2026 GAC EMZOOM Review: Expert’s Honest Opinion on This $25K Chinese SUV

TL;DR – Should You Buy the GAC EMZOOM?

YES – This Surprised Us. From a cheap Chinese car expert who owns multiple budget Chinese vehicles, the GAC EMZOOM delivers beyond expectations.

💰 Price: $25,590 (before on-road costs) | ~$28,000 drive-away
📊 Value Rating: 8.5/10
🚗 Overall Score: 8/10

The Good:

• ✅ Best-in-Class Back Seat Space: “Acres of legroom” for 5’11” driver, exceptional headroom
• ✅ Premium Interior: Soft-touch materials everywhere, 14.6″ snappy display, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
• ✅ Surprisingly Good Handling: Flat through corners, well-dampened, minimal body roll (shocking for Chinese car)
• ✅ Strong Performance: 125kW/270Nm (faster than Chery Tiggo 4), 0-100 in 10.69s (on 3% incline)
• ✅ Impressive Fuel Economy: 7.1L/100km real-world (beats Tiggo 4’s 8L+)
• ✅ Great Features: Panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, 360 camera, cooled driver seat, space-saver spare
• ✅ Stunning Design: Geometric tail lights, aggressive styling, beautiful metallic blue
• ✅ Advanced Driver Assist: Adaptive cruise control + lane centering that actually works well

The Bad:

• ❌ Terrible Dual-Clutch Transmission: Struggles at slow speeds, rolls forward in reverse on inclines
• ❌ Vague Steering: Heavy but imprecise, massive dead spot, artificially weighted
• ❌ Poor Sound System: DTS audio sounds overly processed and low-quality
• ❌ Smaller Boot: 341L (vs Tiggo 4’s 380L), though false floor adds space
• ❌ No Dual-Zone Climate: Single-zone only (Tiggo 4 has dual-zone)
• ❌ Basic Screen Graphics: Instrument cluster looks cheap by 2026 standards
• ⚠️ Unknown Tire Brand: “Century” tires with dragon thumbs-up logo (performed better than expected though)

The Verdict: For ~$28K drive-away, the EMZOOM delivers $40K+ worth of space, features, and surprisingly competent dynamics. The dual-clutch transmission is the major flaw (common at this price), but if you can live with clunky low-speed manners, this offers exceptional value.

Best For: Families needing space, budget buyers wanting premium feel, people who mostly highway drive
Avoid If: Lots of stop-and-go city driving, need a great sound system, want precise steering feel

Comparison: $1,000 more than top-spec Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (~$27K), but offers better performance, more space, and arguably better dynamics. Still cheaper than Mahindra 3XO.

The Cheap Chinese Car Expert’s Perspective

Before we dive deep, let me establish credibility: I’m not just reviewing this—I own multiple cheap Chinese cars.

My Chinese Car Ownership History:

JAC T9 (I bought this): A genuinely bad cheap Chinese car. Poor execution, disappointing across the board.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (I owned the competitor): A car I really, really liked. Set the benchmark for what budget Chinese SUVs could be.

The Context: Not every cheap Chinese car is good. I’ve experienced the best and worst this segment offers.

Initial Expectations for the GAC EMZOOM:

When GAC (not to be confused with JAC—completely different company) launched the EMZOOM at $25,590, I honestly thought it would be “real poopy.”

Why the skepticism?

• The design looked good ✅
• The interior seemed nice enough ✅
• But the drivetrain? Genuinely worried ❌

The Surprise: I’m really, really impressed. This might be an “RIP Chery Tiggo 4 Pro” moment. Big words, I know—but this thing is good.

Exterior Design: Stunning for $25K

Front Fascia: Aggressive and Modern

Color: Metallic sky blue (very typical “cheap Chinese car blue” seen on Chery TO4 Hybrid, JU J7)—but it’s gorgeous. This paint genuinely looks premium.

Lighting:

• Cool jagged daytime running lights
• Bright LED headlights
• Angular, aggressive design language

Grille:

• Very angular and aggressive styling
• “G” badge (this is sold as “Trumpchi” in China, but badged as GAC here)
• Relatively open grille design (not ideal for efficiency, but looks good)

Aerodynamics: Functional aero elements up front, though the 1.5L turbo doesn’t need massive cooling.

