Is the Geely Atlas a spaceship on wheels or a top-notch crossover? It's probably the most un-Chinese Chinese car I've ever seen.

I was sad to say goodbye to my trusty old Kia Ceed SW, which faithfully served our family for over 10 years, but in 2025, it was time to upgrade the car. The moment wasn't exactly ideal, considering the departed brands and skyrocketing prices. But I didn't see much sense in waiting, looking at the increasing scrap value and other joys. So, I started choosing among Chinese brands. At first, all Chinese crossovers seemed like one face to me, but soon I began to distinguish some. And it was Geely's models that particularly caught my eye.

Geely Atlas FX11 2024

CHOOSING AND PURCHASE

Unlike some of its competitors that have been flooding the market, Geely has a solid foundation. The fact that they own Volvo, Lotus, and are closely working with many European companies (Mercedes-Benz, Smart, etc.) allows them to use many advanced and reliable technologies. And the fact that the new Atlas (FX11) was created on the CMA modular platform allows us to expect a certain level of quality and anticipate no problems with spare parts, even considering frequent model changes.

If we look at Geely's lineup, the Atlas trails the flagship Monjaro in some features, but it presents a well-balanced family car: spacious, off-road capable, and with good road manners.

There are three trim levels for the Atlas, which differ slightly. I chose the middle one, Flagship, which seemed optimal for my needs. The top-of-the-line model is just 100,000 rubles more expensive, but I deliberately didn't want 20-inch wheels, and the 'glass' gearshift of the automatic transmission is a dubious plus. I also chose the full-wheel drive. Although I don't plan to conquer serious off-road with the Atlas, I now expect to be able to drive calmly to a fishing trip or along a snow-covered path in the yard. This purchase wasn't spontaneous for me; I had been looking at the Atlas since 2024, but for almost a year, I was weighing other options and didn't find a better choice. And after test-driving it, I was convinced that the Atlas is the right choice.

Geely's pricing policy also impressed me. They don't lure with large discounts, but they also don't try to sell me extra add-ons and additional payments (they do, but moderately). Everything is transparent and reasonable. In the end, I traded in my Kia Ceed, paid some extra, and the rest was covered by a zero-interest installment plan. The purchase price was 3,474,000 rubles, excluding KASKO. In addition to that, I received some extra perks: underbody protection, floor mats, a video recorder, and wipers (totaling around 70,000 rubles, according to the dealer's price list). I also got a set of accessories for the driver. Overall, I was satisfied with the deal. My impression of the GEELY Autoimport Ryazan dealer, from the test drive to the purchase, is only positive.

EXTERNAL APPEARANCE

Let's face it, when it comes to buying a car, looks do matter. I mean, who's going to shell out millions for a vehicle that just doesn't cut it in the style department? For me, the Geely Atlas initially won me over with its design. It wasn't until after that I delved deeper into its features, watched plenty of reviews, and made a final decision. But at the end of the day, you do judge a book by its cover. The new Geely Atlas is literally a visual representation of cutting-edge technology, minus the loss of style. With all these 'bells and whistles' and futuristic curves, the Atlas still looks like a car, not a toy. I've gotta say, the close collaboration between Geely and Volvo is evident not just in the tech, but in the exterior design as well. Of course, the unconventional look might not appeal to everyone, but for me, it was love at first sight.

Putting aside the initial wow factor, there are plenty of little details in the Atlas's design that are worth taking a closer look at – the bumper's embossed lines, the perfect blend of black and chrome, the stylish stock wheels, and so on. I also appreciate that the exhaust system is discreetly hidden. Plus, aside from the standard colors (white, black, silver), there are two particularly awesome options: green and a gorgeous silver-blue metallic called Starry Blue, which I opted for.

The headlights and taillights look great too. However, the flip side of all this is the potential cost of repairs in case of damage.

Geely Atlas FX11 2024 interior Geely Atlas FX11 2024 interior

INTERIOR and SEATS

At first glance, the interior and dashboard are a bit overwhelming – it's like stepping into a spaceship: everywhere you look, there are LED lights, a glossy finish, a combination of materials, and a massive 13.2-inch display. But once you get used to it, you start to appreciate the style and the quality of the materials used – soft plastic, eco-leather inserts, and fabric. There's plenty to look at, touch, and explore.

