- Best Chinese Cars to Buy in the UAE in 2026 for Long Distance Travel
- Model Overview
- Forthing Friday REEV
- BYD Song Plus
- Geely Monjaro
- Forthing V9 PHEV
- Haval H6
- Detailed Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Best Chinese Cars to Buy in the UAE in 2026 for Long Distance Travel
The UAE's geographic layout means inter-emirate travel involves long highway journeys - Dubai to Abu Dhabi is 140 km, Dubai to Al Ain is 160 km. The best car for long-distance UAE travel needs range, comfort, cargo space, and ADAS features. This guide covers the best Chinese cars to buy in the UAE in 2026 for long-distance travel.
Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications, Cartea UAE market data, and industry sales reports.
Model Overview
| Model | Brand | Price (AED) | Body | Powertrain | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forthing Friday REEV | Forthing | 109,900 AED | SUV | 1.5T REEV | 326 hp |
| BYD Song Plus | BYD | 124,900 AED | SUV | 1.5L PHEV | 194 hp |
| Geely Monjaro | Geely | 134,900 AED | SUV | 2.0T Turbo | 238 hp |
| Forthing V9 PHEV | Forthing | 149,900 AED | MPV | 1.5T PHEV | 280 hp |
| Haval H6 | Haval | 89,900 AED | SUV | 1.5T HEV | 181 hp |
Forthing Friday REEV
Price: 109,900 AED | Body: SUV | Powertrain: 1.5T REEV | Power: 326 hp | Warranty: 8 yr / 160,000 km
The Forthing Friday REEV is a standout in the Chinese suv segment in the UAE, delivering 326 hp and 450 Nm of torque with a range of 1,100 km combined. At 109,900 AED, it offers exceptional value compared to Japanese and Korean alternatives.
Key Highlights:
- REEV SUV with 200 km EV range
- Dual-motor AWD 326 hp
- 60 kW DC fast charging
- Head-up display
- Quilted leather seats
Best For: Buyers wanting electric daily driving with unlimited range
BYD Song Plus
Price: 124,900 AED | Body: SUV | Powertrain: 1.5L PHEV | Power: 194 hp | Warranty: 8 yr / 160,000 km
The BYD Song Plus is a standout in the Chinese suv segment in the UAE, delivering 194 hp and 320 Nm of torque with a range of 1,200 km combined. At 124,900 AED, it offers exceptional value compared to Japanese and Korean alternatives.
Key Highlights:
- Best-selling PHEV SUV in UAE
- 100 km pure EV range
- DM-i Super Hybrid
- 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
- Excellent cargo space
Best For: Families wanting PHEV with excellent cargo capacity
Geely Monjaro
Price: 134,900 AED | Body: SUV | Powertrain: 2.0T Turbo | Power: 238 hp | Warranty: 7 yr / 150,000 km
The Geely Monjaro is a standout in the Chinese suv segment in the UAE, delivering 238 hp and 350 Nm of torque with a range of 650 km. At 134,900 AED, it offers exceptional value compared to Japanese and Korean alternatives.
Key Highlights:
- Volvo-derived CMA platform
- 5-star C-NCAP safety
- Bose 12-speaker audio
- Panoramic sunroof
- Premium European quality
Best For: Buyers wanting European-quality SUV at Chinese price
Forthing V9 PHEV
Price: 149,900 AED | Body: MPV | Powertrain: 1.5T PHEV | Power: 280 hp | Warranty: 8 yr / 160,000 km
The Forthing V9 PHEV is a standout in the Chinese mpv segment in the UAE, delivering 280 hp and 450 Nm of torque with a range of 1,300 km combined. At 149,900 AED, it offers exceptional value compared to Japanese and Korean alternatives.
Key Highlights:
- Luxury 7-seat MPV with PHEV
- 200 km EV range
- Aviation-grade captain chairs
- 41-inch triple screen
- 6 kW V2L power output
Best For: Luxury family and business buyers wanting premium MPV
Haval H6
Price: 89,900 AED | Body: SUV | Powertrain: 1.5T HEV | Power: 181 hp | Warranty: 7 yr / 200,000 km
The Haval H6 is a standout in the Chinese suv segment in the UAE, delivering 181 hp and 320 Nm of torque with a range of 900 km. At 89,900 AED, it offers exceptional value compared to Japanese and Korean alternatives.
Key Highlights:
- Best-selling Chinese SUV in UAE history
- HEV hybrid powertrain standard
- 12.3-inch dual screens
- Adaptive cruise control
- Excellent fuel economy 5.5 L/100km
Best For: Families wanting the most proven Chinese SUV
Detailed Comparison
| Model | Price (AED) | Power | Range | Boot | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forthing Friday REEV | 109,900 AED | 326 hp | 1,100 km combined | 520 L | 8 yr / 160,000 km |
| BYD Song Plus | 124,900 AED | 194 hp | 1,200 km combined | 570 L | 8 yr / 160,000 km |
| Geely Monjaro | 134,900 AED | 238 hp | 650 km | 562 L | 7 yr / 150,000 km |
| Forthing V9 PHEV | 149,900 AED | 280 hp | 1,300 km combined | 590 L | 8 yr / 160,000 km |
| Haval H6 | 89,900 AED | 181 hp | 900 km | 560 L | 7 yr / 200,000 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Chinese car to buy in the UAE in 2026?
Based on sales data, the Jetour T2 is the best-selling Chinese car in the UAE for 2026, with 756 units sold in April alone and becoming the overall #1 best-selling vehicle in the country. It offers a 2.0T turbo engine with AWD, a 10-year warranty, and rugged off-road capability at 146,000 AED.
Are Chinese cars a good value compared to Japanese cars in the UAE?
Yes, Chinese cars typically offer 20-40% more features per dirham than comparable Japanese cars. For example, a Geely Monjaro at 134,900 AED offers Volvo-derived platform technology, 5-star safety, and Bose audio - features that would cost 200,000+ AED in a Japanese equivalent.
Which Chinese car brand has the best warranty in the UAE?
Jetour offers the most comprehensive warranty in the UAE with 10 years or 1,000,000 kilometres of coverage on the T2 model. MG, Haval, and Chery also offer excellent 7-year or 200,000-km warranties, significantly exceeding the 3-5 year warranties typical of Japanese brands.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chinese car in the UAE?
Annual maintenance costs for Chinese cars in the UAE average 2,000-3,000 AED, which is 25-35% cheaper than Japanese equivalents and 50% cheaper than European cars. Parts availability has improved dramatically with regional distribution centers in Jebel Ali.
Conclusion
The Chinese car market in the UAE in 2026 offers exceptional value, with models spanning every price segment from 54,900 AED to over 200,000 AED. With Chinese brands capturing over 31% market share, comprehensive warranty coverage of up to 10 years, and rapidly improving quality and technology, Chinese cars have moved from budget alternatives to mainstream choices. Whether you are looking for an affordable daily commuter, a family SUV, or a luxury electric vehicle, the Chinese car market in the UAE has a compelling option for you.
