DEEPAL G318 vs Geely Starray: Mid-size Crossover Mayhem
DEEPAL G318, the latest addition to the UAE’s Chinese hybrid crossover market, has been making the news recently. The Geely Starray is listed in a “Top 10 Chinese cars to buy in UAE” list, described as a stylish mid-size SUV. The reason for this DEEPAL G318 vs Geely Starray battle is to show our audience how these Chinese mid-size crossover SUVs compare. Read to the end as we compare these cars’ performance, cabin comfort, safety, and driver-assistance features.
This will help you make an educated buying decision if you’re in the market for either of these cars. But before we delve any further, let’s meet the contenders first.
Meet the Contenders
DEEPAL G318
The DEEPAL G318 was unveiled in the UAE at a regional brand event in November 2025. It drew attention because many drivers in the country follow new entries in the growing Chinese automotive sector.
The model sits in the mid-size crossover SUV category, which appeals to families and daily commuters. Its arrival helped more residents learn about DEEPAL as a young brand supported by Changan’s wider global strategy.
DEEPAL promotes a focus on usability and accessible technology that suits regional expectations for comfort and reliability. The G318’s unveiling marked a measured step in DEEPAL’s effort to build trust among UAE buyers seeking practical choices.
Geely Starray
The Geely Starray entered the UAE market after a steady rise in interest in Chinese crossovers. Local buyers noticed it because the model fits well within the compact-to-midsize SUV space that many residents prefer.
Its arrival also highlighted Geely’s ongoing push to strengthen its presence in the region through consistent model updates. Starray gained recognition for its clean design and focus on everyday usability. Many shoppers viewed it as an accessible option that balanced comfort with straightforward features.
Its introduction signaled Geely’s intent to appeal to drivers seeking a practical, familiar driving experience.
Performance Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at what these SUVs offer in terms of performance:
| DEEPAL G318 | Specs | Geely Starray |
| Inline-4 | Engine | Inline-4 |
| Turbocharged | Forced Induction | Turbocharged |
| 1500cc | Displacement | 2000cc |
| 2x | Number of Electric Motors | – |
| 35.07 kWH | Battery Capacity | – |
| Electronic Shift | Transmission | 7-Speed DCT |
| 4WD | Drivetrain | FWD |
| 424 hp (combined) | Power | 218 hp |
| 575 Nm (combined) | Torque | 325 Nm |
| 5.9 seconds | 0-100 km/h | 8.2 seconds |
| 850 km (WLTP) | Fuel Economy | Estimated full-tank range: ~924 km |
| 2,360 kg | Weight | 1,645 kg |
Key Takeaways:
The electric motors add significant weight to the DEEPAL G318, but they offer more power and faster acceleration. Both cars are inline-4 turbocharged crossovers. Initially, we thought the G318 would have a better fuel economy, but it turns out the Starray offers more range on a full tank. The Geely Starray also features a DCT for better power delivery, but it is only FWD, unlike the G318’s 4WD.
Cabin Comfort
Now, we will compare the cockpits of these two crossovers:
| DEEPAL G318 | Specs | Geely Starray |
| 5 | No. of seats | 5 |
| Soft Material | Seat Material | PVC Leather |
| Unavailable | Paddle Shifters | Standard |
| Dual-zone Automatic | Climate Control | Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control |
| 10.25” Instrument Cluster + 14.6” embedded high-definition centre screen | Multimedia | 10.2” Instrument Cluster + 13.2” Central Touch Screen |
| Standard | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Standard |
| 50W wireless fast charging | Wireless charging | Standard |
| Standard | Ambient Lighting | 72-color music dynamic ambient lighting |
| Smart panoramic sunroof + electric sunshade | Sunroof | Panoramic power sliding sunroof with power sunshade |
| 16 Yang high quality speakers | Sound System | 9-speaker HarmanTm Luxury Audio System |
| Heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats with electric adjustment, lumbar support, massage, and memory functions | Seat Functions | Heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats with electric adjustment and lumbar support. |
| 818 litres | Boot Capacity | 650 litres |
Key Takeaways:
Being Chinese, both of these crossovers are fully loaded in terms of cabin comfort. The G318 has more speakers and a larger boot. It also offers more premium seat functions, including massage and memory functions.
The Geely Starray fights back with its 72-color music dynamic ambient lighting and PVC leather seats. This DEEPAL G318 vs Geely Starray is getting pretty intense.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Last but not least, we’ll talk about the safety and driver assistance features of these two mid-size SUVs:
| DEEPAL G318 | Specs | Geely Starray |
| 6 | Airbags | 8 |
| Standard | Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Standard | Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | Standard |
| Optional | Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) | Standard |
| Standard | Cruise Control | Standard |
| Standard | ISOFIX | Standard |
| Standard | Electronic Power Steering (EPS) | Standard |
| Optional | Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | Standard |
| Optional | Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) | Standard |
| Standard | Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Standard |
| Standard | Hill Start Assist (HSA) | Standard |
| Standard | Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) | Standard |
| Standard | Traction Control (TRC) | Standard |
| Optional | Heads-Up Display (HUD) | Optional |
| Standard | Lane Departure Assist | Standard |
| Optional | Lane Change Assist | Standard |
| Optional | 360 Cameras | Standard |
| Standard | Parking Sensors | Standard |
Key Takeaways:
The Geely Starray is definitely safer and offers more ADAS features compared to the DEEPAL G318. The G318 has 2 fewer airbags than the Starray.
DEEPAL G318 vs Geely Starray: Editor’s Opinion
Geely has made a name for itself in the UAE as one of the best Chinese cars you can buy new. It justifies its position well against the newcomer. The DEEPAL G318 offers better performance and an exquisite cabin, but struggles to keep up with the Starray in terms of safety and driver assistance.
Overall, we think the Geely Starray offers quite a reasonable amount of almost everything. It even has a better overall range compared to the G318, despite the G318 offering a “Super-hybrid” powertrain. In our opinion, you should:
- Pick the Deepal G318 if you value 4WD capability and a more luxurious interior experience.
- Pick the Geely Starray if you want proven brand trust in the UAE and a well-balanced feature set at a solid value.
Comparison
This DEEPAL G318 vs Geely Starray comparison shows that each SUV targets a different type of driver. The Deepal G318 attracts buyers who want a richer cabin feel and a stronger sense of novelty. The Geely Starray appeals to shoppers who value confident safety support and consistent everyday usability.
Each model holds a clear place in the growing Chinese crossover segment. Which one of these mid-size Chinese crossover SUVs would you pick and why? Let us know in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more in-depth car comparisons like this.