Chinese carmaker Jetour has grown significantly from the novelty of the adorable Ice Cream EV. One of the brand’s most popular and recognizable nameplates now seems to be the T2, a big and boxy SUV with seven variants on offer.

Its latest addition, the Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM, introduced plug-in hybrid power to the lineup, while keeping the vehicle’s rugged looks and off-road aspirations. However, this version loses the XWD system—Jetour-speak for 4WD—found on the non-hybrid T2s. That then leaves overlanders with interchangeable drive modes and dual motors.

Still, urban drivers will get a bulky four-wheeler with road presence, ground clearance, a full suite of advanced driver assists, and many more bells and whistles. This T2 certainly looks the part of a capable SUV, but can it deliver on that? Read on to find out.

All right, we all know what this looks like. It’s Defender-esque, but the T2 Lightning i-DM still has its own character. The blocky Jetour letters up front announce that this is not a Land Rover. Those letters light up at night, too, so everyone knows exactly what you’re driving all the time. It’s complemented by neon-green accents on the grille, the wheels, and the roof rack.

The boxy frame has some functional aspects to it, but also a few pieces just for aesthetics. The front bumper and fender flares add length and width, and will offer some protection to the wheels and lighting units. Step boards, finished in the same matte black as the rest of the cladding, are a great help to occupants since this is such a tall SUV. Notably, the car stands at just 4,785mm long and a bit over 2,000mm wide, but these garnishes make it look much larger.

Under the bumper, you’ll find what looks like front tow hooks, but are just more of those neon-green accents. Around back, there are false hinges that do not connect the tailgate to the car’s frame. These aspects can make the T2 look cluttered at times, but you won’t notice them much because the giant lettering upfront and the squared-off spare tire cover at the rear will take most of your attention, anyway.

Overall, the matte finishes and the large, blocky components give the car a traditionally macho look. It’s the smaller details that discredit the T2’s menacing stance.

The rugged design language continues in the cabin, with most materials featuring metallic finishes and outdoor motifs. Etched on the front passenger side is a topographic pattern with a stream of ambient lighting stretched across it. I guess this is Jetour’s way of saying that the T2 can go the distance.

But make sure to pack light. I was disappointed with the T2’s trunk space, as it is simply not proportionate for a car of its size. I could not find the exact cargo capacity, but a 50-inch TV in its box did not fit within the rear cargo area. I ended up having to fold the backseats, which unfortunately do not fold flat. While the tailgate features a bottle opener, cupholders, and a couple of cubbies, the limited cargo area limits the T2’s ability to be a proper weekend vehicle. Perhaps it’s better suited as a day-trip companion.