iCAR V25 Review: Retro Looks Meet a Plug-In Hybrid SUV

The 2027 iCAR V25 is a boxy REEV SUV with up to 449 hp, a 33.7-kWh battery, and roughly 93 miles of electric range, and it is confirmed for Brazil in 2027 under the new iCAUR badge.

Chery unveiled the model at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show, slotting it between the smaller V23 and the larger V27 in its young iCAR lineup. Sales in China begin this November.

How Does the iCAR V25’s Powertrain Work?

The V25 runs on a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) system, meaning the wheels are driven entirely by electric motors. A 1.5-liter turbo engine only kicks in as an onboard generator, never sending power directly to the wheels.

That setup pairs with a 33.7-kWh LFP battery pack. In practice, owners get the instant torque and quiet cabin of an EV around town, with the combustion engine standing by for longer road trips.

What’s the Electric-Only Range and MPG?

The rear-wheel-drive version delivers about 93 miles of electric-only range on the WLTC cycle, while the AWD variant comes in closer to 90 miles. Once the battery runs dry, fuel economy lands between 33 and 34 mpg.

The range-topping AWD trim, with motors on both axles, produces up to 449 hp and 372 lb-ft of combined torque. Chery quotes a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds for that configuration.

Why Does the V25 Look So Retro?

The boxy styling is intentional. A tall hood, flared fenders, a nearly flat roofline, and round LED headlights all echo classic off-road wagons rather than a modern crossover.

Despite the square shape, Chery says an active front grille cuts aerodynamic drag by up to 15%, which matters for preserving that electric range. Out back, the tailgate swings open sideways at an 88-degree angle and hides a 0.8-cu-ft external “backpack” compartment for umbrellas and small gear.

Can the V25 Actually Handle Off-Road Trails?

Yes, and the numbers back it up. Ground clearance measures 7.8 inches, with a 30-degree approach angle and a 28-degree departure angle.

The fixed side steps can hold up to 287 lbs of load, and the SUV is rated to tow nearly 4,000 lbs, an impressive figure for an electrified vehicle this size.

Is There Enough Cargo Room for Road Trips?

Cargo space totals 13.3 cu-ft behind the rear seats, expanding to 35.2 cu-ft with them folded flat. The cabin also packs 41 separate storage compartments.

One standout feature: the V25 offers two different “bed mode” layouts, folding the seats into flat sleeping surfaces for camping trips.

Does the V25 Come With Advanced Driver Assistance?

It does, and it’s Chery’s most advanced setup yet. An optional roof-mounted LiDAR sensor works alongside 26 other sensors as part of the Super Falcon 700 Plus system.

Processing runs through the Horizon Journey 6P chip, rated at 560 TOPS, enough to support highway and city driving assistance along with automated parking.

Is the iCAR V25 Worth Watching?

It is, mainly because it pairs off-road toughness with genuine daily-use electric range, a combination few SUVs in this class offer. The iCAUR brand, Chery’s international name for these models, has already confirmed the V25 for its future Brazilian lineup.

The V27 will arrive first, with the V25 following behind it. Pricing, trim levels, and an exact launch date for international markets haven’t been announced yet.