2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray Comparo: Spec Sheet Battle

2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray: Korean and Chinese rivals face off

Hyundai Philippines came under new management in 2022. Together with that, it introduces a whole new lineup which includes the all-new Creta. This replaces the Kona as the brand’s entry into the very competitive subcompact crossover segment.  

Hyundai Philippines is BACK! (Lineup Highlights, Prices & Interview) - Philkotse Quick Look

But how does it compare to the likes of the Geely Coolray? To find out, let’s compare the Creta GLS against the Coolray SE Sport. We picked those two trims because both are top-spec models, and both sit above the Php 1.2 million range. 

2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray: Exterior

When it comes to dimensions, the Creta GLS is 4,315mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,630mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,610mm.

The 2023 Hyundai Creta

Meanwhile, the Coolray measures 4,330mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,609mm in height. Its wheelbase then spans 2,600mm.

The Geely crossover is the longer and wider model on paper. This might translate to better elbow room and legroom inside. Then again, the Hyundai model gets a longer wheelbase and more height.  

The 2022 Geely Coolray

Moving on to exterior equipment, both the top-spec Creta and top-spec Coolray are kitted out with LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and power-folding side mirrors.  

The Coolray does come with a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlamp controls, and a power liftgate, all of which are unavailable on the Hyundai model.

Use the slider to compare the side profiles of the Hyundai Creta (left) and the Geely Coolray (right)

On top of those, the Geely Coolray also gets a larger 18-inch set of wheels, whereas the Hyundai Creta comes with a smaller set of 17-inch wheels. 

2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray SE: Interior

Both the Hyundai Creta and the Geely Coolray offer a comfortable cabin for up to five occupants. Both come with leather or leather-type seat covers, a 60:40 split folding rear seat, and automatic air-conditioning. Both also have an ample amount of cup holders and storage cubby holes. 

These two crossovers also make things easier for their drivers thanks to having a push-to-start button, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and cruise control. The Coolray SE Sport does provide a power-adjustable driver’s seat, which isn’t present on the Creta GLS.  

The Hyundai Creta's cockpit

For on-board entertainment, the Hyundai Creta GLS gets an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB connectivity. In turn, the Coolray SE comes standard with a 10.25-inch screen with QDLink smartphone mirroring.  

The said screen on the Geely model is much larger compared to the Creta’s, but the latter arguably has more in the way of connectivity options. On the flipside, the Coolray is linked to a set of six speakers, while the Creta GLS only gets four. That might mean better sound out of the Geely model.  

A peek inside the Coolray' cabin

Both also come with an ample amount of USB ports for charging gadgets. Then again, the Creta GLS does get a wireless charging pad while the Coolray does not. 

2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray: Safety

In terms of safety, both cars come with what you’d expect from a modern crossover. This means anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, stability control, hill-start assist, a reverse parking camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, etc.

On top of those standard safety bits, both also get blind spot monitoring and tire pressure monitoring. The Creta, however, does have more in the way of driver-assist features. These include lane-keep assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist (emergency braking), and driver attention warning.  

The Creta's Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist feature in action

The Coolray does have some safety features that aren’t present in the Creta as well. Among these is an active parking assist system, hill-descent control, and a 360-degree camera array.  

For airbags, the Creta GLS and the Coolray SE both have dual front airbags. The top-spec Geely model however, adds on to that with its side airbags, and curtain airbags. 

2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray: Engine

When engines are concerned, these two crossovers are very different beasts. For the Hyundai, it uses a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-4 that’s paired with the brand’s intelligent variable transmission. With this setup, it can make up to 111 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque.

The Hyundai Creta during its launch back in August 2022

The Coolray in turn, utilizes a 1.5-liter inline-3 turbocharged gasoline engine that can churn out up to 177 horsepower and 255Nm of torque. It is then paired to a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic gearbox.  

Both are similar in that they have a displacement of 1.5-liters. The Coolray however, does get one less cylinder, but then again it has a turbo. The result is a significantly more powerful tune compared to the Creta.  

The updated 2022 Geely Coolray at the 2022 MIAS

Their other mechanical bits though, are a bit more similar. Both use a set of ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension. Both are also front-wheel-drive. 

2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray: Price

2023 Hyundai Creta vs Geely Coolray: Conclusion

So which of these crossovers are better on paper? Well, power-wise, the Coolray takes the win in this regard. It makes 66 horsepower and 111Nm more compared to the Hyundai model. So if power is what you’re after, the Coolray takes the cake.  

Do you like how the Creta looks from the rear?

The Coolray might also attract those with parking difficulties because due to its active park assist, it can park itself. Plus, it comes with a 360-degree view monitor, and it might also prove to be safer in a crash due to having more airbags. Then again, the Creta GLS has more driver assist features which can prevent a crash from happening in the first place.

The Creta might also prove to be more attractive for penny pinchers since it has a lower starting price. But then do note that the Coolray’s top-spec model is a tad cheaper compared to the Creta GLS.  

Or do you prefer the Coolray's rear end?

The Hyundai subcompact crossover also gets a smaller but better headunit. We say that since it gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both we think are deemed important by many car buyers today. Plus, it also gets a wireless charging pad for even more convenience.  

For more comparisons like this, keep it here on Philkotse.