- Best Chinese SUV in UAE for Off-Road: iCAUR V23 AWD vs Tank 300 vs Forthing V3
- Model Overview at a Glance
- Detailed Model Breakdown
- iCAUR V23
- Tank 300
- Forthing V3
- Head-to-Head Comparison
- Pros & Cons
- Full Specification Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Best Chinese SUV in UAE for Off-Road: iCAUR V23 AWD vs Tank 300 vs Forthing V3
Off-road capability is a prized attribute in the UAE, where the desert dunes of Liwa, the rocky trails of Hatta, and the wadis of Ras Al Khaimah invite adventure beyond the city limits. Finding the best Chinese SUV in UAE for off-road use means looking beyond city-focused crossovers to vehicles with genuine all-terrain capability. Three models represent distinctly different approaches to off-road readiness: the iCAUR V23, the Tank 300, and the Forthing V3. The iCAUR V23 brings a modern electric AWD perspective, with dual motors delivering 211 hp and 292 Nm to all four wheels, wrapped in a boxy, G-Class-inspired design that signals adventure. The Tank 300 is the serious off-road contender, a body-on-frame 4WD SUV with 227 hp, locking differentials front and rear, and a low-range transfer case designed for professional-grade terrain conquest. The Forthing V3, while primarily a budget city SUV, enters this comparison as an affordable option with a raised driving position and compact dimensions that can handle light unpaved roads. In this guide, we assess off-road hardware, drivetrain capability, ground clearance considerations, performance, and value to determine the best Chinese SUV in UAE for off-road enthusiasts. Whether you are a weekend dune basher, a serious off-road explorer, or a budget-conscious adventurer, this comparison will help you identify the right tool for your terrain.
Updated August 2026. Data verified against manufacturer specifications and Cartea UAE market data.
Model Overview at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the models we are comparing in this guide. This snapshot gives you an immediate sense of body style, starting price, and the ideal buyer profile for each contender.
| Model | Body Style | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iCAUR V23 | SUV | 66,000 AED | Adventure-seeking buyers wanting AWD EV performance at an un |
| Tank 300 | SUV | 129,900 AED | Serious off-road enthusiasts wanting professional 4WD |
| Forthing V3 | SUV | 59,900 AED | First-time buyers and budget-conscious families |
Detailed Model Breakdown
In this section, we take a closer look at each model individually. We examine the powertrain, performance figures, interior comfort, and the unique selling points that distinguish each vehicle in the competitive UAE Chinese car market.
iCAUR V23
Price: 66,000 AED | Body Style: SUV | Powertrain: Dual-motor AWD Electric (EV) | Power: 211 hp
The iCAUR V23 is a SUV from iCAUR, priced at 66,000 AED in the UAE market. It features a Dual-motor AWD Electric (EV) delivering 211 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The iCAUR V23 is designed for Adventure-seeking buyers wanting AWD EV performance at an unbeatable price.
Under the bonnet, the iCAUR V23 produces 211 hp and 292 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 7.5s, delivering performance for its class. The AWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.
Inside, the iCAUR V23 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 280 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 8 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.
Key Highlights
- Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp at just 66,000 AED
- 501 km WLTC range from 81.8 kWh battery
- Boxy off-road design inspired by G-Class
- Full ADAS suite with 540-degree camera
- Heated and ventilated leather seats standard
Best For: Adventure-seeking buyers wanting AWD EV performance at an unbeatable price
Tank 300
Price: 129,900 AED | Body Style: SUV | Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol | Power: 227 hp
The Tank 300 is a SUV from Tank, priced at 129,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol delivering 227 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Tank 300 is designed for Serious off-road enthusiasts wanting professional 4WD.
Under the bonnet, the Tank 300 produces 227 hp and 387 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 9.5s, delivering performance for its class. The 4WD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.
Inside, the Tank 300 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 400 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 7 yr / 200,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.
Key Highlights
- Body-on-frame 4WD off-road SUV
- 227 hp 2.0L turbo
- Locking differentials front and rear
- Low-range transfer case
- Professional off-road capability
Best For: Serious off-road enthusiasts wanting professional 4WD
Forthing V3
Price: 59,900 AED | Body Style: SUV | Powertrain: 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol | Power: 120 hp
The Forthing V3 is a SUV from Forthing, priced at 59,900 AED in the UAE market. It features a 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol delivering 120 hp, making it a compelling option in the Chinese cars segment. The Forthing V3 is designed for First-time buyers and budget-conscious families.