I'd probably opt for a more subdued approach with the polished surfaces, though – they look nice, but they're a pain to keep clean.

The interior is incredibly spacious. There's plenty of room up front and in the back. The 1900mm width and 2777mm wheelbase are definitely noticeable.

The seats are comfortable, and it's a pleasure to sit in them. I love the feature that lets you automatically lower the seat for easy entry. There's also a sliding footrest for the driver, which comes in handy on long trips. I've taken it on a 300km journey and didn't experience any numbness or fatigue – the ventilation system in the seats is a nice touch, too.

The central console is pretty well-designed: there's a deep storage compartment in the door, two cup holders, and a couple of small compartments for miscellaneous items. You'll also find a wireless phone charger.

The sunshades are another nice touch – the lower part is made of transparent plastic, so you don't obstruct your view.

The dashboard and instrument cluster displays are super bright and clear, always visible in any lighting conditions. However, the touchscreen is a bit of a weak point – I'll cover its quirks in the 'MINUSES' section below.

Geely Atlas FX11 2024 engine Geely Atlas FX11 2024 trunk

SPECIFICATIONS and MAINTENANCE

I've got to say, the underpinnings of this Geely Atlas are seriously impressive. And that's exactly why I chose it.

The 4-cylinder turbocharged 2-liter engine is a real powerhouse: 200 horsepower, 325 Nm of torque.The modern 8-speed automatic Aisin transmission.Full-time four-wheel drive with a Haldex clutch.A comfortable suspension system.Excellent safety features: six airbags, various electronic assistants.Nice anti-corrosion coating, although the paint job could be a weak point for many modern cars.A great set of winter options: heated windshield and rear window, heated side mirrors, heated seats, automatic steering wheel heating, remote start.The spacious trunk is also a major plus. Volume: 650 liters. Length with folded seats: 185 cm. The floor can be rearranged to increase the main compartment, but I find it more convenient to use the underfloor compartment as a separate niche. I managed to fit everything in there: a compact and sturdy car wrench, an axe, tools, a reliable handheld vacuum, a set of tools for car enthusiasts. The stated volume is, of course, exaggerated compared to the practical one, but it's indeed spacious, and I've already transported a lot of stuff.

As for the durability and reliability of the car - I'm not in a position to judge yet, of course. And the statistics aren't very impressive, considering the age of this particular model. But cars on the same platform, like the Tugella, have a impressive mileage record. And with a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, you can rest easy about minor issues.

The only downside is that to keep the warranty intact, you'll have to take it to official dealerships for maintenance, which is way more expensive than DIY servicing. My first maintenance check, which essentially involved replacing the oil, cost me around 15,000 rubles.

OPERATION and IMPRESSIONS

I've got no complaints about the build quality - normal gaps, no unusual creaks. The only thing that annoys me is the occasional squeak from the trunk lid when the sunshade is closed, but that's a common issue on panoramic roofs. No technical issues have arisen so far.

I should note that my main driving pattern is city and local roads, but I've also done a few longer trips on highways, like the one to Lipetsk region to Kudukina Mountain.

Well, after being on the road for a bit over three months and 4,000 kilometers, I'm convinced that the Geely Atlas is the right car for me. There are downsides, but they're not critical for me. Now, let's get into the details of what I liked, what I'm unsure about, and the obvious downsides.

I've often heard the saying that cars used to be built by engineers, but now they're built by managers. This is because modern technology often focuses too much on marketing and external appearances, without considering the real comfort of the driver. This is partly true for any car, but specifically in this one, I've noticed a lot of convenient and well-thought-out features.

