The current car market shows diverse consumer demands. Commuters want city cars that save money and provide comfort. Outdoor enthusiasts seek vehicles for off-road adventures. They want to face challenges directly, not avoid them. Such models would attract significant attention. Jietu has thrived with its “boxy” design. The Traveler sold 150,000 units in its first year. The Shanhai T2 has topped hybrid sales charts multiple times. The four-wheel-drive version, unveiled at the Chengdu Auto Show, generated excitement. During the test drive, it showcased impressive performance. Accompanying instructors expressed a desire to purchase it.
The Shan Hai T2 four-wheel drive version retains its classic boxy shape. Its rugged style is unforgettable. Some jokingly call it the hybrid “Little Defender.” The matte road gray paint stands out. It uses 106 types of aluminum powder and adds 20-30μm metal particles to the paint. This enhances the metallic feel of the body by 42.5%. The matte effect is unique.
Get in the car. The first impression is simplicity. Most functions control through the screen. The physical buttons for off-road practicality sit behind the gear shift. This layout makes operation very convenient.
With the assistant’s voice control, you can say what you see.
The driving environment feels comfortable. The seat design works well. You can sit in any position and feel at ease. The second row folds flat completely. You can lie down comfortably.
This vehicle supports outdoor adventures. It features a 24-hour parking air conditioner. It ventilates in 10 minutes. You can enjoy warmth in winter and coolness in summer without starting the engine. Comfortable temperatures make outdoor trips easy.
The biggest change lies in the powertrain. It features a powerful 455 kW hybrid system. This includes a 1.5TD engine and three motors. It outperforms the previous 4.0T power output. The vehicle accelerates smoothly with a light press on the pedal. It climbs hills effortlessly without needing to rush. Fuel consumption is efficient, and low-speed driving feels seamless. The three motors paired with the four-wheel drive system offer the best experience for off-road beginners. In daily driving, the focus is on power. The three motors deliver 340 kW, contributing to a total power of 455 kW. This ensures strong performance on highways and easy coordination with teammates. Off-road driving emphasizes torque. The motors provide 700 Nm of torque, with a total torque of 920 Nm. This allows for 7700 Nm of wheel torque, eliminating the frustration of steep inclines and enabling towing freedom. Additionally, it features the Chery Kunpeng super hybrid C-DM. This system won the “China Heart” 2023 Top Ten Engines and Hybrid Systems award. The 1.5TGDI, P2, P2.5, and P4 configuration ensures robust power support for the vehicle.
If you enjoy off-road adventures, the Mountain Sea T2 4WD excels in performance. It features a fully automatic intelligent 4WD system. You can choose from seven driving modes: E for economy, N for standard, S for sport, and modes for snow, mud, sand, and rock. Switch modes easily with a knob. The large screen displays vivid images. It also includes an “X Mode” for quick access. This mode intelligently detects road conditions, automatically distributes torque, and switches modes. A novice off-roader becomes an expert instantly. However, I prefer to make direct selections instead of waiting for sensors to respond.
Today’s off-road environment features mountain paths, a 38-degree incline, mud, and shell craters. It is one of the few off-road parks in Beijing. The Mountain Sea T2 four-wheel drive feels overqualified for this. The rock mode suffices for most conditions. Just control your throttle and brakes for a smooth ride.
When we climbed the 38-degree slope, the coach had us activate AUTOHold. We parked and released the throttle. Then, we engaged the standard electronic locking differential, shared with the Wrangler. The mechanical lock activates with a gentle press of the physical button. A light touch on the throttle lets you feel the power at the wheels. The throttle response is excellent. It doesn’t feel abrupt like an electric vehicle. The car moves smoothly with your input, bringing back the true off-road experience. It deserves praise.
The response during off-road recovery is quick. When crossing a shell hole, the suspended tire locks instantly. The tank’s turning function allows a turning radius as low as 4.785 meters. I, as an old hand, easily ignored it. I prefer driving with the windows down, feeling the forest around me. However, the coach cautiously activated the 360 feature for me. This let me experience its convenience. The CCO intelligent off-road crawling mode activates when crossing a shell hole. The coach insisted on trying it. The vehicle automatically controls the throttle and brakes. It smartly distributes torque to prevent wheel slip. I only need to focus on steering. In rare harsh conditions, I can adjust with the throttle. I can also switch between three speeds, with the lowest at 3 kilometers per hour. This helps navigate complex terrain easily. The system caters well to beginners. As an experienced driver, I can only admire the technological progress. Of course, driving without this feature and taking another lap brings true joy.
The chassis stands out. Off-road enthusiasts know chassis protection is crucial. The Shanhai T2 features armored chassis protection, enhancing vehicle capability and safety. Seven protective plates create a sturdy chassis. The armor covers the entire chassis, including the engine metal plate, battery protection beam, battery under-plate, fuel tank plate, and motor under-plate. You won’t need to add anything after purchase. You can drive on rough roads without worrying about chassis damage. The approach angle is 28°, the departure angle is 30°, and the minimum ground clearance is 201mm. It can handle water depths of 700mm. While the numbers are basic, the actual terrain compatibility is high. It effectively avoids chassis scrapes on special roads and easily navigates water that is not knee-deep.
Long-distance travel requires external power. The Mountain Sea T2 four-wheel drive version offers 2.2kW and 6.6kW external power functions. This power matches the supply standard for a 100㎡ commercial residence. It provides convenience for camping, cooking, and emergency power needs. The 43.24kWh large battery offers massive energy storage. One vehicle can replace two. Commuting for a week can achieve zero fuel consumption. The total range reaches 1300km, with an electric range of 206km. The fuel consumption during power depletion is only 6.78L.
The design meets energy-saving and environmental goals. It also satisfies long-distance travel needs. The four-wheel drive system enhances outdoor safety and fun. Upgrades improve battery, motor, and fuel tank protection. The design allows for ample options for towing. Outdoor off-roading becomes worry-free.
Overall, the Jietu Shanhai T2 four-wheel drive excels in many areas. It impresses with its appearance, power, off-road capability, and comfort. This SUV is a promising choice for travel and adventure.