First Impression: This looks significantly more expensive than $25K. The design cohesion is impressive.

Side Profile: Compact but Purposeful

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,410mm (about 60mm longer than Chery Tiggo 4 Pro)
• Classification: Very much a small SUV
• Extra length: Mostly in the rear (benefits back seat space)

Wheels:

• Size: 18-inch alloy wheels (impressive for the price)
• Design: Really attractive spoke pattern
• Tires: Century brand with… a dragon giving a thumbs-up logo (seriously)
• Performance: Despite unknown brand, tires performed better than expected

Design Elements:

• Pop-out door handles (keyless entry and go)
• Roof rails (functional styling)
• Mirrors remind me of Dongfang M Hero 917 (very cool reference)
• Fuel filler cap: Takes 91 octane ✅ (saves money at the pump vs 95 requirement)

Proportions: The slightly longer rear overhang creates a purposeful stance without looking awkward.

Rear Design: The Best Angle

My Favorite View: The rear three-quarter angle is where this car truly shines.

Tail Lights:

• Geometric, funky design
• Modern LED signature
• Distinctive and memorable

Spoilers:

• Almost a duck-tail spoiler integrated into the hatchback
• Aggressive top-mounted spoiler (questionable aero benefit but looks good)

Badging:

• “EMZOOM” spelled out
• “GAC” lettering
• “Trumpchi” badge retained

Diffuser:

• Very aggressive styling
• Major Flaw: Some of the most hideous fake exhaust tips ever
• Seriously, comically fake (couldn’t be more obvious)

Exhaust Note: Unremarkable (as expected from a small turbo 4-cylinder)

Claimed Efficiency: 6.6L/100km (clearly not producing much downforce despite aggressive aero)

Practicality: Mixed But Impressive Where It Counts

Boot Space: Disappointing on Paper, Better in Reality

Official Specs:

• Seats Up: 341L (smaller than Tiggo 4’s 380L)
• Seats Down: 1,271L (good, but not incredible)

Reality Check:

• False floor can be dropped for significantly more space
• Space saver spare wheel included ✅ (rare at this price point—major plus)
• Powered tailgate ✅ (impressive feature for $25K)

Verdict: While the numbers don’t wow on paper, practical usability is better than expected, and the powered tailgate + spare wheel add genuine value.

Interior: Punching WAY Above Its Weight

First Impression: If you’re familiar with the Chery Tiggo 4’s impressive interior, the EMZOOM gives it a serious run for its money. At ~$28K drive-away, this is shocking quality.

Panoramic Sunroof

• Extends the entire length of the car
• Creates airy, premium cabin feel
• Significant feature at this price point

Materials Quality

• Soft-touch materials absolutely everywhere
• Quiet cabin for an economy car
• Premium feel throughout

Climate Control

• Single-zone only (no dual-zone like Tiggo 4)
• Really cool tactile knobs (satisfying to use)
• Basic but functional

Storage Solutions

“One of the most practical little cars out there”

• Multiple cup holders
• Small storage area for phone
• Wireless Charger: Fast Qi charging with air conditioning port (prevents overheating) ✅
• Massive storage under center console
• 12V outlet: Standard connection
• USB-A port: For legacy devices
• 27W USB-C fast charger: Oddly specific wattage (fast charges iPhone, but not much more)

Front Seats

• Quite supportive and comfortable
• No adjustable under-thigh support (not missed during testing)
• No heated seats (surprising omission)
• Driver’s seat cooled ✅ (perfect for Australian heat—more cars need this)

Opinion: Australia needs more cooled seats. Should this also have heated seats for winter? Probably.

Steering Wheel

• Feels absolutely fantastic to hold
• Logically laid out controls
• Very easy to use
• Excellent ergonomics

Digital Instrument Cluster

• Shows enough information
• Looks “kind of cheap and nasty by 2026 standards”
• About what you’d expect at this price point
• Functional but not impressive

Infotainment System: A Standout

Display:

• Size: 14.6 inches (massive)
• Quality: Really, really good
• Super snappy and responsive
• Wireless Apple CarPlay ✅
• Wireless Android Auto ✅

Camera System:

• Really good 360° camera
• Clear view, useful guidelines

Why This Matters: “China absolutely nails just pumping in tech.” This display is mega—competitive with systems in $50K+ vehicles.

