Geely Monjaro: A Good SUV with Global Aspirations
The Monjaro on the trails.
Standing in the lush Mountains of Zhongshan, Guangdong, I was excited to finally test drive the new Geely Monjaro—a vehicle that Geely has set its sights on exporting globally. Although the car wasn’t showroom-clean due to several days of rain, the muddy trails and rugged terrain provided the perfect backdrop to test the Monjaro’s capabilities in everyday use. This was an opportunity to showcase the Monjaro as a bold statement of Geely’s global ambitions. A combination of refined aesthetics, advanced technology, and robust engineering makes this SUV an exciting entry in the mid to upper-scale SUV market. So let’s dive into the details of what makes the Geely Monjaro so special and why it stands out in a competitive segment.
From the moment you see the Monjaro, it’s clear that Geely has prioritized a design that exudes strength, elegance, and a distinct personality. The front fascia is dominated by the new Geely emblem, which is seamlessly integrated into the "energy string" grille. This grille, paired with the daytime running lights I affectionately call the "Clint Eastwood squinting eyes," gives the car a striking and unmistakable appearance. The Monjaro's silhouette is a blend of traditional SUV ruggedness and modern refinement. Boxy yet stylish, its wheel arches and chrome accents add a touch of elegance to the muscular profile. Its name, inspired by Mount Kilimanjaro, symbolizes strength and adventure—qualities Geely hopes the car embodies for drivers worldwide.
The Monjaro is built on Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, a shared foundation with its premium cousin, the Volvo XC40, and the Lynk & Co 01. Developed in collaboration with Volvo, the CMA platform has already proven itself to be one of the most versatile and reliable platforms in the global automotive market. The CMA platform is renowned for its excellent balance of comfort, handling, and safety. It provides the Monjaro with a low center of gravity, making it stable even on tight turns or uneven terrain. This shared DNA with Volvo ensures that the Monjaro delivers a premium driving experience at a more accessible price point, which is critical for Geely’s goal of expanding its reach in international markets.
Climbing into the Monjaro’s cabin, I was immediately struck by its upscale design and high-quality materials. This is not the Geely of the past—this is a modern, luxurious interior that feels like it belongs in a premium European SUV. The highlight of the cabin is the one-meter dashboard, which integrates multiple screens, including a digital gauge cluster and a multimedia display. The ergonomics are excellent, with all controls thoughtfully placed within easy reach. I especially appreciated the inclusion of physical climate control buttons, which are becoming a rarity in modern cars.
The Monjaro Interior
Every detail in the cabin feels carefully considered, from the stitching on the leather seats to the sturdy grab handles. The materials, while not all soft-touch, are high-quality and built to withstand the rigors of daily use. This combination of luxury and durability makes the Monjaro an appealing option for both city commutes and outdoor adventures.
The Monjaro is packed with advanced technology, showcasing Geely’s commitment to innovation. Among the standout features is the 360-degree "God's Eye" camera system, which offers an unparalleled view of the car’s surroundings. The "transparent car" feature allows drivers to see through the vehicle in the camera display, eliminating blind spots and enhancing safety in tight parking situations. The heads-up display (HUD) is one of the best I’ve experienced. Bright and perfectly positioned in my line of sight, it provides essential information without distracting from the road. Meanwhile, the auxiliary screen on the passenger side allows for navigation, media control, and more—ensuring that passengers are as engaged in the journey as the driver.
Other tech highlights include wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, and Geely’s G-Pilot autonomous driving system, which combines lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking for a semi-autonomous driving experience. Under the hood, the Monjaro is powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Delivering around 235 horsepower, the drivetrain feels strong and responsive, with plenty of power for highway overtakes and spirited driving.
On the trails, the Monjaro’s BorgWarner sixth-generation intelligent four-wheel-drive system proved its worth. Whether navigating muddy paths, tackling potholes, or splashing through puddles, the SUV handled everything with ease. The suspension soaked up rough terrain while maintaining a comfortable ride, and the steering provided excellent feedback and precision. Switching to Sport Mode transformed the driving experience. The transmission held gears longer, the throttle response sharpened, and the steering tightened up, giving the Monjaro a surprisingly sporty character for an SUV of its size.
The Monjaro’s spacious interior and versatile cargo space make it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike. Folding down the rear seats creates a generous storage area, perfect for hauling gear or luggage. The addition of a real roof rack—not just rails—makes it easy to attach accessories like bike racks or cargo carriers. The Monjaro’s quiet cabin and smooth ride create a serene driving environment. The sound insulation is excellent, blocking out road and wind noise to create a "space capsule" effect that keeps the outside world at bay.
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Geely has also equipped the Monjaro with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warnings, collision mitigation, and advanced parking assist. These systems worked seamlessly during my drive, enhancing confidence without being intrusive. The Monjaro is a symbol of Geely’s ambition to become a global player in the automotive industry. With a strong foundation in the CMA platform, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on quality and affordability, the Monjaro has the potential to compete with established brands like Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen in markets around the world.
Geely has created a vehicle that not only meets the needs of modern drivers but also sets a new standard for what a Chinese SUV can be. With its competitive pricing, advanced features, and global appeal, the Monjaro is poised to make waves in the international market.
If this is the future of Geely, I’m excited to see what’s next. Until then, I’ll be dreaming of my next adventure—perhaps behind the wheel of a Monjaro.
