2025 Geely’s Starray hybrid review
A challenger brand owned by Volvo's parent company has unleashed a game-changing hybrid SUV that's redefining value in Australia's crowded market.
I could hear the Geely Starray before I could see it – that soft, futuristic hum you only get from an electrified car easing up behind you. This mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV is the second model to arrive in Australia from Chinese giant – Geely, a name that might not mean much to everyday drivers but probably should.
This is a company to watch out for.
The company behind Volvo, Polestar and Zeekr, and it’s now making a serious play in Australia.
The Starray EM-i starts from $37,490 plus on roads, around $5,000 cheaper than a base Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, yet it feels anything but budget inside.
You’ll find a 15.4-inch infotainment screen, 10.2-inch digital cluster, and in the top-spec Inspire model, luxuries like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and even speakers in the headrests.
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From the moment I jumped in this vehicle, I was greeted with convenience and luxury. Adjusting the seat, a polite notification popped up asking if I wanted to save my settings – a small detail but one that instantly made the cabin feel premium. The seats themselves are soft yet supportive, and there’s plenty of thoughtful storage.
I especially liked the open shelf beneath the centre console, perfect spot for a handbag.
The drive was surprisingly zippy. Despite its 1.5-litre four-cyclinder engine, the plug-in hybrid set up delivers 193kW combined from its petrol and electric motors. It glides silently through city streets before the engine subtly joins in.
The steering was a standout, feeling light and precise Its chunkier, yoke-style wheel feels more natural than expected, especially for someone with small hands.
On the road, the Starray shone. It soaks up bumps gracefully and handles daily driving with ease. You’ll get the best efficiency if you plug it in regularly, Geely claims 2.4L/100km, though I was seeing closer to 5L/100km, still excellent for its size.
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There’s plenty of safety features, the lane-keep assist is on the aggressive side and the speed sign recognition also has that same Tesla-like quirkiness, sometimes right, sometimes not.
The beeping could use a volume dial but other than that, it was intuitive and easy to drive.
It’s front-wheel drive only but feels well-calibrated for Australian roads.
When parking, the 360 degree camera is sharp and the car even tells you exactly how many centimetres you are from an obstacle – smart!
You can see characteristics of Volvo and Polestar throughout the design, the floating console and minimalist layout. The exterior design is stylish, sleek but sporty and feels young, cool and chic.
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There’s Wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is coming via update), ambient lighting and in the top variant, a 16-speaker 1000W sound system.
In the back there’s generous space, 428 litres of boot capacity, expanding to over 2000L with the seats down.
I had one adult in the front, two adults in the rear, luggage in the boot and they were comfortable.
Downside is no spare wheel, just a tyre repair kit but that may just be a personal preference.
Verdict
4 Stars
The 2025 Geely Starry EM-i might just be one of my favourite new SUVs under $40k. It’s smooth, quiet, efficient and packed with advanced technology. For anyone interested in electrified motoring but not ready to go full EV, this plug-in hybrid is a smart and affordable middle ground. It’s a great car for young professionals, families or downsizers, and I’d highly recommend giving it a drive.
Originally published as 2025 Geely’s Starray hybrid review
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