2026 Geely Starray Review: Is This the Best-Value Hybrid SUV?

The Geely Starray EM-i is making a strong case for itself in Australia’s increasingly competitive medium SUV market. Combining a petrol engine with plug-in hybrid technology, the Starray EM-i is designed to give drivers the ability to complete many everyday trips on electric power while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys. It also brings a generous equipment list, a spacious cabin and a price that undercuts many established hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs.

So, is the Geely Starray EM-i a genuine alternative to the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander, or is there more to consider before making the switch?

In Short

Five-seat medium SUV
Plug-in hybrid powertrain
1.5-litre petrol engine
193kW system power
Front-wheel drive
Up to 136km claimed electric range in the Extended Range model
Up to 996km claimed combined range
Claimed fuel consumption as low as 1.4L/100km
428L boot capacity
7-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty
8-year/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty
Pricing currently sits around $39,000–$46,000 driveaway, depending on variant and current offers

Motor Scout Rating: 8.5/10

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong value for a medium PHEV SUV
Impressive electric-only range
Low claimed fuel consumption
Spacious interior
Generous standard equipment
Long warranty
Five-star ANCAP safety rating

Cons

Front-wheel drive only
Ride can feel soft over larger bumps
Some driver-assistance systems can be intrusive
No spare wheel
Newer brand with a shorter Australian track record
Availability can vary depending on variant and demand

A Plug-In Hybrid That Wants to Do It All

The Starray EM-i takes a slightly different approach to electrification. Rather than being a conventional hybrid that charges itself as you drive, the Starray EM-i can be plugged in and driven using electric power for a significant portion of your daily travel. That makes it particularly interesting for buyers who want to reduce their petrol consumption without committing entirely to an EV. For short commutes and regular around-town driving, the electric range can cover a large portion of everyday trips. On longer journeys, the petrol engine provides additional flexibility without the need to stop and recharge as frequently as you would in a pure EV. It’s a practical middle ground — and one that is becoming increasingly attractive to Australian buyers.

A Lot of SUV for the Money

The Starray EM-i sits at roughly $39,000 to $46,000 driveaway, depending on variant, battery configuration and current offers. The range includes Complete and Inspire variants, with the newer Inspire Extended Range bringing the larger 29.8kWh battery and significantly increased electric driving range. That pricing makes the Starray particularly interesting when compared with established medium SUVs. You’re getting a relatively large five-seat SUV with plug-in hybrid technology, substantial standard equipment and a long warranty without moving into premium-SUV pricing. As always, driveaway pricing can vary between states, dealers and promotional periods, so it’s worth comparing current offers before buying.

More Electric Range Means More Flexibility

One of the biggest changes for the latest Starray EM-i is the introduction of the Extended Range model. The larger 29.8kWh battery increases claimed electric range from 83km to 136km WLTP, while combined range rises to a claimed 996km. The larger battery also supports DC fast charging at up to 60kW, with Geely claiming a 30–80 per cent charge time of around 16 minutes. The entry-level Complete retains the smaller 18.4kWh battery. For buyers who can charge at home, the Extended Range version is particularly appealing because many daily commutes could potentially be completed without using petrol at all.

A Comfortable, Spacious Cabin

The Starray is a medium SUV, and there’s plenty of room inside. The rear seats provide good space for adults, while families get useful features including ISOFIX points, top-tether anchors, rear air vents and USB charging. The cabin also has a modern, technology-focused design, with a large central touchscreen and digital driver’s display. Higher-spec versions add further premium touches and equipment, helping the Starray feel more expensive than its price suggests. Boot space is 428 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding substantially when they’re folded. It’s not the biggest boot in the medium SUV class, but there’s enough space for everyday family duties, shopping and weekend luggage.

Super Hybrid Performance

The Starray EM-i combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium-iron-phosphate battery. The system produces up to 193kW, with the electric motor doing much of the heavy lifting when the battery has charge. That gives the Starray plenty of response around town. It’s not intended to be a sporty SUV, but the electric motor provides immediate acceleration and makes the Starray feel responsive when pulling away from traffic lights or overtaking. The petrol engine can also operate as part of the hybrid system when the battery charge is lower. The result is a powertrain that feels more refined in everyday driving than the relatively small petrol engine might suggest.

