Are Chinese SUV Brands Worth Buying? A Detailed Look at Their Pros and Cons

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In the past decade – even up to several years ago – people usually associated the term “cars” with Japanese, American, German, and other European (e.g., United Kingdom, Italy, France, etc.) automobiles.

That soon changed. By the end of 2023, China has become the world’s biggest exporter of cars.

Chinese automobiles have the world well and truly captivated by the exhilarating array of shiny new models coming off the assembly lines of various Chinese SUV brands. The question on everybody’s mind is: Are Chinese cars worth buying?

Car enthusiasts and buyers on the fence: This article is for you.

Read about the pros and cons of Chinese cars so you can decide if they’re for you.

The Pros: Reasons to Buy

What things recommend Chinese cars and make them worth a try? Here are some of them:

Competitive Pricing and Value for Money

Value for money is the primary reason people buy Chinese cars. In other words, Chinese SUVs give more car – technology, horsepower, torque, cargo space, the bells and whistles, so to speak – for every dirham spent than more established brands.

Chinese SUVs are not the cheapest, but they are affordable luxury. For the money you pay, you get high-end features, such as the following:

all-leather, ventilated seats
panoramic skylight
ambient lighting
wireless charging ports
high-resolution control screen
a premium sound system
panoramic views with real-time imaging and advanced sensors for seamless parking
adaptive cruise control
automatic emergency braking
advanced airbag system
expandable cargo
electric doors

The high-end amenities and modern comforts for the mid-range price give Chinese SUVs an irresistible cost-to-feature ratio, making them an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers who still want modern features in their vehicles.

Advanced Technology and Features

Although already mentioned above, it has to be reiterated that Chinese SUVs come off the factory equipped with modern gadgets, seamless connectivity and smart features as a default inclusion instead of an optional add-on.

It’s not unusual to see “magic doors” on Chinese vehicles. A central control dashboard in some models gives the driver absolute control over everything, from the doors to the lights, driving mode, skylight, temperature, and the car speakers.

Impressive Design and Build Quality

Just a decade ago, Chinese cars were car enthusiasts’ favorite patsy. Car enthusiasts criticized them for their aesthetics and supposedly subpar build quality. However, the narrative has since shifted.

Nowadays, it’s hard not to be wowed by the superb styling of Chinese SUVs. Chinese car manufacturers hire designers from abroad or obtain licenses to use European designs.

Consequently, the latest Chinese SUVs sport sleek and racy exteriors and sophisticated and luxurious interiors, bolstered by solid build quality and advanced technology that make them a distinct pleasure to drive.

Extended, Comprehensive Warranty

Chinese SUVs also come with extended and comprehensive warranties. The typical passenger vehicle warranty in the UAE is 100,000 kilometers or three years, whichever comes sooner.

In contrast, Chinese SUVs provide coverage for several times that typical mileage. Some Chinese vehicles come with a 1,000,000-kilometer warranty plus a complimentary car servicing contract.

Eco-Friendly and Electric Options

In 2023, a Chinese car manufacturer was the world’s single biggest producer of electric cars, a sign of the times to come as Chinese car makers continue to make inroads in the EV car segment.

Even non-EV vehicles benefit from technologies and eco-friendly innovations that improve fuel efficiency.

The Cons: Reasons Why Buyers Hesitate

Chinese cars look great on the road, are very comfortable and are equipped with every modern amenity imaginable at an impressive cost-to-value ratio.

Why are some car buyers hesitating to take the plunge?

Brand Perception and Resale Value

Markets accustomed to Japanese, American, and European cars are reluctant to relinquish their long-held perceptions to try the new kid on the block. Car buyers are naturally unwilling to part with their money for a car brand they don’t know.

Naturally, this adversely affects resale value, discouraging those who consider resale value an essential factor.

Parts and Service Availability

It’s a tightrope any new player walks to ensure parts and service availability for customers.

On the one hand, if they build and staff many service centers and stock up on all possible parts, new buyers can be assured of reliable service and parts replacement as needed. On the other hand, the car manufacturer (or their local dealers) must shoulder the high warehouse, inventory, logistics, operating, and opportunity costs of keeping themselves fully stocked and staffed at all times.

Therefore, Chinese car dealers typically aim for a delicate balance between ensuring reliability and the cost of maintaining that. However, there will be times when the part the customer needs is in a factory halfway around the world – and that’s something customers don’t really want to hear. To complicate things further, since Chinese car models are new, no secondary market or third-party parts are available to fill any gaps.

Are Chinese SUVs Right for You?

Chinese SUVs offer excellent value for money. If you want a modern, comfortable, and luxurious ride at a relatively affordable price, they are a compelling alternative to the offerings of established big-name car brands.

They do still face challenges in brand perception, resale value, and parts and service availability. The solution, therefore, is to find a Chinese car brand with a comprehensively stocked, fully staffed service center that’s readily accessible to you.