The Geely Starray EM-i review 2026 is one of the most surprising experiences we’ve had with a budget plug-in hybrid. Starting below $40,000, this SUV promises huge value — so much value that the first question we had was: what did they screw up? After spending real time with the car, from exterior to interior, handling, and performance, the results were far more impressive than expected.
Exterior Design & First Impressions
At first glance, the Geely Starray EM-i looks far more premium than its price suggests. The LED daytime running lights are bright and crisp, although not the brightest available. The front end is mostly blocked off for improved aerodynamics, helping efficiency. The Geely badge resembles a chocolate bar — a small design quirk that adds character.
Wheel Setup & Side Profile
The SUV rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV tyres. While the name suggests both efficiency and grip, these tyres struggle noticeably with traction — definitely more “efficient” than “performance.”
Key features along the side include:
- 360° camera
- Proximity keyless entry
- Deep privacy glass
- Roof rails
- Charge port with 18.3 kWh LFP battery (82 km WLTP EV range)
Charging speeds are modest at 30 kW DC and 6 kW AC, but given the small battery size, charging at home remains practical.
Rear Design & Boot Space
The rear styling is Porsche-inspired, featuring a full-width light bar and clean, elegant lines. Boot space is:
- 428L with the floor raised
- 528L with the floor lowered
- Over 1,600L with seats folded
Nearly identical to a RAV4, making it genuinely practical.
Interior Quality & Technology
Inside, the Geely Starray EM-i review 2026 becomes even more impressive.
Soft-touch materials dominate most surfaces, and the cabin feels airy thanks to the large panoramic sunroof. The top-spec Inspire trim is where most value lies, outclassing the base Complete trim significantly.
Display & Infotainment
The central display is shockingly fast and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay is included but unfortunately problematic — call audio stutters and lags, making it unusable for those who rely on hands-free calls. Android Auto wireless will not arrive until 2026.
Smart Controls & Storage
Useful touches include:
- Physical climate vents
- A multifunction volume knob that also adjusts cabin temperature
- Massive open storage beneath the center console
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Wireless charger (though slow)
- Additional faux wireless charging pad for extra devices
Build quality is strong, with doors and materials giving a reassuring solidity.
Seating Comfort
Seats are comfortable, heated and ventilated, and include speakers in the headrests on the Inspire trim. Lack of under-thigh support makes them slightly flat during long drives, but the overall comfort level remains high for the price.
Rear Seats & Passenger Comfort
Rear seat comfort is excellent, with loads of legroom, great headroom, and decent toe room. The seatback recline angle is unusually relaxed — perhaps too relaxed — but still comfortable overall. Rear passengers also get:
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Air vents
- Large map pockets
- Soft materials
- Fold-down armrest
The rear sound system is shockingly powerful, delivering near–Dolby Atmos audio quality.
Powertrain, Performance & Driving Feel
Under the hood, the SUV pairs:
- 1.2L NA petrol engine (73 kW / 125 Nm)
- Front electric motor (160 kW / 262 Nm)
Combined system output: 193 kW.
This gives the Starray EM-i strong acceleration for the price point.
Launch Control Test
0–100 km/h time: 8.34 seconds.
The front wheels struggle under full acceleration because of the tyres, but the powertrain itself is surprisingly energetic.
Real-World Driving
This is where the Starray EM-i genuinely shocked us.
The car is:
- Quiet
- Smooth
- Comfortable
- Refined
- Easy to drive
But the suspension tuning reveals weaknesses:
- Excessively soft rebound
- Body bounce over large bumps
- Unsettled behavior on winding roads
This is not a car for spirited mountain driving. However, for everyday commuting, it feels calm, refined, and pleasant — far better than expected for a sub-$40k PHEV.
Safety Tech Quirks
Adaptive cruise and lane centering work well, but the system slows the car around even mild corners — annoyingly so — with no way to disable it. Constant beeping warnings also interrupt audio and cut off your music entirely.
Final Thoughts: What Did Geely Screw Up?
After a full Geely Starray EM-i review 2026, the answer is: almost nothing significant.
For the price, this SUV delivers:
- Huge feature list
- Spacious and premium-feeling interior
- Strong hybrid performance
- Great ride comfort
- Incredible sound system
- Attractive design
The shortcomings — buggy wireless CarPlay, soft suspension, annoying safety alerts — are noticeable but not dealbreakers considering the value.
At under $40,000, this SUV genuinely demolishes competitors like the H6 hybrid and even challenges the Cherry Tiggo 7 PHEV. For buyers seeking a feature-packed, efficient plug-in hybrid at an unbeatable price, the Starray EM-i is a standout.
Pravin is a tech enthusiast and Salesforce developer with deep expertise in AI, mobile gadgets, coding, and automotive technology. At CarzCorner, he shares practical insights and research-driven content on the latest tech and innovations shaping our world.