KIA Stonic at PKR 60 lakhs or Jaecoo J5 SHS at PKR 67 lakhs? The 7-lac question every buyer is asking

With just PKR 700,000 separating them, buyers face a tough choice: proven KIA Stonic reliability or Jaecoo J5 SHS’s newer tech, features, and hybrid promise.

MediaBites – January 11, 2026

Here’s a detailed, practical comparison for a Pakistani buyer deciding between the KIA Stonic EX+ (PKR 6.0M) and the Jaecoo J5 SHS Comfort (PKR 6.7M), plus a clear “which one should you buy” conclusion.

Quick verdict: Buy the KIA Stonic EX+ if you want proven reliability, easier resale, and nationwide parts/service support with lower risk.

Add PKR 700,000 for Jaecoo J5 SHS only if you’re comfortable being an early adopter and you value newer tech, stronger feature value, and possibly better powertrain sophistication (depending on final local specs and warranty).

1. Brand trust, resale, and risk: KIA Stonic EX+ Established presence in Pakistan, known product.

• Resale is predictable because buyers recognize the badge.
• Parts availability and third-party support are typically better over time.
• Jaecoo J5 SHS Comfort. Newer brand in the market, meaning resale is an unknown right now.
• Early models can be excellent, but the market still prices “new brand risk.”
• If the network expands and the model gains a reputation, it can age well, but that’s not guaranteed.

Edge: Stonic for peace of mind and resale predictability.

2. After-sales network and ownership ease, Stonic Wider service footprint (generally easier to get repairs, parts, trained techs).

• More independent workshops are likely to support it.
• Jaecoo Service Network may still be growing.
• Warranty support might be strong, but the “how easy is it to claim” experience varies by dealer maturity.

Edge: Stonic for day-to-day hassle-free ownership.

3. Features and value for money. At this price point, buyers usually care about:

• Safety tech, infotainment, sensors/camera
• Comfort features
• Driving aids, build feel

Stonic EX+ typically comes with a balanced feature set, but depending on the variant, it may feel more basic compared to newer rivals (especially on ADAS and advanced tech).

Jaecoo J5 SHS Comfort. The whole pitch of newer Chinese crossovers is more features per rupee.

If SHS brings hybrid assistance or smart efficiency features, it may justify the premium through tech + perceived modernity.

Edge: Jaecoo for feature-to-price appeal (with the usual “confirm final specs” caution).

4. Fuel economy and running costs. This is where your decision can flip.

• Stonic: Known real-world consumption patterns, easier to estimate the monthly fuel bill.
• A conventional petrol setup means straightforward maintenance.
• Jaecoo J5 SHS If SHS is a hybrid system, you may see:
• Better city fuel economy
• Smoother stop-go drive
• But hybrid components can raise long-term complexity (though warranty can offset that early on).

Edge: Jaecoo, if hybrid efficiency is real and supported locally. Edge: Stonic if you want simpler, proven running costs.

5. Performance and driving feel Stonic. Typically light, easy in the city, predictable steering.

• “No surprises” kind of drive.
• Jaecoo Often feels more “premium” in cabin insulation and ride presence (common trait in newer crossovers).
• If it has a stronger torque delivery (especially with hybrid assist), it may feel more responsive.

Likely edge: Jaecoo for refined feel, Stonic for familiar, consistent dynamics.

6. Build quality, safety, and confidence This is crucial but depends on confirmed local trims.

• Stonic’s advantage is a known safety reputation in many markets (trim-to-trim varies).
• Jaecoo’s advantage can be a newer platform + more safety features, but crash ratings, local spec, and structural confidence should be verified.

Edge: Depends on confirmed safety kit. If Jaecoo brings more airbags/ADAS at this price, that’s meaningful.

7. The money question is, is PKR 700,000 worth it? PKR 700,000 is not small, so justify it with benefits you’ll actually use:

• Add the 7 lacs for Jaecoo only if you get at least two of these:
• Clearly better fuel economy (especially city)
• Stronger safety pack (more airbags, stability aids, ADAS)
• Better cabin and ride comfort
• Longer, stronger warranty plus reliable service support
• Features you personally care about (360 camera, advanced infotainment, etc.)
• If it’s mostly “more features I won’t use,” save the money.

Recommendations by buyer type: Choose KIA Stonic EX+ if you are Risk-averse

• Planning to sell in 2 to 4 years
• Living outside major cities where service support matters more
• Wanting predictable ownership and parts availability
• Choose Jaecoo J5 SHS Comfort if you are keeping the car 4 to 6+ years and want newer tech
• Confident your city has strong dealer/service support
• Wanting the most features per rupee
• Expecting hybrid benefits to cut fuel costs enough to matter

Bottom line: If you asked me to pick for the average Pakistani buyer at these prices, I’d still lean Stonic EX+ for reliability and resale security.

But if Jaecoo J5 SHS Comfort comes with strong safety, real hybrid efficiency, and a solid warranty, then adding PKR 700,000 can be justified, especially for city-heavy driving.