions of Chery vehicles produced under the Iranian brand MVM. The higher-end versions, based on the contract between Chery and Manager's Car, are produced in Iran with Chery branding, and this distinction may be a bit bothersome for buyers.
However, the interior of the Jack S5 is clearly superior in this regard. Not only does it have a unique interior design, but it also stands out in terms of detail and design quality. The S5 features better graphics on the instrument cluster compared to the Tiggo 5, and with two separate digital displays in the center, it offers a more complex design in front of the driver, which is undoubtedly interesting. The use of matte silver plastic trim on the dashboard and steering wheel in the S5 also adds a visual appeal that is superior to the black piano plastic used in the Tiggo 5.
Both vehicles are equipped with 2.0-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder fuel-injected engines, but the main difference lies in the S5's turbocharged engine compared to the Tiggo 5's naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine. The Tiggo 5 produces a maximum power of 140 horsepower at 5750 rpm and a maximum torque of 182 Nm between 4300 to 4500 rpm. In contrast, the Jack S5, with the help of its turbocharger, can produce 174 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 265 Nm of torque between 2000 to 4000 rpm.
Another major difference between the two cars is that the Tiggo 5 uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 7 pre-determined manual gear selections, while the Jack S5, in limited numbers, comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The more common version of the S5 uses a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (6 DCT) transmission. The core difference between these two cars stems from the combination of their engine and transmission systems. The Tiggo 5, despite its similar weight to the S5 (about 1.55 tons), not only uses a weak and inefficient engine but also suffers from the sluggishness of its CVT gearbox, which is a standard characteristic of CVTs.
On the other hand, the Jack S5 is equipped with a powerful turbocharged engine and a fast dual-clutch gearbox. However, the turbocharger only activates above 2200 rpm, meaning the S5 behaves similarly to the Tiggo 5 when the turbo is inactive. Once the turbo kicks in, the S5 accelerates smoothly.
The technical setup of the Tiggo 5 allows it to reach 100 km/h in about 13 seconds, while the Jack S5 achieves the same in under 11 seconds. This roughly two-second difference in acceleration may not seem very significant, but the Tiggo 5’s driving dynamics, along with the loud CVT noise and engine strain, can be very annoying, especially on long trips. On the other hand, the Jack S5's turbocharged engine and dual-clutch gearbox provide a more enjoyable experience.
Both cars being discussed here are popular Chinese crossovers in Iran's market, and they usually hold a good resale value. While the Tiggo 5 is underpowered and suffers from gearbox issues, the Jack S5, with its turbocharged system, is sensitive to engine oil type and oil change intervals. Before purchasing a used version of either vehicle, it is crucial to check the vehicle's mileage, technical condition, and maintenance history.
