The Jaecoo J5 EV has been named a 2026 Australian Good Design Award Winner in the Product Design - Automotive and Transport category. The awards are Australia's longest-running international design program and recognise excellence in design, innovation and impact.
The Jaecoo J5 EV is an electric SUV designed around how Australians actually live. That means the school run, the weekend away, the big shop, and the four-legged member of the family in the back seat.
The independent Jury of more than 100 Australian and international design experts recognised the J5 EV's research-led approach and its focus on a gap most of the market had overlooked: pet-friendly design.
In its comments, the Jury said:
"The Jury recognises the Jaecoo J5 EV for its research-led approach that addresses a genuine gap in the Australian electric vehicle market through pet-friendly design innovation. The project demonstrates strong consideration of user needs, with world-first TÜV SÜD certified cabin materials that deliver durability and practicality for modern households. The Jury commends the composed exterior design and thoughtful material selection that supports comfort and usability, while the accessible price point broadens EV ownership without compromising quality. The integration of sustainability considerations and the clean, uncluttered interior further reinforce the vehicle's responsible design intent and practical appeal for Australian families."
The recognition caps a big first year for the model. The J5 EV arrived in January 2026 as Jaecoo's first fully electric vehicle in Australia. In the month of May it was the best-selling small electric SUV in the nation, with 2126 registrations.
Roy Munoz, Chief Commercial Officer at Jaecoo Australia, says the award reflects the thinking behind the car from day one:
“The J5 EV started with a simple question: what do families actually need from an electric car? For a lot of households, the answer includes their furry friends. So, we built a cabin that can handle muddy paws and everyday life, at a price that puts EV ownership within reach of more people."
"Good design isn't just about looking good in a showroom. It's about making life easier for the people who drive the car every day. To have an independent jury of design experts recognise that is a real point of pride for the whole Jaecoo team.”
That accessible price point was one of the elements singled out by the Jury. The J5 EV is priced from $36,990 driveaway and comes equipped with an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic glass roof and Jaecoo's pet-friendly synthetic leather interior, the same interior recognised by the Jury.
The J5 EV is also backed by Jaecoo's 8-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, including an 8-year battery warranty, 8 years of capped price servicing and up to 8 years of roadside assistance.
The 2026 Australian Good Design Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday 9 October at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, bringing together more than 1,000 guests from across design, architecture, engineering, business, government and the wider creative industries.