How Efficient Is the Starray EM-i?

Fuel economy is one of the Starray’s biggest selling points — at least on paper. The current Extended Range model has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of just 1.4L/100km, while the smaller-battery version is rated at around 2.4L/100km. It’s important to understand how plug-in hybrid fuel economy figures work. Those numbers assume regular charging and a significant amount of driving completed using electric power. If you rarely plug the vehicle in, real-world fuel consumption will be considerably higher. For someone who can charge at home and uses the Starray primarily for commuting, however, the potential to complete many trips on electricity makes the PHEV system particularly appealing.

What Is the Starray Like to Drive?

The Starray is tuned more for comfort than outright handling. The ride is generally soft and relaxed, which suits its role as a family SUV. Around town, the light steering and strong electric motor make it easy to drive. On country roads and at higher speeds, the softer suspension can result in some body movement over larger undulations. The steering also doesn’t provide much feedback, but that’s unlikely to be a major concern for buyers prioritising comfort and practicality. Overall, the Starray feels best suited to relaxed everyday driving rather than enthusiastic cornering.

Technology That Makes a Difference

Technology is one of the Starray’s strongest areas. The cabin features a large 15.4-inch infotainment display, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a broad range of driver-assistance and convenience features. Higher-spec versions add features including a panoramic roof, upgraded audio, head-up display and front-seat massage functions. This is an area where Geely has clearly focused on giving buyers a strong equipment list for their money. The result is a vehicle that feels technologically competitive with — and in some areas more generously equipped than — established rivals costing considerably more.

Is the Geely Starray Safe?

The Starray EM-i has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, tested under ANCAP’s 2023–2025 criteria. Its assessment included scores of 90 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 86 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 82 per cent for safety assist. The Starray comes with a comprehensive range of active safety technology, including autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems, adaptive cruise control and speed assistance features. The safety rating applies to all Starray EM-i variants.

Warranty and Running Costs

Geely covers the Starray EM-i with a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for 8 years/unlimited kilometres, subject to the manufacturer’s battery warranty conditions. Servicing is scheduled every 12 months or 15,000km, with capped-price servicing also available. Geely’s aftersales program includes roadside assistance, providing additional reassurance for buyers considering a relatively new brand in Australia. The Starray is still a relatively young model in the Australian market, however, so long-term reliability, resale values and ownership costs aren’t as established as they are for models such as the Toyota RAV4.

How Does the Starray Compare?

The Starray EM-i enters one of Australia’s most competitive vehicle segments. Its key rivals include the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, GWM Haval H6 and MG HS. The RAV4 has the advantage of Toyota’s established reputation and proven hybrid system, while the Outlander offers a well-established PHEV alternative. Where the Starray fights back is value. It’s larger than many affordable SUVs, offers substantial equipment and provides the option of meaningful electric-only driving without requiring buyers to rely entirely on public charging.

What About Wait Times?

Availability is worth considering before placing an order. Geely is still expanding its Australian dealer and distribution network, and demand for competitively priced electrified SUVs can fluctuate significantly between models and variants. The Starray EM-i has also seen updates to its battery and specifications, so wait times and stock availability can vary depending on the grade and colour you choose. If you’re considering a Starray, it’s worth checking current dealer stock and expected delivery timing before assuming your preferred variant will be immediately available.

The Verdict: Is the Geely Starray EM-i Worth Buying?

The Geely Starray EM-i is one of the more convincing plug-in hybrid SUVs to emerge in Australia’s value-focused market. It combines a spacious five-seat cabin, strong performance, impressive electric range and generous equipment with a price that remains competitive against established medium SUVs. The biggest advantage comes if you can charge at home. With up to 136km of claimed electric range in the Extended Range model, many drivers could complete their daily commute without using petrol, while still having the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys. There are compromises. The ride is on the soft side, it’s front-wheel drive only and Geely doesn’t yet have the same long-standing reputation in Australia as Toyota, Mazda or Hyundai. But those concerns need to be balanced against the price, equipment, warranty and plug-in hybrid capability.

If you’re looking for a medium SUV that can handle everyday driving on electric power without giving up petrol flexibility, the Geely Starray EM-i deserves a serious look.