In this Geely Monjaro review, we spent a few days with Geely’s flagship SUV in Dubai to answer the question every buyer asks about a Chinese car: is the quality and reliability really there? Here is a fact that changes the conversation. Geely is the same group that owns Volvo and Lotus, and the engine and specs on the Monjaro were co-developed with Volvo. The result is a feature-packed SUV that genuinely challenges far pricier European rivals.
Key takeaways
- A 2.0 litre turbocharged engine with 235 hp, an 8-speed automatic and an intelligent four-wheel drive system.
- Engine and specs co-developed with Volvo; Geely also owns Volvo and Lotus.
- Self-parking that steers, brakes and changes gear for you, plus automatic parking out.
- A 540 degree camera that shows what is underneath the car, plus a head-up display.
- Three screens, Bose audio, ventilated seats and a big panoramic sunroof.
Geely Monjaro design: upmarket and aggressive
The Monjaro looks the part. At the front you get full LED daytime running lights, plenty of chrome and a slanted grille with the Geely logo, which hides a lot of sensors. Ground clearance is decent for light soft-roading. Along the side there are diamond-cut wheels, chrome garnish that separates the upper and lower body, tougher plastics low down and a shark fin antenna.
Our favourite angle is the rear. A single-strip LED tail light runs across the back, in the style of recent premium sports cars, with proud Geely and Monjaro branding. From a design point of view, it is classy and upmarket, and that is where this car really excels.
Interior, comfort and technology
Walk up with the key in your pocket and the Monjaro unlocks itself and unfolds its mirrors. Inside, the seats move back automatically to let you in. You are greeted by a huge panoramic sunroof, an Alcantara-style headliner and three screens: one for the driver, a centre touchscreen and a dedicated passenger display.
- Bose sound system and ambient lighting
- Physical buttons for temperature and fan speed, alongside the touchscreen
- Electrically adjustable two-tone steering wheel
- Wireless charger, drive modes and quilted leather seats
- Ventilated front seats (controlled through the screen menu)
Build quality impressed us. Nothing felt loose and nothing snagged. Our one complaint: there is no physical button for the ventilated seats, so you have to dig into the climate menu while driving.
Back seats and boot space
The rear is where the Monjaro shines for families. With the front seat in a normal driving position, there is generous legroom, good thigh support and plenty of headroom. Rear passengers get their own digital climate panel and two vents. The powered tailgate opens from inside or from the key, and the boot is a usable size with extra storage underneath.
Self-parking and the 540 degree camera
The headline feature is the automatic parking system, and it is no gimmick. Select APA on the screen, drive past a space and the car finds it. Tap the P icon, take your hands and feet off, and the Monjaro steers, brakes and even shifts gear by itself. When it finished at a slight angle, it corrected itself to park dead straight. It can also drive itself back out of a space.
The 540 degree camera is another highlight. On top of the usual surround view, it shows what is directly underneath the car, technology you would normally find on a Range Rover or a Defender. Add a head-up display, lane keep and lane departure assist, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, door opening warnings and dynamic cruise control, and the Monjaro is very well equipped for safety.
How the Geely Monjaro drives
The 2.0 litre turbo makes 235 hp. That does not sound like much on paper, but it is enough for the car’s weight. The cabin is quiet, visibility is good, the steering is light and the turning circle is surprisingly tight, which makes U-turns easy. There is some body movement over rough roads, but it is well controlled. It is aimed at new drivers and first-time buyers, and it fits that brief perfectly: easy in the city and comfortable on the highway.
Our verdict on the Geely Monjaro
The one downside is road presence. In our experience, other drivers give it less respect than a big-name SUV, which says more about perceptions of Chinese cars than about the Monjaro itself. As someone who daily drives a Nissan Patrol, the difference is clear. Still, as a nifty, luxurious and tech-packed SUV for the price, the Monjaro is a pleasure to drive. It is not for performance enthusiasts, but for everyone else it is a smart choice.
Geely Monjaro review: frequently asked questions
What engine does the Geely Monjaro have?
The Monjaro we reviewed has a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine producing 235 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and an intelligent four-wheel drive system.
Is the Geely Monjaro related to Volvo?
Yes. Geely owns Volvo and Lotus, and the Monjaro’s engine and specs were co-developed with Volvo.
Can the Geely Monjaro park itself?
Yes. Its automatic parking system finds a space, then steers, brakes and changes gear on its own. It can also drive itself out of a parking space.
What is the 540 degree camera on the Geely Monjaro?
On top of a 360 degree surround view, it shows the ground directly beneath the car, which helps when manoeuvring in tight spots.
Is the Geely Monjaro good for off-roading?
It has intelligent four-wheel drive modes for light soft-roading, but it is not built for dune bashing.
Read Geely’s launch details in our story on the new Monjaro, watch the full video review, and find more car reviews in our Automotive section.