Under the bonnet, the Forthing V3 produces 120 hp and 150 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 11.5s, delivering performance for its class. The FWD layout is designed for efficiency and predictable handling on UAE roads.
Inside, the Forthing V3 offers a comfortable cabin with seating for 5 and a 400 L boot. Standard features include advanced driver assistance systems, and the 5 yr / 150,000 km warranty provides long-term peace of mind.
Key Highlights
- Lowest price point in Forthing range at 59,900 AED
- Compact SUV styling with raised driving position
- 1.5L engine with 6.8 L/100 km fuel economy
- 400L boot for a compact SUV
- 5-year warranty providing exceptional value
Best For: First-time buyers and budget-conscious families
Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we have reviewed each model on its own merits, it is time to put them side by side. The following comparison sections analyse the key decision factors that UAE buyers care about most: price and value, performance and powertrain, interior and technology, and practicality and boot space.
Price & Value
Off-road capability comes at varying price points across these three SUVs. The Forthing V3 is the most affordable at 59,900 AED, but its off-road credentials are limited to light unpaved roads and graded tracks. The iCAUR V23, at 66,000 AED, offers genuine AWD capability through its dual-motor electric layout, providing traction on loose surfaces and sand at an unbeatable price for an AWD vehicle. The Tank 300, at 129,900 AED, is the most expensive but also the most capable, with professional-grade 4WD hardware including locking differentials and a low-range transfer case. When evaluating off-road value, the iCAUR V23 is remarkable for bringing AWD to a sub-70K price point, while the Tank 300 justifies its premium with hardware that no electric or budget SUV can match. The Forthing V3 is best viewed as a light-duty adventurer rather than a true off-roader. For serious off-road use, the Tank 300 is the only professional choice; for affordable AWD, the iCAUR V23 excels.
Performance & Powertrain
Performance and drivetrain design directly influence off-road capability. The iCAUR V23 produces 211 hp and 292 Nm through its dual-motor AWD system, with instant electric torque that is ideal for crawling over obstacles and maintaining momentum in sand. Its 0-100 time of 7.5 seconds makes it the quickest of the three on tarmac, and the AWD layout provides surefooted traction on loose surfaces. The Tank 300, with 227 hp and 387 Nm from its 2.0L turbo, is slightly more powerful and delivers strong low-end torque ideal for off-road crawling. Its 0-100 time of 9.5 seconds is slower on road, but its 4WD system with low-range gearing is designed for technical terrain, not straight-line speed. The Forthing V3, with 120 hp and 150 Nm from its 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and FWD layout, is the least capable off-road. It can handle graded dirt roads but lacks the power, torque, or drivetrain for serious off-roading. For sand and loose surfaces, the iCAUR V23's instant electric torque is excellent; for rocks and technical trails, the Tank 300's low-range 4WD is unmatched.
Interior & Technology
Interior quality and technology matter even for off-road vehicles, as buyers expect comfort during long desert trips. The iCAUR V23 offers the most modern cabin, with heated and ventilated leather seats, a 540-degree camera that is invaluable for off-road visibility, and a full ADAS suite. The digital cockpit and premium materials make it feel like a luxury vehicle despite its affordable price. The Tank 300 features a rugged yet well-appointed interior with a large touchscreen displaying off-road information, terrain modes, and differential status. Its cabin balances durability with comfort, suited to extended off-road expeditions. The Forthing V3 offers a basic but functional interior with a compact SUV layout. It lacks the advanced technology and premium materials of the other two, reflecting its budget positioning. For technology that enhances off-road driving, the iCAUR V23's 540-degree camera and the Tank 300's off-road display are both valuable, while the Forthing V3 offers no specialised off-road tech.
Practicality & Boot Space
Practicality for off-road enthusiasts includes boot space for gear, range for remote trips, and durability. The Tank 300 offers 400 L of boot space, sufficient for camping gear and recovery equipment, and its 4WD hardware is built for punishment. Its fuel consumption of 10.5 L/100 km is higher, reflecting its off-road-focused engineering. The iCAUR V23 has the smallest boot at 280 L, a limitation for carrying extensive off-road gear, but its 501 km WLTC electric range is adequate for most desert trips within the UAE. Charging infrastructure in remote areas is limited, so the V23 is best suited for day trips rather than multi-day expeditions. The Forthing V3 provides 400 L of boot space and a 6.8 L/100 km fuel economy, making it practical for light adventures, but its FWD layout limits where it can go. For serious off-road practicality, the Tank 300 leads; for affordable AWD day trips, the iCAUR V23 is capable; for budget light-duty use, the Forthing V3 suffices.
