Coolray vs Maxus D90: Which Chinese SUV Fits Your Life?

The Coolray feels light and eager in urban traffic. Its turbocharged petrol engine delivers punchy acceleration, and the dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly. The steering is precise and the small body makes parking effortless. In contrast, the Maxus D90 is a much larger vehicle that demands more attention in tight spaces. It offers a commanding driving position and a smoother, more relaxed ride on highways. Off-road, the D90’s four-wheel-drive option gives it genuine ability on mud and gravel, whereas the Coolray is strictly a front-wheel-drive city car. For daily commuting, the Coolray is nimbler and more fun; for long trips or rough roads, the D90 provides reassuring stability.

The Coolray’s suspension is tuned for sportiness, so it feels firm over bumps—enthusiastic drivers will enjoy it, but passengers may find it jittery on uneven surfaces. The cabin is modern with sport seats and good noise insulation for its class. The Maxus D90 prioritizes comfort: its suspension absorbs potholes well, and the cabin is noticeably quieter at speed. The D90’s seats are larger and more supportive, especially in the second and third rows. However, the Coolray’s interior materials feel more premium in some trim levels, while the D90’s plastics are harder. Overall, the D90 wins for passenger comfort on long journeys, while the Coolray feels more engaging for the driver.

The Coolray is a subcompact crossover with five seats and a modest boot. It’s fine for couples or small families with light luggage, but rear legroom is limited for taller adults. The D90 is a full-size seven-seater with sprawling interior space. Adults can sit comfortably in the second row, and the third row is actually usable for shorter trips. With all seats up, the D90’s boot is still decent; fold the rear seats and you get a cavernous cargo area. The D90 also has clever storage throughout, like deep door bins and a large glovebox. If you regularly carry people or gear, the D90 is the clear choice. The Coolray’s advantage is its small footprint, making it easy to park in crowded areas.

Both SUVs come with large touchscreen infotainment systems, but they take different approaches. The Coolray’s system is snappy and intuitive, with wireless smartphone mirroring and a clear 360-degree camera that aids parking. The D90 offers a larger screen and a feature-rich interface, including built-in navigation and voice control that works well for basic commands. However, the D90’s system can feel slightly laggy at times. Both have digital instrument clusters, but the D90’s is more configurable. For daily tech usability, the Coolray edges ahead with its responsive interface, while the D90 offers more features but with a heavier learning curve.

Geely (maker of the Coolray) has built a stronger global reputation for reliability, and the Coolray benefits from shared platforms and components used in other markets. The Maxus brand, part of SAIC, is newer to many international markets, so parts availability and dealer familiarity may vary. In regions where both are sold, service networks are expanding. The Coolray’s simpler powertrain may also mean fewer complexity-related issues, while the D90’s optional diesel and 4WD systems require more attention. Neither car has a long track record, but early reports suggest both are reasonably dependable. Prospective owners should check local dealer support and warranty terms.