Compact SUVs have been taking over the roads in the UAE in recent years, and for good reason. Drivers look for more than just a cheap price tag here. A "budget SUV" in the UAE generally costs between AED 70,000 and AED 100,000. Buyers expect a lot for their money: wide space for family, stylish design, advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and most importantly, long-term value. The Geely Coolray is one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its class. The Coolray is a small SUV that is more premium than its price tag suggests. It's all thanks to the remarkable engineering and design of the Chinese automaker Geely.
More refinement, enhanced technology, and a new style are key features of the Geely Coolray. However, the real question that buyers in the UAE often ask is: Does it deliver better value than rivals like the MG ZS, Hyundai Creta, or Kia Seltos? Let's explore it more closely.
Price & Trim Levels in the UAE
With several trim levels to suit a range of customer priorities, the Geely Coolray is ideally positioned within the budget SUV market.
The starting price of the Base Variant (GS/GL) is approximately AED 75,000–75,500, and the Top Trim (GF+) is around AED 89,900. The dealer, location, and optional bonuses all have a slight impact on these prices.
Right now, Geely Coolray buyers in the UAE can choose a trim from Basic GS, GL, GK, GF, and GF+. Each trim adds more technology, comfort, and safety features. With every upgrade comes more expensive equipment. For example:
- The GS entails touchscreen infotainment, LED lighting, and standard safety features.
- The GK and GF add features like driver assistance, advanced infotainment, and alloy wheels.
- The top-tier GF+ model adds luxury features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a 540° camera for less than AED 90K.
Some dealerships even offer extended warranty packages, service contracts, and 0% financing to make ownership easier for first-time buyers or families upgrading from a sedan.
Engine, Performance & Specifications
The Geely Coolray's 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection (1.5TD) petrol engine generates 172 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. Thus, it offers better performance than many rivals in the same class.
A 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) supplies power, gearing quicker acceleration and smoother shifts. According to Geely UAE, the Coolray is among the fastest small SUVs in its class with a 0–100 km/h sprint time of just 7.6 seconds. For UAE highways, the top speed of about 190 km/h is more than sufficient.
- Fuel Economy: 5.8 L/100 km (NEDC)
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Curb Weight: ~1,340 kg
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm — ideal for speed bumps and mild desert trails.
- Boot Space: 330 litres — decent for daily errands or weekend trips.
- Dimensions: 4,380 mm (L) × 1,810 mm (W) × 1,615 mm (H)
- Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
On the road, the Coolray's turbocharged engine delivers sporty performance, especially when passing or merging. The DCT gearbox's rapid yet seamless shifts give it a responsive, sporty feel that is unusual for entry-level SUVs.
Exterior Design & Styling
The Coolray's design language immediately makes it stand out from the competition. Its dual-tone paint options, floating roof design, and sharp LED lighting give it a much sportier appearance than traditional budget SUVs.
Geely declares the car's futuristic-looking front grille the "Energy Burst" grille, and it's a remarkable design. The body's sculpted lines and 18-inch tomahawk-style alloy wheels ensure its stance, and the panoramic sunroof (available on higher trim levels) adds to its premium appeal.
The Coolray was intentionally designed to look dynamic and youthful from every angle. It is meant to impress younger drivers who want a modern look without overspending. In comparison to rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, the Coolray's design approach feels more futuristic and distinctive, a design aimed squarely at young drivers in the UAE.
Interior, Comfort & Tech Features
Once you step inside, the Coolray doesn't feel like a "budget" SUV at all. It has a luxurious interior with a range of impressive features that create a lively ambiance. A four-direction adjustable steering wheel, a high-speed paddle shifter, and a wide cabin boasting a classic dynamic red and black interior option make it feel premium. The ventilated ergonomic suede seats, soft materials, and metallic accents increase comfort. The cabin insulation is noticeably better than that of many competitors in this range, and the driver's seat is supportive with clear visibility.
Infotainment & Connectivity
- 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen
- 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster
- Wireless charging
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth and voice command integration
The cabin feels ultra-modern because of these high-definition screens, which is what you'd expect from more expensive SUVs. With its intuitive menus and responsive touch controls, the infotainment interface is easy to use.
Convenience & Luxury Features
The Coolray has a significant value benefit over its Korean and Japanese rivals because it offers comfort and convenience features that are uncommon at this price range. The key features include:
- Ventilated front seats (GF+ trim)
- Panoramic sunroof with 0.84 m² viewing area
- Power tailgate
- 540° camera system (offers top, side, and underbody views)
- Automatic parking assist
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Automatic climate control
Safety & Driver Assistance
By equipping the Coolray with a wide range of standard and advanced systems, Geely has shown its commitment to safety.
