Geely EX5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric: The Better Electric SUV for UAE Buyers

Dubai: The compact electric SUV shelf in the UAE just got a lot more interesting. The Geely EX5 has already made a strong first impression here, backed by confirmed pricing and a 5-star safety score, and it now faces one of the most trusted names in the segment: the Hyundai Kona Electric. One is the ambitious new arrival from China, the other is a familiar face that has quietly built a loyal following on UAE roads. Here's how they actually compare, straight from their official spec sheets.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The EX5 hits harder off the line and charges faster, while the Kona Electric counters with a longer WLTP range and a dual-screen cockpit
• Both SUVs are genuinely well equipped on safety once you step up to the top trim
• The EX5 undercuts the Kona Electric's higher trims on price, while the Hyundai Kona Electric rear seats are spacious, with a premium cabin, upholstery and rear AC vents. offering more standard kit at entry level

Which One Feels Better Behind the Wheel

Both these SUVs use a single front motor, but the way they deliver their power feels quite different behind the wheel. The EX5's 12-in-1 drive system is tuned for a punchier, more immediate launch, while the Kona Electric leans toward smoother, more relaxed delivery that suits long highway stretches better.

Spec	Geely EX5	Hyundai Kona Electric
Motor	Front-mounted electric motor	Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Max Power	218 hp (160 kW)	218 PS (160 kW)
Max Torque	320 Nm	255 Nm
0-100 km/h	6.9 seconds	7.8 seconds
Battery	60.22 kWh Short-Blade LFP	65.4 kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer
Driving Range	Up to 430 km	Up to 513 km (17" wheels)
Fast Charging	135 km added in 10 minutes	10-80% DC in 41 minutes

The EX5 is quicker to 100 km/h and its Short-Blade battery adds a genuine safety edge for UAE summers, but the Kona Electric's bigger 65.4 kWh pack pulls ahead comfortably on range, which matters for anyone doing regular Abu Dhabi to Dubai runs.

Bigger SUV or Smarter Design

Both cars take an EV-first design approach, though the results look nothing alike. The EX5 goes for a sculpted, road-hugging stance with a full-width rear light bar, while the Kona Electric leans into its pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp for a more futuristic, tech-forward face.

Feature	Geely EX5	Hyundai Kona Electric
Length x Width x Height	4,615 x 1,901 x 1,670 mm	4,355 x 1,825 x 1,580 mm
Wheelbase	2,750 mm	2,660 mm
Wheels	18" (Pro) / 19" (Max+)	17" or 19" alloy
Headlamps	LED	Full projection LED, twin design
Door Handles	Seamless hidden handles	Standard flush handles
Sunroof	Panoramic (Max+ only)	Not featured

The EX5 is the noticeably larger SUV on paper, with more wheelbase and a panoramic sunroof up top, while the Kona Electric counters with its distinctive lighting signature and a more compact footprint that's genuinely easier to slot into a tight Sharjah car park.

Which Cabin Makes Everyday Driving Better

Cabin comfort is where both brands clearly went all-in, and the top trims are closely matched here. The EX5 pushes ambient lighting and wireless charging as standard talking points, while the Kona Electric leans on its curved, dual-screen cockpit for a more premium first impression.

Comfort Feature	Geely EX5 (Max+)	Hyundai Kona Electric
Seat Material	PVC leather	Cloth/leather options by trim
Driver Seat	6-way power adjustment	Power adjustable, with relaxation function
Wireless Charging	Standard	Standard
Ambient Lighting	Multi-colour	64 configurable colours
Rear Seats	60/40 split	40:20:40 folding
Boot Space	67.2% space utilisation	466 litres, expands to 1,300 litres

The Kona Electric's 40:20:40 folding bench genuinely wins for practicality, letting you carry skis and passengers at once, while the EX5 answers with a relaxing, tech-forward cabin feel that punches above its price point.

Technology You'll Actually Use

The EX5 goes big on a single central display, while the Kona Electric spreads its tech across two connected screens for a more layered dashboard experience.

Feature	Geely EX5	Hyundai Kona Electric
Touchscreen	15.4" HD display	12.3" curved touchscreen
Driver Display	10.2" instrument cluster	12.3" digital cluster
Voice Assistant	"Hi, Geely," 200+ commands, 10 languages	Bluelink® voice recognition
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB, Geely app	Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Extra Tech	10.2" HUD, 16-speaker audio option	Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), route planner

The EX5's screen is bigger and easier to read at a glance, but the Kona Electric's wireless CarPlay and V2L, which lets you power a laptop or camping gear straight from the car, are the kind of everyday conveniences that add up fast.

Safety That Inspires Confidence

This is where trim level ecides everything on both cars. Stick to the base grade, and you lose a fair bit of the good stuff, so budgeting for the top trim genuinely pays off here.

Safety Feature	Geely EX5 (Max+)	Hyundai Kona Electric
Airbags	6 across all variants	Front, side, curtain
Lane Keeping Assist	Standard on Max+	Standard (HDA 2.0)
Adaptive Cruise Control	ACC available	Navigation-based Smart Cruise
360° Camera	Full top-view	Blind-spot view monitor
Automatic Emergency Braking	Standard on Max+	Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Remote Parking	Not featured	Remote Smart Parking Assist

 

Both cars come loaded once you go for the higher trim, though the Kona Electric's Highway Driving Assist 2.0 pushes it slightly closer to genuine Level 2 autonomy on long Sheikh Zayed Road drives.

Which One Gives You More for Your Money

This is where the EX5 currently pulls clear ahead in the UAE.

Model	Est. UAE Price
Geely EX5 Pro	AED 99,900
Geely EX5 Max+	AED 120,000
Hyundai Kona Electric	From AED 76,999

The Kona Electric's entry price looks tempting, though buyers should check current showroom trims carefully, since UAE availability and specification can shift between the base and long-range versions. 

For more on how the EX5 stacks up against another rival nearby, our EX5 vs BYD Atto 3 comparison and EX5 variants breakdown are worth a read.

The Better Electric SUV for UAE Roads 

Both these electric SUVs make a genuinely strong case for UAE buyers, and neither is a wrong choice. If you want sharper acceleration, a bigger touchscreen, and Geely's newer safety suite for a reasonable AED 99,900 to 120,000, the EX5 is ready and waiting at the showroom. 

If range anxiety is your bigger worry, or you simply want the reassurance of a longer-established brand with a wider UAE service network, the Kona Electric remains an easy recommendation, especially with its clever V2L party trick. Either way, this is a genuinely good problem for UAE EV shoppers to have. For a wider view of what else is worth cross-shopping, our EX5 alternatives roundup is a useful next stop.

Also Read: JAC M4 vs Hyundai Staria: Which MPV Fits Your Lifestyle and Budget?