The C-SUV segment in Vietnam is about to welcome two notable newcomers in the off-road segment: Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual and Subaru Forester 2025. Both use four-wheel drive, emphasizing off-road capability in the compact body of a C-class car - a configuration that is rarely prioritized in popular versions.
The emphasis is on the technological approach: the Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual brings the Snapdragon 8155 automotive computing chip down to a price point that is expected to be more accessible, not only for entertainment but also for AWD coordination; while the 2025 Subaru Forester maintains the formula of a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, Lineartronic CVT transmission and full-time four-wheel drive – a configuration favored for its durability and stability.
An off-road formula in a C-SUV body
The Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual is the off-road-oriented 2WD variant of the J7 series, with a focus on the drive system and operating modes. The vehicle is equipped with 7 modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and three specialized terrain configurations: Snow, Sand, Mud and Offroad. Off-road support geometry parameters include 186 mm ground clearance, 21° approach angle, 29° departure angle and 600 mm wading ability - notable values in the C-class urban vehicle group.
The Subaru Forester 2025, launched in Southeast Asia since July, is expected to be launched in Vietnam in November. The Indonesian version uses a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, 182 horsepower and 247 Nm of torque, combined with a Lineartronic CVT transmission and AWD. With the supply switched to Japanese imports, the selling price in Vietnam may increase compared to the previous generation because it does not enjoy tax incentives like ASEAN imported cars.
Functional appearance, less colorful
The J7 AWD Individual maintains the same design as the J7 Flagship and J7 PHEV versions, focusing on upgrading the "invisible" parts such as the drive system, traction control software and body material ratio. The high-strength steel frame accounts for more than 80% of the structure, which is the basis for off-road stability and also supports the passive safety platform.
The 2025 Forester doesn't get much exterior detail in the regional information, but the product description continues to focus on the powertrain and drivetrain – options that typically offer durability and predictable responses across a wide range of road conditions.
Practical cockpit, “right-placed” technology
Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual is equipped with HUD , D-cut steering wheel, electronic gear lever, electric seats with memory position, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, Sony sound, electric trunk with trunk opening, 0.3 micron fine dust filter system combined with ionizer. The core difference is the Snapdragon 8155 chip - a processing platform commonly found in high-end cars - which plays a central role for both entertainment and AWD control calculations, expected to improve response and smoothness when switching modes.
With the Forester 2025, there is currently no detailed equipment list for the Vietnamese market. Data published in Indonesia shows that the powertrain and AWD configuration are the focus, the rest will have to wait for the Vietnamese version to be launched for confirmation.
Performance and driving experience expectations
In terms of specifications, the Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual uses a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine, 183 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque, and a 7-speed automatic transmission. Combining 7 driving modes and off-road parameters, the J7 promises flexibility on both asphalt and light terrain, especially thanks to the 540° camera simulating the chassis to help observe hidden obstacles.
The 2025 Subaru Forester is a durable model with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with 182 horsepower and 247 Nm, a Lineartronic CVT transmission and AWD. This configuration is suitable for a stable driving style, with few surprises in the transmission's throttle response, and focuses on smoothness and traction control on slippery roads.
Key Specifications Quick Comparison
| Category | Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual | Subaru Forester 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo Gasoline | 2.5L naturally aspirated gasoline |
| Capacity | 183 horsepower | 182 horsepower |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Gear | 7-speed automatic | Lineartronic CVT |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
| Driving mode | Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Sand, Mud, Offroad | Details not yet announced |
| Ground clearance | 186 mm | - |
| Angle of approach/angle of departure | 21° / 29° | - |
| Wading ability | 600 mm | - |
| Expected launch date in Vietnam | October 2025 | November 2025 |
Safety and driving assistance
The Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual has an ADAS package with 20 safety features, 7 airbags, DMS driver monitoring system and 540° camera simulating the chassis, with HUD to support vision. The 2025 Forester uses full-time AWD; active safety equipment for the Vietnamese version has not been announced, so we need to wait for official information for a full assessment. There is no NCAP safety rating data for these two configurations in the source.
Price and positioning in the C-SUV picture
The Vietnamese C-SUV market is very vibrant with nearly 20 models, many of which popular competitors also have AWD options in the high-end version. According to VAMA, in 8 months of 2025, Mazda CX-5 leads with 9,995 vehicles, followed by Ford Territory (7,036), Hyundai Tucson (4,958), Honda CR-V (3,670), KIA Sportage (1,364). Two new off-road-oriented rookies appear at the right time when the demand for multi-purpose vehicles is increasing, but will need a reasonable pricing strategy: Forester imported from Japan may increase in price compared to before; J7 AWD Individual takes advantage of technological configuration to compete.
Conclude
Jaecoo J7 AWD Individual
- Pros: 7 terrain modes; good ground clearance, approach/departure angle and wading ability in the segment; Snapdragon 8155 chip supports AWD; 20-feature ADAS package, 7 airbags; comfortable interior.
- Disadvantages: Exterior design is not much different from other J7 versions; need to wait for selling price and ability to verify in real-life terrain.
Subaru Forester 2025
- Pros: 2.5L naturally aspirated engine combined with CVT and AWD for stable, durable operation; near launch date.
- Disadvantage: No detailed equipment configuration for the Vietnamese market yet; importing from Japan may cause the price to increase compared to the previous generation.
For those who prioritize city riding but need reliable off-road capabilities for trips, both are worth keeping an eye on when prices and equipment are officially announced in Vietnam.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/jaecoo-j7-awd-individual-va-subaru-forester-2025-10307160.html
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