Geely Starray EM-i vs Volkswagen T-Cross
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
Price Breakdown
The Geely Starray EM-i starts from $37,490 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Cross the more affordable entry point by $2,500.
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 $38,489 respectively.
The Geely Starray EM-i qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen T-Cross, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Geely Starray EM-i by roughly $7,265 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Geely Starray EM-i features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-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 and V2L that you will not find on the Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Geely Starray EM-i uses a Petrol producing 160kW and 262Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Geely Starray EM-i has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Geely Starray EM-i is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Geely Starray EM-i measures 4,740mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 632mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm 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 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Geely Starray EM-i a 36L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $115/year for the Geely Starray EM-i and $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $1,453 annual difference in favour of the Geely Starray EM-i.
Estimated annual total: $115 (Geely Starray EM-i) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Geely Starray EM-i saves you roughly $1,453 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Geely Starray EM-i has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely Starray EM-i takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. The Geely Starray EM-i will save you roughly $1,453 a year in fuel. 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 Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Geely Starray EM-i by $2,500.
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?
They are evenly matched — Geely Starray EM-i all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the largest boot at 428L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Geely Starray EM-i makes the most power at 160kW. The Geely Starray EM-i is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