Physical Controls: ✅ Shout out to GAC for keeping physical controls. Please don’t remove them. This is awesome.

Storage Continued

• Nice soft center armrest with heaps of storage
• Huge glove box
• Big door bins

Sound System: The Disappointment

• Metal grille aesthetic looks premium
• DTS audio system: Does NOT sound good
• Overly processed
• Poor audio quality
• About what you’d expect at this price point

Better Alternative: Mahindra 3XO has an epic sound system at a lower price. If audio matters, consider that competitor.

Back Seats: Best in Class

The Revelation: “Holy [expletive]… the space back here is insane.”

Space Metrics (with 5’11” driver seat position):

• Legroom: “Literally acres” of space
• Toe Room: Fantastic
• Headroom: Incredible
• Width: Comfortable for three adults

Expert Opinion: “If you need a small SUV that has a lot of space and practicality in the back, I don’t think there is a better car at this price point.”

Materials:

• Scratchy plastics on doors (expected)
• Soft-touch materials on seats and touchpoints
• Overall acceptable for price

Climate Control:

• Single air vent (weird design choice)
• “I hate this” – passengers fight over airflow direction
• At least there IS a rear vent (better than nothing)

Charging:

• Only one USB-A port (problematic with kids)
• Families will fight over charging access

Storage:

• Map pockets in seatbacks (phone-sized)
• Larger map pocket below
• Soft center armrest (feels very good)
• Two cup holders in armrest

Seating Comfort:

• “These seats are actually pretty damn comfy”
• Supportive and well-contoured
• Long-journey comfortable

Final Verdict: “Mega impressed with the back seats. I think this has the best back seats in class… maybe it is worth paying $1,000 more than competitors.”

Drivetrain: The Good, The Bad, and The Impressive

Engine Specifications

The Chinese Car Problem: “Engines for Chinese cars are usually their downfall.”

Performance Hierarchy:

• ✅ EVs: China does these really well
• ✅ Plug-in hybrids: Great
• ✅ Hybrids: Pretty great (with exceptions)
• ❌ Pure combustion: “Typically not that great”

Initial Concerns: The engine and transmission had me genuinely worried.

1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

Outputs (class-leading):

• Power: 125kW (actually quite good)
• Torque: 270Nm (also quite good)

Transmission: 7-speed wet clutch dual-clutch (DCT) – “My biggest fear”

Why Dual-Clutches Are Difficult:

• Great for sports cars (Porsche 911)
• Require immense skill to tune properly for everyday driving
• Most budget DCTs are problematic

Spoiler Alert: “This transmission is not actually all that good. But this engine is a bit of a pearler.”

Performance Testing

0-100 km/h Acceleration

Context:

• Chery Tiggo 4 (non-hybrid): 10.66 seconds
• EMZOOM has more power AND torque
• Challenge: Testing on 3% incline (quite steep)

Test Procedure:

• Sport mode engaged
• Brake boosting applied
• Specialist timing gear used

Result: 🏁 10.69 seconds (on 3% incline)

Analysis:

• On flat ground, would be noticeably quicker
• Definitely faster than Chery Tiggo 4 in a straight line
• Not “crazy faster,” but meaningfully quicker
• Impressive considering the incline handicap

Power Context: “This thing is putting out what cars would have put out 20 years ago as warm hatches or even hot hatches. There’s not far off a Mark 5 Golf GTI in terms of power output.”

Value Proposition: Quite impressive for $28K drive-away.

The Transmission Problem: Major Flaw

Worst-Case Scenario Test

Setup:

• Uphill incline
• Reverse gear engaged
• Come to complete stop
• Keep in reverse
• Car shouldn’t roll forward

Result: ❌ “We just rolled quite a lot forward.”

Reality: “This is the thing about this transmission, especially at slow speeds. It’s not very good. It’s actually quite a bad seven-speed dual clutch.”

Industry Context

Comparison: Even the Skoda Kamiq with Volkswagen’s infamous dual-clutch (refined over two decades) performs better.

The EMZOOM’s DCT: “This is even a little bit worse than that.”

