The GAC GS7 Isn't the Only Big SUV in Town: 5 Surprise Rivals Worth a Test Drive

Dubai: The GAC GS7 PHEV has plenty of reasons to turn heads. It starts at AED 159,900 and makes 501 hp from a triple-motor plug-in hybrid setup. GAC says it can cover up to 1,020 km on a full tank and charge (CLTC). 

If that sounds like your kind of SUV, five more options are waiting. Some are plug-in hybrids. Some are petrol. Each one fights for the same family budget.

Here's a quick summary before the full breakdown.

Alternative	Why It's Worth a Look
BYD Ti 7	480 hp plug-in hybrid with a rugged look
BYD Song Plus DM-i	Cheaper plug-in hybrid with a strong safety list
Mitsubishi Outlander	Seven seats and proven all-wheel control
Jetour T2	Off-road SUV with a 10-year warranty
Volvo XC60 PHEV	Premium badge and 462 hp

The GS7 Benchmark: What You Are Comparing Against

Here is the yardstick. The GS7 packs a 36.3 kWh battery, a 15.6-inch screen and a 27-inch head-up display. Rear seats recline up to 137 degrees. The 22-speaker sound system has lift-up speakers.

GAC GS7 PHEV	Details
Price	From AED 159,900
Power	501 hp, triple-motor AWD
0-100 km/h	5.8 seconds
Range	Up to 1,020 km combined (CLTC)
Safety	10 airbags, L2 driver assistance, 540° camera

BYD Ti 7: The Closest Match

The Ti 7 is the nearest rival in both price and muscle. It pairs a 1.5T engine with electric motors for 480 hp and 630 Nm, with AWD and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. Inside, it has ventilated, heated and massage front seats, a 15.6-inch screen and a 26-inch head-up display. 

If you liked the GS7's cabin, our look at the GAC GS7 interior and exterior shows how the two compare in terms of luxury.

Category	Details
Price	AED 157,900 - 170,900
Power / Torque	480 hp / 630 Nm
Battery / Range	26.6 kWh, 80 km electric, 870 km combined (WLTP)
Size	5,016 x 1,995 x 1,865 mm, 2,920 mm wheelbase
Cargo	1,880 L with rear seats folded
Tech	15.6-inch screen, 14 speakers, 50W wireless charger

BYD Song Plus DM-i: The Smart Saver

The Song Plus is the one for buyers who like the idea of a plug-in hybrid but not the GS7's price. It is smaller and calmer, yet it still has a long safety list and a 552-litre boot. BYD's Blade Battery and PM2.5 air filter come standard.

Category	Details
Price	AED 119,900 - 149,900
Powertrain	1.5T plug-in hybrid, FWD or 4WD
0-100 km/h	5.9 seconds (4WD Premium)
Battery / Range	18.3 kWh, up to 70 km electric, 765 km combined
Size	4,775 x 1,890 x 1,670 mm
Safety	360° camera, plus AEB, ACC and lane keeping on Premium

Mitsubishi Outlander: The Seven-Seat Sensible Pick

The Outlander drops the hybrid system for a 2.5-litre petrol engine. In return you get seven seats and Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel control, with six drive modes from Tarmac to Mud. The cabin has ventilated front seats, a 10.8-inch head-up display and a Yamaha sound system.

Category	Details
Price	From about AED 100,000
Engine	2.5L petrol, 135 kW, 244 Nm, CVT
Drive	S-AWC 4WD (2WD also offered)
Seats	5 or 7
Airbags	7 SRS airbags
Tech	12.3-inch display and driver screen, wireless charger

Jetour T2: The Adventure Pick

The T2 is for buyers who want boxy, tough styling and a real 4x4. Its 2.0T engine sends 390 Nm through a 7-speed DCT to a BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system. It also comes with a 15.6-inch screen, 12-speaker Sony audio, ventilated seats and a 10-year or 1 million km warranty.

Category	Details
Price	AED 129,000
Engine	2.0T petrol, 390 Nm, 7-speed DCT
Size	4,785 mm long, 2,800 mm wheelbase
Off-road	39° approach, 30° departure, 7 drive modes
Safety	ACC, AEB, 540° camera
Warranty	10 years / 1 million km

Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid: The Quiet Luxury Pick

The XC60 carries the most prestige in this group. Its T8 AWD system makes 462 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Volvo quotes up to 81 km of electric range and 1.6 L/100 km (WLTP, preliminary), plus built-in Google and Apple CarPlay. Volvo UAE has not listed a price online, so ask at the showroom.

Category	Details
Price	On request
Power	462 hp (340 kW)
Electric range	Up to 81 km (WLTP)
Boot	468 L, up to 1,528 L
Seats	5

So, Which One Should You Actually Test Drive

If you want the closest thing to the GS7, start with the BYD Ti 7. The two share a price band and a power-first attitude. Value hunters should look at the Song Plus DM-i, which saves roughly AED 10,000 to 40,000 against the GS7. Families who need a seven-seater SUV should sit in the Outlander. Weekend adventurers should try the Jetour T2. Luxury shoppers will find the XC60 worth the extra spend.

Safety deserves a close look before you decide. The GS7 brings 10 airbags as standard, which our GAC GS7 safety guide explains in full. Ask each rival's dealer for its airbag count in writing.

Also Read: Beyond The Hyundai Creta: 5 SUVs UAE Buyers Should Consider Instead