The Best SUV Under $30,000? 🚙 2026 GAC Emzoom Reviewed!

Chinese carmaker GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is the latest auto brand to announce its arrival in Australia, confirming it will launch in November 2025 with a three-model line-up. The debut GAC vehicle range includes a battery-electric medium SUV, a plug-in hybrid luxury people-mover and a petrol-powered compact SUV. From pricing to performance, here’s what you need to know about GAC’s impending Australian arrival with the 2026 GAC Emzoom – and how the brand might stack up against Chinese rivals like BYD, GWM and MG. The GAC Emzoom is a petrol-powered small SUV similarly sized to Australia’s favourite compact SUV, the Hyundai Kona. It’s stylish and tech-laden, and priced for attention. The combustion-engined GAC Emzoom has a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty. We had expected a sub-$30,000 entry point for the 2026 GAC Emzoom and can now confirm that the small SUV starts from $25,590 plus on-road costs. It is only available in a single Luxury model grade. The Emzoom’s natural competitors include the Chery Tiggo 4 and GWM Haval Jolion, both of which start from just $23,990 drive-away, as well as a host of other rivals in the fast-growing small SUV segment. The GAC Emzoom runs on a 125kW/270Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – a small-displacement turbo typical of many compact SUVs. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and front-wheel drive. Despite its modest size, the turbo engine gives the Emzoom sprightly performance; expect 0–100km/h in about eight seconds. Official claimed combined-cycle fuel economy lands at 6.6L/100km, helped by the lightweight design. The GAC Emzoom interior is aimed at a younger demographic, so style and connectivity are key. It has a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 14.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather trim and even a 360-degree camera system with auto parking assistance are among the high-grade standard features on Emzoom. Despite its compact size, clever layout maximises rear legroom and boot space (370L, extending to 1271L with the rear seats folded). Detailing like contrast stitching, sporty colour options and a flat-bottom steering wheel give it a fun vibe. Tech like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking are all standard, making it competitive on safety. Read more: https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/tra... 00:00 – Introduction & First Impressions 00:12 – Pricing & Value Proposition 00:35 – Exterior Design & Futuristic Styling 00:50 – Interior Tech & Large Touchscreen 01:20 – Second Row: Rear Seat Space & Comfort 01:36 – Boot Space & Powered Tailgate 01:50 – Performance: 1.5L Turbo Engine Specs 02:14 – Driving Modes & Transmission Performance 02:48 – Safety Features & 7-Year Warranty 03:10 – On-Road Handling & Ride Quality 04:00 – Final Verdict: Is it Worth a Look? Research and compare cars with RACV Car Match 🔎 https://www.racv.com.au/car-match.html Prepare for the best with an RACV Car Loan WeMoney’s 2025 Best for Flexibility (Personal Loans) Finalist 🔎 https://www.racv.com.au/carloans R.A.C.V. Finance Limited ABN 82 004 292 291 Australian Credit Licence No. 391488. RACV Finance is subject to RACV lending criteria. Conditions, fees and charges apply. For more information: 🔎 https://www.racv.com.au 📱 Call us on 13 72 28 for general enquiries Subscribe to our newsletter: 📩 https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/sub... Follow us:    / racvofficial     / racv     / racvofficial     / racv   #racv #racvnewsandlifestyle #racvcarmatch #racvcarreviews