Is the Changan X5 Plus Worth Buying in 2026? Full Review, Pros & Cons
The second-generation X5 Plus gets a stronger 141 kW engine and a wider trim range. Here is what that means for importers, and where the car falls short.
By EVtoU Export TeamPublished Updated 3 min read
Short answer: yes, for most importers. The 2026 Changan X5 Plus is a five-seat compact SUV with a 141 kW turbo petrol engine, a dual-clutch gearbox and a well-equipped cabin, sold at a price point that leaves room for dealer margin. Its weaknesses — front-wheel drive only, a modest ground-clearance story and a brand that is still building recognition in some markets — matter more for some buyers than others.
What changed for the 2026 model year?
The 2026 car is the second-generation X5 Plus, launched in China in August 2025. The headline change is under the bonnet: a new JL473ZQD 1.5-litre turbo engine with 500-bar direct injection, rated at 141 kW (192 PS) and 310 N·m from 1,500 rpm. That is 3 kW and 10 N·m more than the 2025 X5 Plus, with peak torque arriving 100 rpm earlier.
The range also widens downward. A new 1.5L MT Luxury entry trim uses a naturally aspirated 81 kW engine with a 5-speed manual and 17-inch wheels — a version aimed squarely at price-sensitive buyers and high-mileage fleets.
How does it drive on paper?
The manufacturer quotes 0–100 km/h in 7.51 seconds and a 205 km/h top speed for the 1.5T trims, with WLTC combined consumption of 6.95 L/100 km on 92-octane petrol. Suspension is MacPherson strut at the front and multi-link at the rear, with ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. That rear multi-link setup is a step above the torsion-beam axles many rivals in this price band use.
| Specification | 2026 X5 Plus 1.5T |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5 L turbo, 141 kW / 310 N·m |
| Gearbox | 7-speed wet DCT |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Length / wheelbase | 4,540 mm / 2,715 mm |
| Boot | 584–1,318 L |
| WLTC consumption | 6.95 L/100 km |
Is there enough space for families and fleets?
Yes. At 4,540 mm long and 1,860 mm wide with a 2,715 mm wheelbase, the X5 Plus is at the larger end of the compact-SUV class. The 2026 car lists 584 litres of boot space, rising to 1,318 litres with the split rear bench folded. For ride-hailing and corporate fleets, rear legroom from that wheelbase is a genuine selling point.
Pros
- Strong 141 kW engine with an automatic DCT on every 1.5T trim
- Wide trim range, from a manual entry car to a fully equipped top version
- Multi-link rear suspension and rear disc brakes across the range
- Showroom equipment on upper trims: twin 12.3-inch screens, 360° camera, SONY audio, panoramic sunroof
- Simple petrol drivetrain — no charging infrastructure needed
Cons
- Front-wheel drive only; no all-wheel-drive version
- Five seats only — buyers needing seven seats should look elsewhere
- Adaptive cruise is limited to the top Excellence PRO trim
- Brand awareness for Changan varies by market, so dealers may need to invest in launch marketing
Who should import the 2026 X5 Plus?
Dealers who want the newest car on the forecourt, and fleet buyers who want the longest product life, should order the 2026 model. Budget-focused buyers can save by choosing the 2024 X5 Plus or a used X5 Plus. If you are unsure which trim fits your market, our trim guide compares all of them.
