iCar V23 Review: Chery's Boxy EV SUV vs Conventional Rivals

iCar V23 Review: Chery's Boxy EV SUV vs Conventional Rivals

The iCar V23 AWD does not just compete with other electric SUVs - its 66,000 AED price puts it squarely against popular petrol compact SUVs like the Haval Jolion, MG ZS and Geely Coolray. This review examines whether Chery's boxy electric off-roader makes a more compelling case than the conventional petrol SUVs UAE buyers know well.

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.

The Boxy EV Proposition

The iCar V23's proposition is unusual: a boxy, off-road-styled electric SUV that costs the same as mainstream petrol compact SUVs. Most affordable EVs are rounded, aero-focused crossovers, but the V23 embraces a rugged, upright design borrowed from proper adventure vehicles. Combined with dual-motor AWD, an off-road mode and a 540-degree camera, it offers a character you simply cannot find in a petrol SUV at this price.

Electric running costs are the other half of the argument. With no petrol engine, the V23 slashes fuel bills, needs no oil changes and benefits from regenerative braking that extends brake life. The 8-year / 200,000 km warranty matches or exceeds the coverage on rival petrol SUVs, removing much of the risk traditionally associated with choosing an unfamiliar EV. The question is whether the V23's electric advantages outweigh the practicality of established petrol rivals.

vs Petrol Compact SUVs

Against the Haval Jolion (around 68,000 AED), the MG ZS (around 58,000 AED) and the Geely Coolray (around 76,000 AED), the iCar V23 AWD at 66,000 AED is priced right in the heart of the petrol compact SUV segment. On running costs it wins decisively: electricity at roughly 45 AED per 100 km versus 60-80 AED of petrol for comparable SUVs, saving thousands of dirhams each year.

On capability, the V23 AWD's 211 hp and dual-motor traction outmuscle the Jolion's 141 hp, the ZS's 111 hp and the Coolray's 177 hp, while its off-road mode and 540-degree camera give it light desert ability the petrol rivals lack. Where petrol SUVs fight back is practicality: the Jolion offers a 430-1,233 L boot versus the V23's 280 L, and refuelling is instant anywhere. For buyers who value the lowest running costs, the most performance and genuine off-road character, the V23 wins; for maximum cargo and zero charging planning, the petrol SUVs still appeal.

Strengths & Weaknesses

The V23 AWD's strengths are clear: it is the most powerful, the cheapest to run and the most distinctive vehicle in this comparison. Electric instant torque, AWD grip, a full ADAS suite and ventilated leather seats give it a feature lead no petrol rival can match at the price. The 8-year warranty and heat-stable battery also address the durability concerns that have historically kept buyers in petrol SUVs.

The weaknesses are practical rather than dynamic. The 280-litre boot is smaller than any petrol rival's, and while UAE charging infrastructure is mature, a petrol SUV still offers ultimate refuelling convenience for buyers who regularly drive long distances or lack home charging. For most UAE buyers, though, the V23's combination of lower running costs, stronger performance and unique character makes it the more compelling choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 211 hp outmuscles all petrol rivals in the price band
• Running costs roughly half those of petrol SUVs
• Dual-motor AWD and off-road mode unique at this price
• Full ADAS and ventilated seats standard
• 8-year / 200,000 km warranty matches petrol rivals

Cons

• Boot of 280 L is smaller than petrol rivals
• Requires home or public charging planning
• Brand and service network less established than rivals
• No petrol fallback for very long unplanned trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iCar V23 AWD cheaper to run than a petrol SUV?

Yes. Electricity costs roughly 45 AED per 100 km versus 60-80 AED of petrol for comparable compact SUVs, saving thousands of dirhams each year, plus lower service costs with no oil changes.

How does the V23 AWD compare to the Haval Jolion?

The V23 AWD offers 211 hp versus the Jolion's 141 hp, dual-motor AWD, an off-road mode and far lower running costs. The Jolion fights back with a larger 430-1,233 L boot and instant petrol refuelling.

Is the iCar V23 more powerful than the Geely Coolray?

Yes. The V23 AWD produces 211 hp versus the Coolray's 177 hp, and delivers it through all four wheels with instant electric torque.

Can the iCar V23 go off-road like a petrol SUV?

It can do light off-roading - firm sand, gravel tracks and moderate dunes - thanks to dual-motor AWD, an off-road mode with hill descent control and a 540-degree camera. It is not a hardcore crawler, but it matches or beats the off-road ability of petrol compact SUVs in this class.

Verdict

Against conventional petrol compact SUVs, the iCar V23 AWD makes a remarkably strong case. It is the most powerful, the cheapest to run and the most distinctive vehicle in its price band, with dual-motor AWD and genuine light off-road ability that no petrol rival offers at 66,000 AED. The smaller boot and charging planning are the trade-offs, but for buyers who want lower running costs, stronger performance and unique character, the V23 AWD is the more compelling choice.