Geely Starray EM-i vs Hyundai Inster
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The Geely Starray EM-i starts from $37,490 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Inster opens at $39,000. That makes the Geely Starray EM-i the more affordable entry point by $1,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $41,239 and $42,900 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The Geely Starray EM-i holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Geely Starray EM-i and 70% for the Hyundai Inster.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
18.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 30kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 30kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Geely Starray EM-i features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Inster gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Geely Starray EM-i stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Hyundai Inster. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Geely Starray EM-i uses a Petrol producing 193kW and 262Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Hyundai Inster responds with a Electric making 71kW and 147Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds.
The Geely Starray EM-i has the clear power advantage at 193kW vs 71kW. In the real-world sprint, the Geely Starray EM-i is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.4kWh (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 42kWh (Hyundai Inster), giving WLTP ranges of 83km and 327km. DC fast charging peaks at 30kW (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 120kW (Hyundai Inster).
Space & Comfort
The Geely Starray EM-i measures 4,740mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 915mm longer than the Hyundai Inster at 3,825mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely Starray EM-i generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 428L in the Geely Starray EM-i and 280L in the Hyundai Inster, giving the Geely Starray EM-i a 148L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster). The Geely Starray EM-i has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely Starray EM-i takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Geely Starray EM-i has a clear edge. The Geely Starray EM-i adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Geely Starray EM-i and Hyundai Inster?
The Geely Starray EM-i is the cheapest at $37,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Inster by $1,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Geely Starray EM-i uses the least fuel at 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the largest boot at 428L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Geely Starray EM-i makes the most power at 193kW. The Geely Starray EM-i is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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