Zeekr 009 vs Tesla Model X: Power, Space, and Price Compared
The global compact SUV market is witnessing a new wave of competition, with both Chinese brand Geely and international brand Kia launching strong contenders in this segment. The 2025 Geely Coolray attracts budget-conscious consumers with its cost-effectiveness and innovative features, while the 2025 Kia Seltos appeals to tech-savvy buyers through brand heritage and hybrid powertrain options.
These two models offer distinct contrasts in pricing, performance, and technological configurations, providing diverse choices for consumers with different needs.
01 Quick Look at Core Specifications
Before delving into the details, the following comparison table offers a quick overview of the basic differences between these two compact SUVs. These figures will serve as the foundation for subsequent in-depth analysis.
| Comparison Dimension | 2025 Geely Coolray | 2025 Kia Seltos |
| Dimensions | 4380×1800×1609 mm | 4384×1801×1626 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm | 2629 mm |
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbocharged Gasoline Engine | 1.5L NA / 1.4T Gas / 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid |
| Max Power | 177 HP | 148 HP (1.5L) / 198 HP (1.6T) / 261 HP (PHEV) |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic | CVT / 7DCT / 8-Speed Automatic |
| 0-100km/h Acceleration | 7.9 seconds | Data not available |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive | FWD / All-Wheel Drive (PHEV) |
| Base Price Range | $8,400 – $22,999 (e.g., on Alibaba) | $24,590 – $25,090 (US MSRP) |
02 Exterior Design Language
The 2025 Geely Coolray continues the brand’s youthful design direction, featuring smooth and dynamic overall lines. The front fascia adopts the family-style grille, paired with sharp LED headlight clusters, presenting a refined and sporty visual effect.
The body side profile is clean and muscular, with a floating roof design enhancing the vehicle’s modern appeal. The 2025 Geely Coolray pays special attention to detail, such as the refined wheel design and full-width taillights, reflecting an understanding of young consumers’ aesthetics.
In contrast, the 2025 Kia Seltos adopts the brand’s latest “Opposites United” design philosophy. The honeycomb grille integrates seamlessly with the matrix headlights, creating a more cohesive and recognizable front end. The body offers up to seven solid and six two-tone color options to meet diverse consumer preferences for personalization.
The side profile features more angular lines, complemented by blackened A-pillars and 17-inch mirror-finish alloy wheels, emphasizing a sportier character. Dimensionally, the two vehicles are very close, but their design languages are distinct—the Coolray leans towards urban sophistication, while the Seltos emphasizes dynamism and a sense of strength.
03 Interior and Technology Features
Inside, the cabin of the 2025 Geely Coolray is driver-centric, crafted with high-quality materials. The vehicle is equipped with two display screens offering clear graphics and responsive interfaces. The center console layout is logical, combining physical buttons and touch controls appropriately.
The Coolray provides a wealth of comfort features, including a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and automatic climate control. In terms of smart features, the vehicle supports a 360-degree camera system and voice control, enhancing driving convenience and safety.
The 2025 Kia Seltos shows notable upgrades in interior technology, featuring a dual 10.25-inch panoramic integrated display that creates a strong high-tech ambiance. A rotary shift dial further simplifies the center console layout, freeing up additional storage space.
For infotainment, the Seltos comes with the latest connected car system, supporting voice commands, smart home integration, and OTA updates. Regarding comfort, features like front seat ventilation/heating and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are standard, which is quite competitive in this segment.
04 Powertrain and Driving Experience
The powertrain is one of the areas where the two models differ most significantly. The 2025 Geely Coolray is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 177 HP and 255 Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is just 7.9 seconds.
In real-world driving, the Coolray’s power delivery is responsive, with timely turbo intervention, providing ample power reserves for both city roads and highways. The suspension tuning leans towards comfort, effectively filtering out road imperfections, though cornering support is moderate, making it more suitable for daily family use.
The 2025 Kia Seltos offers a wider variety of powertrain choices. In addition to the proven 1.5L naturally aspirated and 1.4T gasoline versions, the biggest highlight is the new 1.6T plug-in hybrid system, with a combined maximum output of 261 HP.
The plug-in hybrid variant is matched with an all-wheel-drive system, improving both fuel efficiency and the vehicle’s capability across various road conditions. This new option is particularly attractive for consumers who prioritize energy savings and environmental friendliness.
05 Global Pricing and Accessibility
From a pricing perspective, these two vehicles target consumers with different budget levels. The price of the 2025 Geely Coolray varies significantly across global markets: on the Alibaba wholesale platform, unit prices range from $8,400 to $22,999; in the Vietnamese market, the official price translates to approximately $21,500 to $25,200.
This price variation reflects differences in sales channels and trim levels. For consumers seeking an economical SUV, purchasing a base-model Coolray through channels for Chinese cars for sale might be the most cost-effective choice.
The 2025 Kia Seltos has a starting MSRP in the US market of $24,590-$25,090. Compared to the previous 2023 Kia Seltos, the new model’s price has increased slightly, but it also comes with upgraded features.
It is worth noting that the entry-level S trim loses the 10.25-inch screen but gains one-touch up/down for the driver’s window, while the mid-level EX trim adds parking distance warning. These adjustments reflect the manufacturer’s response to changing market demands.
In terms of global accessibility, the Geely Coolray offers international buyers a direct purchasing channel via platforms like Alibaba, reducing intermediary costs. The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, relies on its established global dealer network to provide more comprehensive pre-sales consultation and after-sales service.
Under the showroom lights, the pearl white paint of the Coolray gleams with a delicate shine, while the Seltos beside it showcases a sense of power through its bold lines. The final choice ultimately depends on whether the consumer prioritizes the excellent value and rich standard features of the Geely Coolray or leans towards the established brand reputation and new hybrid option of the Kia Seltos.
As Chinese automotive brands continue to expand their influence in the international market, models like the Geely Coolray offer global consumers quality alternatives beyond traditional brands. Regardless of the final choice, the compact SUV market in 2025 has become more vibrant and diverse thanks to such competition.
