Geely Starray Em-I vs Mazda CX-5

What's the difference?

Hybrids are yesterday’s news.

If you’re looking for a combination powertrain in 2025 you want a ‘Super Hybrid’. This is the Chinese car industry’s term for what is more commonly known as a plug-in hybrid, but they are all the rage among car brands as they rush to simultaneously cut emissions and keep buyers.

The Geely Starray EM-i is the latest addition to a growing number of Super Hybrids available in Australia, joining the BYD Sealion 6, MG HS, Jaecoo J7, Omoda 9 and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (which doesn’t have the fancy name but has the same tech).

This is Geely’s second entry into the Australian market, following the similar-sized but all-electric EX5 earlier this year. While it’s a new brand to Australia, Geely is an automotive giant, it’s so big in China it has been able to expand its global reach. Its parent company, also called Geely, has an ownership stake in Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Proton, Smart, Lynk & Co. and Aston Martin.

But none of that really matters when you’re buying a car. So, how does the Starray stack up on its own merits? Is it a compelling new addition or just another forgettable offering in an increasingly crowded mid-size SUV market?

What does the Mazda CX-5 have in common with the VW Golf, Lotus Elise and Porsche Cayenne?

They all saved their respective carmakers from going under.
Keeping rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan on their toes since launching in 2012, the Japanese medium-sized SUV has wooed buyers with its styling, quality, driveability, ease and brand reputation ever since.

Now, after 14 years, five million-plus examples of essentially the same vehicle, a third-generation CX-5 has launched, and we have questions.

Like, what’s actually changed? Are the changes enough? How does it drive? And where’s the hybrid?

Keep reading for answers and more.