The Geely Monjaro has quickly become one of the most talked-about Chinese SUVs in the UAE. Launched across the GCC in 2023, this five-seater midsize SUV positions itself as a semi-premium family vehicle that undercuts established Japanese and Korean rivals while offering a generous list of features. With Geely's ownership ties to European brands like Volvo and Lotus, the Monjaro arrives carrying genuine engineering credibility, and it has found a receptive audience among UAE buyers looking for luxury without the luxury price tag. Priced from around AED 123,900, it has emerged as a serious value proposition in a crowded segment. This review takes a closer look at what the Monjaro offers drivers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and beyond.
Exterior and Interior Design
The Monjaro's exterior follows a confident, modern design language built on Geely's sophisticated CMA platform. A wide wheel track and a long 2,845mm wheelbase give the SUV a planted, commanding stance on the road. Recent editions feature a concave-to-convex grille with a refreshed silver emblem, matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam assist, and full-width rear lighting that creates a striking glow at night. Depending on the trim, buyers get 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, with sportier multi-spoke designs available on higher specifications. Flowing waistlines and a continuous side profile lend the body a sense of motion even when parked.
Step inside and the cabin reveals a blend of Eastern and Western styling that feels genuinely upscale. The dashboard is anchored by a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and higher trims add a passenger-side display for an IMAX-style triple-screen layout. A digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports come as standard, while the premium interior options include a choice of suede or leather upholstery. Comfort is a clear priority here. The driver's seat offers 12-way electric adjustment with 4-way lumbar support, and top models add ventilated, heated and massaging seats. A panoramic sunroof, two-zone climate control, and strong sound insulation round out a cabin that feels more like a high-tech lounge than a conventional cockpit.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet, every Monjaro in the UAE shares the same powertrain: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The engine produces 235 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, figures that place it comfortably within the expectations of the midsize SUV class. The 235 horsepower on tap is enough for confident highway overtakes and relaxed long-distance cruising, which suits the UAE's long, open roads particularly well.
Beyond the raw engine specs, the Monjaro distinguishes itself with refinement. An adaptive suspension system reads the road surface up to 200 times per second, adjusting in real time to smooth out uneven terrain. The result is a composed, quiet ride that masks the engine's effort well. Some drivers note that the Monjaro leans more toward comfort than outright sportiness, and a few find it slightly underpowered for spirited driving, but for family use and daily commuting the performance is more than adequate. Standard driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane change assist make the engine's power easy to deploy smoothly in everyday conditions.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important consideration for any SUV buyer, and the Monjaro delivers respectable numbers for its size and output. Official figures put the mileage at around 12.8 km/l for the 2.0-litre four-wheel-drive setup, which translates to roughly 8 litres per 100 kilometres in mixed driving. With a 62-litre fuel tank, the Monjaro offers a usable cruising range between fill-ups, making it practical for both city errands and longer weekend trips out of town.
In real-world UAE conditions, where air conditioning runs almost constantly and traffic can be heavy, owners can reasonably expect the mileage to vary somewhat from the official rating. Still, for a four-wheel-drive midsize SUV with a turbocharged engine producing 235 horsepower, the balance between performance and efficiency is competitive. The mild-hybrid hardware integrated into the powertrain helps keep consumption in check, and the eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to smooth, economical highway cruising.
Available Colors and Accessories
The Monjaro gives buyers a solid palette to choose from. In the UAE, the SUV is generally available in around seven to eight colors, including White, Black, Silver, Grey, and a distinctive Green (variously marketed as Stone Green, Emerald or Royal Jade). Matte Grey finishes have also featured prominently, and a special launch edition paired a Matte Grey exterior with a warm Caramel interior finish. These colors range from understated executive tones to more expressive options, allowing owners to tailor the look to their taste.
In terms of accessories and equipment, the Monjaro is generously kitted out. Standard and higher-trim accessories include a 360-degree camera system, alloy pedals, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, an eight or ten-speaker audio system, and a comprehensive suite of safety accessories such as six airbags, blind spot detection, rear collision warning, and hill-assist control. Convenience touches like an electric anti-dazzling mirror, conversation mirror, and four-zone voice control add to the premium feel. The breadth of available accessories is one of the Monjaro's strongest selling points at this price.
Competitors and Market Comparison
In the UAE's midsize SUV segment, the Monjaro faces a field of well-established competitors. Its most direct rivals include the Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Toyota's family SUV offerings, along with fellow Chinese contenders like the Chery Tiggo 8 and Haval H6. Against these competitors, the Monjaro's pitch is clear: it offers more premium features and a more powerful engine at a lower entry price than many of its Japanese and Korean equivalents.
Where the Monjaro pulls ahead of its competitors is in the standard equipment list and interior ambiance, delivering luxury-segment touches at a mainstream price. Where it trails some rivals is in long-term reliability data and resale value, simply because the model is still relatively new to the market, with resale currently rated around 3.5 out of 5 stars. For buyers willing to take a chance on a newer nameplate, however, the value equation is compelling. Reviewers consistently highlight the Monjaro's refinement, advanced driver assistance, and overall value when stacked against more familiar competitors, which has helped fuel its growing popularity across the Emirates.
The Geely Monjaro makes a strong case for itself as a stylish, well-equipped, and capable midsize SUV. With a refined 235-horsepower engine, a luxurious interior, a wide choice of colors, and a deep list of accessories, it delivers a premium experience without the premium price. For UAE families seeking value and comfort in equal measure, the Monjaro deserves a place on the shortlist.