Pros & Cons
Every vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. Below, we summarise the most compelling advantages and the notable drawbacks of each model to help you make a balanced, informed decision.
iCAUR V23 - Pros
- Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp at just 66,000 AED
- 501 km WLTC range from 81.8 kWh battery
- Boxy off-road design inspired by G-Class
- Full ADAS suite with 540-degree camera
- Heated and ventilated leather seats standard
iCAUR V23 - Cons
- Basic equipment compared to higher-spec models
- Limited advanced safety features
- Smaller boot limits luggage capacity
Tank 300 - Pros
- Body-on-frame 4WD off-road SUV
- 227 hp 2.0L turbo
- Locking differentials front and rear
- Low-range transfer case
- Professional off-road capability
Tank 300 - Cons
- Higher price point in Chinese car segment
- Limited dealer network compared to Japanese brands
Forthing V3 - Pros
- Lowest price point in Forthing range at 59,900 AED
- Compact SUV styling with raised driving position
- 1.5L engine with 6.8 L/100 km fuel economy
- 400L boot for a compact SUV
- 5-year warranty providing exceptional value
Forthing V3 - Cons
- Basic equipment compared to higher-spec models
- Limited advanced safety features
Full Specification Comparison
For buyers who want the complete picture, the table below presents the full technical specifications of every model in this comparison. Use this reference to compare numbers directly across price, powertrain, performance, range, seating, boot capacity, and warranty coverage.
| Specification | iCAUR V23 | Tank 300 | Forthing V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (AED) | 66,000 AED | 129,900 AED | 59,900 AED |
| Body Style | SUV | SUV | SUV |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor AWD Electric (EV) | 2.0L Turbocharged Petrol | 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol |
| Power | 211 hp | 227 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 387 Nm | 150 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5s | 9.5s | 11.5s |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD | FWD |
| Range / Fuel | 501 km (WLTC) | 10.5 L/100 km | 6.8 L/100 km |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 280 L | 400 L | 400 L |
| Warranty | 8 yr / 200,000 km | 7 yr / 200,000 km | 5 yr / 150,000 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best Chinese SUV in UAE for off-road use?
The Tank 300 is the best for serious off-roading, with body-on-frame 4WD, locking differentials, and a low-range transfer case. For affordable AWD capability, the iCAUR V23 with its dual-motor electric AWD is excellent for sand and loose surfaces. The Forthing V3 is suited only for light unpaved roads.
Can the iCAUR V23 handle desert dunes?
Yes, with caution. The iCAUR V23's dual-motor AWD and 292 Nm of instant torque provide good traction on sand. However, its 280 L boot limits gear capacity, and its electric range should be managed carefully on remote desert trips. It is best for day trips to accessible dune areas rather than deep desert expeditions.
What makes the Tank 300 a professional off-roader?
The Tank 300 uses a body-on-frame chassis with 4WD, front and rear locking differentials, and a low-range transfer case. These are the same hardware features found on professional off-road vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, enabling it to tackle rocks, deep sand, and technical trails that AWD crossovers cannot.
Is the Forthing V3 capable off-road?
Only lightly. The Forthing V3 is a front-wheel-drive compact SUV with 120 hp. It can handle graded dirt roads and light unpaved tracks but lacks the power, torque, drivetrain, or ground clearance for serious off-roading. It is best viewed as a city SUV with light adventure capability.
Which off-road SUV offers the best value?
The iCAUR V23 offers the best value for AWD capability at 66,000 AED, bringing dual-motor electric AWD to a price point where most rivals are FWD. The Tank 300, at 129,900 AED, is more expensive but offers professional-grade off-road hardware that justifies the premium for serious enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
The best Chinese SUV in UAE for off-road use depends on the severity of your adventures. For serious off-road enthusiasts who tackle rocks, deep sand, and technical trails, the Tank 300 is the only professional choice, with body-on-frame 4WD, locking differentials, and a low-range transfer case at 129,900 AED. For affordable AWD capability on sand and loose surfaces, the iCAUR V23 is outstanding, offering dual-motor electric AWD, 211 hp, and a 540-degree camera at just 66,000 AED. The Forthing V3, at 59,900 AED, is limited to light unpaved roads and is best for budget buyers who occasionally venture off the tarmac. Score: Tank 300 9.0/10, iCAUR V23 8.6/10, Forthing V3 6.5/10. Recommendation: Choose the Tank 300 for professional off-roading, the iCAUR V23 for affordable electric AWD adventures, and the Forthing V3 for budget light-duty use.
