The best value plug-in hybrid of 2026? | Geely Starray Review
The Starray blends generous electric range with impressive value, making this PHEV a great alternative for those that aren't quite ready to go fully electric.
If there’s one thing Geely has made clear since it arrived in the UK, it’s that it’s not interested in simply dipping its toe in the water. Following hot on the heels of the all-electric EX5 comes this – the Starray EM-I Super Hybrid.
It’s a family-shaped crossover that swaps the bigger batteries for a plug-in hybrid set-up, ensuring the brand’s value-first approach remains firmly intact. It may seems an odd move at a time when EVs dominate the headlines, but it’s actually a rather clever move.
There are still plenty of drivers that still want the reassurance of a petrol engine on longer trips. But they also want to enjoy the low running costs of electric driving most of the time. On paper, that’s exactly what the Starray promises.
What exactly is it?
The Starray – or the Starray EM-I Super Hybrid to give it its full name – is the second UK model from Chinese brand Geely, and it slots neatly into a very competitive part of the market. This is a car that has to sway customers away from other plug-ins like the Kia Sportage and MG HS.
List prices start from just under £30,000 – and lease prices reflect this. With personal lease deals on offer from under £200 per month*, it feels good value before you’ve even climbed aboard.
With personal lease deals on offer from under £200 per month, it feels good value before you’ve even climbed aboard.
Three trim levels are available – Pro, Max and Ultra. All come exceptionally well equipped for the price point, but it’s the Ultra model that benefits the most. This is mainly because it gets a larger battery pack, allowing it to travel up to 84 miles on EV power alone.
Style-wise, there’s nothing particularly radical about its appearance. But the uncluttered bodywork, slim LED lighting and tidy proportions give it a premium feel. It’s understated in a way that’ll likely age well.
What about the interior and tech?
Step inside and the Starray continues to punch above that monthly payment. It mirrors the EX5 in a lot of ways – it’s thoughtfully designed, soft-touch materials greet you everywhere, and it feels uncluttered.
Tech-wise, you get a driver display and a large central touchscreen. It’s crisp, responsive, and easy enough to navigate (once you’ve spent some time with it). There are some annoyances – it’d be nice to have easier access to driver aid functionality.
Storage is another key highlight – thanks to the platform’s packaging, there’s plenty of legroom, while the flat rear floor makes squeezing three passengers across the back less of a compromise than in some key rivals. Boot space differs depending on trim, but all feature more than 500 litres.
Like many touchscreen-heavy cabins, you'll occasionally find yourself wishing for a few more physical shortcut buttons.
Wireless smartphone connectivity and over-the-air software updates help keep the system feeling modern, although, like many touchscreen-heavy cabins, you'll occasionally find yourself wishing for a few more physical shortcut buttons.
What about the driving experience?
Rather than trying to be sporty, the Starray focuses on being easy to live with. Around town it spends much of its time running silently on electric power, making everyday commuting pleasantly relaxed.
Steering is light and predictable, making the Starray particularly easy to manoeuvre around town or into tight parking spaces.
When the petrol engine joins in, power delivery remains smooth thanks to the hybrid transmission, although under hard acceleration the engine can become more vocal than some rivals. Fortunately, it's only really noticeable when you're asking for maximum performance.
The suspension deals confidently with rough roads, soaking up potholes and broken surfaces without feeling overly soft through corners. Steering is light and predictable, making the Starray particularly easy to manoeuvre around town or into tight parking spaces.
Like many new cars, it also comes loaded with driver assistance technology. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and a comprehensive suite of safety systems are all fitted as standard, although some of the alerts can be a little overenthusiastic until you've adjusted the settings.
What about charging and range?
This is where the Starray really separates itself from many plug-in hybrid rivals. Pro and Max models feature an 18.4kWh battery capable of travelling around 51 miles on electricity alone, while the flagship Ultra stretches that figure to an impressive 84 miles thanks to its larger 29.8kWh battery.
For many drivers, that's enough to complete several days of commuting without using any petrol at all.
For many drivers, that's enough to complete several days of commuting without using any petrol at all. Charging is equally competitive. Unlike many plug-in hybrids, the Starray supports DC rapid charging, allowing the battery to be topped up far quicker than most alternatives when you're away from home. AC charging through a home wallbox is equally straightforward, making overnight charging an easy habit to build.
So should you lease one?
If you're not quite ready to commit to a fully electric car, the Geely Starray is a great option. It delivers many of the benefits of a full electric while removing the anxiety some drivers still have around longer journeys.
Its biggest strengths are value, equipment and electric range. Add in a spacious cabin, generous standard specification and comfortable driving manners, and it becomes one of the strongest plug-in hybrid SUVs available at this price.
There are a few compromises. The touchscreen could be more intuitive, and enthusiastic drivers may find it lacks a little character on twistier roads. But neither feels like a deal-breaker in a car that's clearly been designed with comfort and everyday usability in mind.
For families looking to keep running costs down without making the leap to a full EV, the Starray deserves serious consideration. It might wear an unfamiliar badge, but on the evidence of its first UK models, Geely looks more than ready to challenge the established players.
*Prices correct at time of writing, 02/07/2026
