iCar V23 2026 Review: Off-Road Electric SUV Tested in UAE Desert

iCar V23 2026 Review: Off-Road Electric SUV Tested in UAE Desert

Few electric SUVs invite you off the tarmac, but the iCar V23 AWD is built to do exactly that. With its boxy stance, dual-motor AWD and a dedicated off-road mode, it promises genuine desert capability for 66,000 AED. We took it into the UAE desert to see whether this affordable electric off-roader is the real deal or just rugged styling.

Updated August 2026.

iCar V23 AWD

Starting Price: 66,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

The dual-motor AWD version of Chery's iCar V23, delivering 211 hp and 292 Nm through all four wheels with a 501 km WLTC range. It combines genuine off-road capability with a full ADAS suite, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a 540-degree camera at a price that shames every rival.

Key Highlights

• Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp / 292 Nm, 0-100 in 7.5s
• 81.8 kWh battery with 501 km WLTC range
• Full ADAS: AEB, ACC, LKA, BSD, 540-degree camera
• Off-road mode with hill descent control
• Heated & ventilated leather seats, 8-year / 200,000 km warranty

Best for: Adventure-seeking buyers who want dual-motor EV performance with off-road ability.

Exterior & Design Review

The iCar V23 wears its off-road intent on the outside. The boxy silhouette, flat roofline and squared wheel arches recall proper adventure vehicles rather than the rounded, aero-optimised shapes of most EVs. At 4,220 mm long with a 2,735 mm wheelbase, it is compact enough for city parking yet tall and upright enough to look the part on a desert track.

The AWD trim's 21-inch wheels wearing 265/45 R21 tyres fill the arches and add visual bulk, while the raised ground clearance and protective cladding suggest genuine capability rather than pose. Details like the upright grille, chunky door handles and roof rails reinforce the rugged brief. This is an electric SUV that looks ready for adventure before you even turn it on.

Desert Driving Test

In the desert, the V23 AWD's dual-motor system is the star. With 211 hp and 292 Nm sent to all four wheels, traction is available instantly - a huge advantage in soft sand where petrol SUVs often struggle to build momentum. Engaging the off-road mode adjusts throttle response and activates hill descent control, which manages speed on steep dune descents without needing heavy braking.

The 540-degree surround-view camera proved invaluable when navigating tight tracks and picking lines over rutted ground, its transparent-chassis view making it easy to place the wheels. While the V23 is not a hardcore rock crawler, it handled firm sand, gravel tracks and moderate dunes with confidence. The instant electric torque and AWD grip make it surprisingly competent for a vehicle at this price point - easily matching the light off-road ability of adventure-styled petrol SUVs.

On-Road Driving Experience

Back on tarmac, the V23 AWD is refined and composed. The dual-motor setup delivers smooth, silent acceleration - the 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time feels effortless in daily traffic, and overtaking is a single quiet surge. Ride quality is compliant despite the 21-inch wheels, absorbing UAE road imperfections without harshness.

NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control is good for the price: wind and road noise are well suppressed at highway speeds, and the cabin stays quiet. The steering is light and easy around town, weighting up predictably at speed. Full ADAS features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist take the stress out of long highway runs, while the ventilated seats keep you comfortable in summer. Overall, the V23 is as relaxing on the road as it is capable off it.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dual-motor AWD with genuine light off-road ability
• Off-road mode with hill descent control works well in sand
• 540-degree camera invaluable for off-road positioning
• Quiet, refined and comfortable on-road
• Boxy design looks the part for 66,000 AED

Cons

• Not a hardcore rock crawler - ground clearance is modest
• Boot space limited at 280 L for adventure gear
• 21-inch tyres are costly to replace
• DC fast charging slower than premium 800V rivals

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iCar V23 AWD handle desert driving?

Yes. Its dual-motor AWD, instant electric torque, off-road mode with hill descent control and 540-degree camera make it capable on firm sand, gravel tracks and moderate dunes - matching the light off-road ability of adventure-styled petrol SUVs.

How does the off-road mode work?

Off-road mode adjusts throttle response for smoother progression on loose surfaces and activates hill descent control, which automatically manages speed on steep descents without requiring heavy braking.

Is the iCar V23 comfortable on the road too?

Very. The ride is compliant despite 21-inch wheels, wind and road noise are well suppressed, and full ADAS features including adaptive cruise control make long highway drives relaxing.

What is the 0-100 km/h time of the AWD?

The iCar V23 AWD accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, thanks to its 211 hp and 292 Nm dual-motor powertrain.

Verdict

The iCar V23 AWD is a genuine surprise in the desert. For 66,000 AED it delivers dual-motor AWD grip, a working off-road mode, a 540-degree camera and a refined on-road experience - a combination no rival matches at this price. It is not a hardcore crawler, but for UAE adventure drivers who want electric efficiency with real light off-road capability, the V23 AWD is an outstanding and uniquely appealing choice.