Edmunds Tests $25K Chinese Hybrid SUV, Warns US Automakers

Edmunds editor says Chinese vehicle technology is 'terrific' and rivals more expensive US models.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:36pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a Chinese hybrid SUV in motion, with vibrant streaks of color conveying a sense of speed and advanced automotive technology.As Chinese automakers develop increasingly competitive vehicles, the rapid pace of innovation threatens to disrupt the US car market.Los Angeles Today

Popular car-shopping website Edmunds put a Chinese Geely Galaxy M9 extended-range SUV hybrid through a series of rigorous tests for the first time. Editor-in-Chief Alistair Weaver came away impressed, saying the vehicle's technology is 'terrific' and rivals more expensive US models like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. While Chinese cars are effectively banned in the US, Edmunds wanted to test one due to growing US consumer interest in affordable, feature-packed vehicles from China.

Why it matters

This test highlights the growing capabilities of Chinese automakers and the potential threat they pose to US automakers if their vehicles were allowed to be sold in the American market. It also reflects increasing US consumer openness to Chinese-brand vehicles, despite regulatory and political barriers keeping them out of the country.

The details

Edmunds tested the Geely Galaxy M9, a $25,000 extended-range SUV hybrid sold in China, and found it offered features and performance on par with much more expensive US models. The M9 has a 30-inch infotainment screen as responsive as a Tesla's, a built-in fridge, exterior speakers, and a flip-down entertainment screen for the second row. Its estimated 808 miles of driving range also surpasses projections for similar products from US companies.

  • Edmunds connected with Geely executives at CES earlier this year to obtain the vehicle for testing.
  • Edmunds' staff drove the M9 around for about three weeks in everyday scenarios, in addition to conducting a 227-point evaluation.

The players

Alistair Weaver

Editor-in-Chief of Edmunds, the popular car-shopping website that conducted the tests on the Geely Galaxy M9.

Geely

The Chinese automaker that provided the Geely Galaxy M9 vehicle to Edmunds for testing, in order to demonstrate its global technological capabilities.

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What they’re saying

“The technology is terrific.”

— Alistair Weaver, Editor-in-Chief, Edmunds

“Geely continuously evaluates global markets, but our current commercial focus for the Galaxy M9 remains on China.”

— Geely spokesperson

What’s next

Edmunds plans to continue monitoring the development of Chinese automakers and their potential impact on the US market, as more affordable and feature-rich vehicles from China could pose a growing challenge to established American brands.

The takeaway

This test of a Chinese-made vehicle by a respected US automotive publication highlights the rapid technological advancements of Chinese automakers and the potential threat they could pose to US carmakers if regulatory barriers were lifted. It also reflects growing consumer openness to affordable, high-tech vehicles from China, even as they remain effectively banned from the American market.