Standard Safety Features
- 6 airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist
- Traction Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Advanced Driver Assistance (Available in Higher Trims)
- Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Parking Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- 540° Surround View Cameras
Together, these features greatly increase the convenience and safety in congested UAE cities and parking lots.
Driving Modes
Adapt your ride with Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, each complemented by ambient lighting that reflects your mood and driving style.
Table of Key Specifications
| Category | GL | GK | GF | GF+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length × Width × Height (mm) | 4380 × 1810 × 1615 | 4380 × 1810 × 1615 | 4380 × 1810 × 1615 | 4380 × 1810 × 1615 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2600 | 2600 | 2600 | 2600 |
| Engine | 1.5TD Turbocharged | 1.5TD Turbocharged | 1.5TD Turbocharged | 1.5TD Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 172 hp | 172 hp | 172 hp | 172 hp |
| Torque | 290 N·m | 290 N·m | 290 N·m | 290 N·m |
| Transmission | 7DCT | 7DCT | 7DCT | 7DCT |
| Special Color | Gradient Grey | Gradient Grey | Gradient Grey | Gradient Grey |
| Wheels | 17” Alloy | 18” Alloy | 18” Alloy | 18” Alloy |
| Headlamp | LED | LED | LED | LED |
| Panoramic Sunroof | — | • | • | • |
| Seat Trim | Leather | Leather | Leather | Leather |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | — | • | • |
| Camera View | Rear | Rear | 540° | 540° |
| Blind Spot Detection (BSD) | — | — | • | • |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | — | — | • | • |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Infotainment Display | 10.25” | 12.3” | 12.3” | 12.3” |
Running Costs, Warranty & Practicality
The Coolray's claimed fuel efficiency of 5.8 L/100 km is impressive on paper, but owners should expect it between 10 and 12 km/L in the United Arab Emirates, where air conditioning and city traffic have a significant impact on driving. That is still impressive for a petrol engine with a turbocharger.
Maintenance & Warranty:
Geely Coolray offers a 5-year, 150,000 km warranty in the United Arab Emirates, supported by AGMC’s growing UAE service network, its regional distributor. Even though spare parts are now much more readily available, resale value still matters because Chinese cars typically lose value more quickly than Korean or Japanese models, like the Hyundai Creta or Toyota Corolla Cross.
In comparison to many popular brands, Geely excels at providing affordable spare parts and low service costs. That is a significant long-term benefit for families on a tight budget.
How It Compares to Rivals
The following is a comparison of what rivals offer vs Coolray in price, key features, fuel efficiency, and strength:
The Geely Coolray is clearly superior in terms of performance and features per dirham, even though the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have higher resale value and a longer-lasting brand reputation. Its digital interiors challenge those of much more expensive cars, and its turbo engine and DCT setup provide more excitement.
| Model | Starting Price (AED) | Power (HP) | Key Highlight | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geely Coolray | 75K–89K | 172 | Turbo engine, advanced features | Best performance-to-price ratio |
| Hyundai Creta | 78K–95K | 115–138 | Brand value, resale | Proven reliability |
| Kia Seltos | 79K–98K | 121–138 | Interior quality, comfort | Well-balanced SUV |
| MG ZS | 69K–84K | 112 | Cheapest, good warranty | Great for entry buyers |
| Nissan Kicks | 75K–92K | 118 | Reliable, simple to maintain | Less powerful |
Verdict: Does the Coolray Deliver Real Value?
The Geely Coolray stands out as the most feature-packed SUV under AED 90,000. While Korean and Japanese models have better resale and long-term brand trust, the Coolray’s performance, design, and in-cabin tech make it unbeatable for first-time buyers or young families who want a premium feel without premium prices. It delivers:
- Premium features like panoramic sunroofs, 540° cameras, and ventilated seats.
- Class-leading performance with its 1.5 TD turbocharged engine.
- Smart pricing, even for the top variant, stays under AED 90K;
- Modern design and technology make it feel anything but "entry-level."
Buyers should be aware of the typical trade-offs, though, as Chinese brands' resale values are still catching up, and their long-term reliability has not yet surpassed their more established competitors.
Still, the Coolray offers outstanding value and may be the best-equipped budget SUV available in the United Arab Emirates at the moment for individuals who value performance, technology, and design over resale.
Conclusion
In short, the Geely Coolray is proof that budget SUVs don't have to feel basic. Being sharp, stylish, high-tech, and affordable, it explains how Chinese automakers have mastered the art of providing more for less to the drivers. It's not just a vehicle; it's an adrenaline-fueled companion designed for people who dare to push the boundaries of time and reinvent the excitement of driving.
So, if your priorities are a mix of style, performance, and technology, and you’re ready to step outside the mainstream Korean and Japanese options, the Geely Coolray may very well be the best budget SUV in the UAE right now.
Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.