A smooth connection between the engine and transmission. The car responds very well to the accelerator pedal, smoothly shifts gears, handles easily, and brakes well. I didn't feel like it had any exceptional power (it's no secret that the engine was 'tuned down' for Russia), but it has enough torque for its weight (1,800 kg). It's become much easier to overtake on the highway than on my old Sidi.A good view from the front. Despite the high hood, blind spots are minimal. The rearview is a bit limited, but this is compensated by the side mirrors and the 360-degree camera. It's quite comfortable to maneuver in the city and park.Ground clearance. Although the Atlas is not a real off-roader, thanks to the intelligent all-wheel drive and well-configured settings, it handles various conditions quite well. I wouldn't recommend driving it through really rough terrain, but for fishing trips and forest excursions, it's perfect. The 215mm ground clearance lets me approach the curb without worrying.Adaptive cruise control (G-Pilot). Although this isn't a full-fledged autopilot and lacks a lidar, it does a decent job of navigating, maintaining a safe distance, adjusting speed, and keeping me in my lane. At first, I was skeptical about this technology, but the system works well, as long as you remember that it's not a substitute for the driver.Projection on the windshield. I really like it – I almost never look at the dashboard anymore.Audi system. The sound quality is above average. There are 11 speakers, including one in the driver's headrest. You can adjust the sound zones. Listening to music is enjoyable, especially with my phone or a USB drive, but the radio isn't as good.Sound insulation. It's not premium-level, but external noises don't bother me much in the cabin – it's okay.Panoramic roof and sunroof. For me, personally, it's a dream come true! I started appreciating sunroofs years ago when I drove a Corolla, and now I can say it's a must-have. The practical benefits aren't that significant, but it's a lovely feature.Good headlights and an easy-to-use automatic mode, including auto-distance.Many automatic assistants.

Nuances

I've deliberately not included these points in the cons section because, although they're not something I can ignore, they're either not important to me or easily solvable.

Fuel consumption is higher compared to my previous car. I expected that when I chose a 4-wheel drive. I mostly drive calmly, so I've managed to keep my average fuel consumption around 10 liters per 100 kilometers. On the highway, it's around 7.5 liters, but in the city, it's around 12 liters.Lack of gas caps on the hood is a bit of a letdown. I didn't have them on my previous car, so I'm not used to it. It's not a deal-breaker, but it would be nice to have.No oil dipstick is a bit weird, but I've got enough information on the dashboard to make do.No pre-installed dashcam is a bit of a shame, but I was able to find a third-party solution that works just fine. It's connected to the existing port and installed behind the rearview mirror.No blind spot monitoring isn't a huge deal for me, but it's something that most of my friends have.No trunk liner is something I could easily buy separately, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.Hard trunk surface is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the lack of a liner makes it easier to clean and less prone to dirt getting stuck. On the other hand, the plastic is prone to scratches.Small fuel tank (54 liters) is a bit of a pain. My fuel consumption has leveled out, but I still feel like I need to fill up more often. I've even bought a spare fuel can, which I never thought I'd do.

This is a major drawback for me, and it's something that made me hesitate when choosing this car. However, the positives outweighed the negatives.

No physical buttons - everything is controlled through a tablet. I've gotten used to it, but it's still a bit of a pain. At least the mirror and climate controls could have been duplicated with buttons. The risk of the tablet freezing or malfunctioning is a bit of a concern.The tablet software is very limited, and the interface is a bit clunky. There's no native navigation or app installation, and the small controls can be a bit finicky to use. Syncing with my phone is possible, but it's a bit of a hassle, especially for Android. There are workarounds, but I'm still hoping for a better official software update. Multimedia is definitely a weak point for Geely.No memory for the mirrors is a bit of a shame. My wife and I take turns driving, and adjusting the mirrors every time can be a bit of a pain.No sun visor is a bit of an oversight. As someone who wears glasses, and my wife who wears polarized sunglasses, it would be nice to have a built-in sun visor. You can buy a third-party solution, but it would be nice to have it as a standard feature.Some of these quirks and flaws are just design errors or cost-cutting measures that will be addressed in future generations. Others, like the lack of physical buttons, are just a matter of personal preference. Interestingly, the new Atlas 2025 is already being sold in China, and it's got some nice improvements inside, despite looking a bit less appealing on the outside to me.