Price Point Reality: “To be fair, at this price point, they’re all kind of bad.”

Verdict: “Getting the bad out of the way, this thing is not the greatest at slow speeds.”

The Driving Experience: Shockingly Good

Sport Mode Transformation: “What happens when you’re a bit faster and you put this thing into sport mode? Well, it’s actually quite a bit of fun.”

Handling Characteristics

Agility: “It is seriously chuckable.”

Acceleration: “Actually quite peppy as well. Like actually relatively quick.”

Ride Quality: The Surprise

Initial Expectation: “Typically speaking, cheap Chinese cars have terrible body control.”

Test Conditions:

• Tires overinflated to 42 PSI (should be 33 PSI)
• Even with incorrect pressure, ride quality impressive

Results:

• ✅ “Quite a good ride to it”
• ✅ Body roll relatively minimal
• ✅ Secondary ride (small bumps) not stiff and harsh
• ✅ “This thing is genuinely well dampened”
• ✅ Stays relatively flat through corners

Expert Reaction: “Which is just shocking to me because Chinese cars typically they’re not very good.”

Fuel Economy: Better Than Expected

Real-World Average: 7.1L/100km

Comparison:

• Chery Tiggo 4 (same 1.5L engine): Over 8L/100km
• EMZOOM is noticeably more efficient

Official Claim: 6.6L/100km (real-world 7.1L is close enough to be believable)

Verdict: “This thing is actually quite fuel efficient.”

Steering: The Other Major Flaw

Characteristics:

• Vague
• “Chinese car vague.”
• Heavy but lacks precision
• Artificially weighted (feels wrong)
• Massive dead spot in the center
• Over-corrects once past the dead zone

Sport Mode: Doesn’t significantly improve steering feel

Progressive Steering: “Could definitely be fixed”

Impact on Most Buyers: “Really for 99% of people out there, I don’t think they are going to give a flying [care] because everything else apart from the transmission, it just does so well.”

Driver Assistance: Pleasant Surprise

Adaptive Cruise Control + Lane Centering:

Performance:

• ✅ “This thing will drive itself down a road”
• ✅ Not annoying to use
• ✅ Centers well in lane
• ✅ Maintains good following distance
• ✅ Well-tuned system

Tuning:

• Doubtful it’s Australia-specific
• “Certainly got a good global tune to it nonetheless”

Verdict: Genuinely impressive driver assistance for the price point. Many $40K+ vehicles have worse systems.

Value Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?

Direct Competitors

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (~$27K drive-away)

EMZOOM Advantages:

• ✅ More power (125kW vs less)
• ✅ More torque (270Nm vs less)
• ✅ Better back seat space
• ✅ Better fuel economy (7.1L vs 8L+)
• ✅ Better handling/dynamics
• ✅ Faster acceleration

Tiggo 4 Advantages:

• ✅ Dual-zone climate control
• ✅ Larger boot (380L vs 341L)
• ✅ $1,000 cheaper
• ✅ More established brand in Australia

Mahindra 3XO (Cheaper than EMZOOM)

3XO Advantages:

• ✅ Lower price point
• ✅ Epic sound system (far better than EMZOOM)
• ✅ Different styling appeal

EMZOOM Advantages:

• ✅ Better back seat space
• ✅ More premium interior feel
• ✅ Better tech integration
• ✅ More powerful engine

Price-to-Value Analysis

$25,590 (Before On-Roads) = ~$28,000 Drive-Away

What You Get for $28K:

• $40K+ worth of interior space
• $35K+ level of tech integration
• $30K+ quality of materials
• $30K+ advanced driver assistance
• Actual spare tire (most competitors don’t offer)
• Powered tailgate (rare at this price)
• Cooled driver seat (uncommon in budget segment)

What You’re Compromising:

• Dual-clutch transmission refinement
• Steering precision
• Sound system quality
• Brand recognition/resale value (GAC is new to Australia)

Value Equation: Outstanding. You’re getting 70-80% of a $40K vehicle’s features and space for $28K.

GAC Brand Context: The Toyota of China?

Brand Perception in China:

• “Not even that loved in China”
• “Kind of seen as the Toyota of China”
• NOT in terms of reliability
• More about affordability positioning

First Impression Reality: “This is an incredible first attempt. Like really, really impressive.”

