The Geely Cowboy 1st (SX12) Generation is a compact SUV designed around a simple idea: deliver strong turbo performance in a small, practical SUV body. Launched in 2024, it sits in the mini SUV space but leans more toward punchy road performance than basic city-only crossovers, thanks to its 1.5-litre turbo engine and dual-clutch transmission.
In the UAE market in 2026, the Geely Cowboy SX12 suits buyers who want compact size and everyday usability but still care about torque, highway stability, and modern in-cabin tech. It is front-wheel drive, seats five, and uses a five-door layout that works for daily commuting, weekend runs, and normal family use without feeling oversized.
Powertrain and Performance
The Geely Cowboy is offered in the 1.5TD Fun Wild Edition specification.
It runs a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine (BHE15-EFZ) producing 181 horsepower (133 kW) and 290 Nm of torque, with peak torque delivered from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch (DCT) transmission. Power is sent to the front wheels.
Performance figures and running data from the spec sheet include:
- Top speed: 200 km/h
- WLTC combined fuel consumption: 6.97 L/100 km
- Fuel tank capacity: 51 litres
This setup delivers higher output than many entry-level compact SUVs with naturally aspirated engines and CVTs.
Chassis, Ride and Dimensions
The Cowboy uses a more advanced suspension layout for its size, with MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, supported by electric power steering.
Dimensions and weight data:
- Length: 4,442 mm
- Width: 1,860 mm
- Height: 1,770 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,640 mm
- Kerb weight: 1,415 kg
- Maximum load mass: 1,815 kg
Braking hardware includes ventilated front discs, rear disc brakes, and an electronic parking brake.
Exterior Design and Practical Hardware
The Cowboy has a squared-off SUV shape with a clean, upright profile. It is a five-door SUV with seating for five.
Key exterior and hardware items include:
- LED low-beam and high-beam headlights
- 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R18 tyres
- Power mirrors with electric adjustment, electric folding, heating, and auto-fold on lock
- Rain-sensing wipers
The overall look is more rugged and upright than softer urban crossovers, without being oversized.
Interior and Cabin Experience
Inside, the Cowboy leans heavily into large displays and connected features.
The driver gets an 8.8-inch LCD instrument display, while the centre uses a 14.6-inch touchscreen with 1920 × 1080 resolution, giving the Geely Cowboy interior a strongly digital feel. The infotainment runs on Flyme Auto and supports Carlink, Flyme Link, and Huawei HiCar.
Comfort and usability details include:
- Leather and fabric seat trim
- Driver seat height adjustment and backrest adjustment
- Front and rear seat backrest adjustment
- Proportional-folding rear seats
- Steering wheel adjustment up/down and front/rear
- Automatic air conditioning
- 256-colour ambient lighting
- Front and rear centre armrests
- USB and Type-C ports: front row 1, rear row 2
- 6-speaker audio system
Overall, it’s a straightforward cabin built around the big screens and daily-use basics, with enough adjustment and practical features to suit regular commuting and family use.
Technology and Safety
The Cowboy comes with a solid mix of core safety equipment and driver-assistance features aimed at everyday driving and easier parking, including a 360-degree panoramic camera system and full-speed adaptive cruise control.
Safety coverage includes:
- Dual front airbags
- Front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Driver-assistance and parking support includes:
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree panoramic camera system with five cameras
- Four ultrasonic radars
- Front and rear parking radar
- Monocular forward-sensing camera
Along with these systems, Eco, Standard/Comfort, and Sport driving modes let the driver adjust the car’s response based on road and traffic conditions.
Maintenance and Warranty
In the UAE, Geely warranty coverage is 7 years or 250,000 km, whichever comes first. This applies to vehicles purchased from an official Geely dealer and covers manufacturing defects, with exclusions listed in the service book provided at the time of purchase.
Before delivery, each vehicle undergoes a pre-sale inspection, and warranty cases are handled by authorized Geely dealers, who perform diagnostics, repairs, and adjustments using original Geely parts. To keep warranty coverage valid, servicing should follow the manufacturer’s schedule and be recorded through the authorized network.
Comparison
In 2026, the Geely Cowboy UAE competes in the compact SUV segment against models such as the Toyota Raize, Nissan Magnite Turbo, and Chery Tiggo 2 Pro.
Compared with naturally aspirated competitors, the Cowboy delivers stronger output thanks to its 1.5-litre turbo engine and 290 Nm of torque. Its multi-link rear suspension also gives it a more advanced chassis setup than some entry-level rivals that use torsion beam rear suspension.
Where competitors may focus on fuel economy or brand familiarity, the Cowboy offers higher engine output, a large 14.6-inch display, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control in a compact SUV format.