Expert Assessment: “I didn’t think I would be [impressed]. GAC is not even that loved in China… But still, I don’t know, guys. I think this does drive better than a T4 [Tiggo 4].”

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

From a Cheap Chinese Car Expert

“I have to say I am really, really impressed by this thing. I didn’t think I would like it this much.”

Why You Should Buy:

1. ✅ Well Priced: $28K drive-away for this spec sheet is excellent value
2. ✅ Feature-Rich: Tech, comfort, and convenience features exceed price expectations
3. ✅ Cool Design: Distinctive styling that doesn’t look cheap
4. ✅ Great Interior: Quality materials and thoughtful design
5. ✅ Excellent Space: Best-in-class back seat room
6. ✅ Better Than Expected Dynamics: Handles and rides better than typical budget Chinese car
7. ✅ Real Spare Tire: Practical advantage over competitors

Why You Might Hesitate:

1. ❌ Dual-Clutch Struggles: Around town, low-speed driving is clunky
2. ❌ Vague Steering: Not enjoyable for driving enthusiasts
3. ❌ Poor Audio: Sound system is legitimately bad
4. ⚠️ Brand Unknown: GAC is unproven in Australia (resale uncertainty)
5. ⚠️ Dealer Network: Limited compared to established brands

Recommendation by Use Case

Perfect For:

• ✅ Families needing maximum back seat space
• ✅ Highway/freeway commuters (transmission less problematic)
• ✅ Budget buyers wanting premium features
• ✅ People who value practicality over dynamics
• ✅ Buyers willing to take a chance on new brand for value

Consider Alternatives If:

• ❌ Majority city/stop-start driving (transmission will frustrate)
• ❌ Audio quality is priority (Mahindra 3XO wins)
• ❌ Need established service network
• ❌ Want precise steering feedback
• ❌ Concerned about resale value

The Big Question: EMZOOM vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro?

Expert Take: “Are you going to rush out to buy one over a Cherry Tiggo 4 or Mahindra 3XO? I don’t know, guys. I’m super duper impressed.”

Honest Comparison:

Choose EMZOOM if:

• You prioritize performance (more power/torque)
• Back seat space is critical
• You value better dynamics
• $1,000 extra is manageable
• You like the design more

Choose Tiggo 4 Pro if:

• You want dual-zone climate
• $1,000 savings matters
• You prefer established track record
• Slightly larger boot important
• You do mostly city driving (less DCT frustration)

The Verdict: “I think it’s really good. And if you want to buy one, you want the best price possible, Google Car Source Buy.”

Conclusion: An Impressive First Effort

The 2026 GAC EMZOOM represents something rare in the budget Chinese car segment: genuine competence across most areas that matter.

What GAC Got Right:

• Exceptional interior space (best-in-class back seats)
• Premium feel (materials, tech, features)
• Surprising dynamics (handling, ride, efficiency)
• Attractive design (genuinely good-looking)
• Strong value proposition (loads of car for the money)

What GAC Got Wrong:

• Dual-clutch transmission tuning (the major flaw)
• Steering precision (acceptable but not good)
• Sound system (legitimately poor)

The Reality: For $28,000 drive-away, you’re getting a vehicle that delivers 75-85% of what $40,000 SUVs offer, with the primary compromise being transmission refinement at low speeds.

Final Rating: 8/10

Deductions:

• -1 point: Transmission behavior
• -0.5 points: Steering vagueness
• -0.5 points: Sound system quality

Would We Recommend It? Yes—with clear understanding of its limitations. If you can live with clunky low-speed transmission behavior and don’t prioritize audio quality, the EMZOOM offers exceptional value.

The Bottom Line: “From a Chinese car expert, I have to say I am really, really impressed by this thing. I didn’t think I would like it this much, but I think it’s priced well. You get a lot of features. It’s got a really cool design. I like the interior. The practicality is also pretty okay and it doesn’t drive as bad as I thought.”

For most buyers: The EMZOOM’s strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses. In the budget SUV segment, this is a legitimate contender that deserves serious consideration.

Last updated: December 2025 | Based on Australian expert review