The Kaiyi Xuanjie Pro is a compact C-segment SUV by Kaiyi Auto. Positioned as a "high-value, spacious SUV in the RM50,000 class", it serves as the brand's key workhorse in the entry-level ICE SUV segment. First rolled out in 2021, the model has undergone multiple model-year updates. Currently, the 2025 lineup offers two powertrain options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated and a 1.5T turbocharged engine, with an official price range between RM64,900 and RM93,900, alongside promotional nett pricing starting from as low as RM59,900. Born out of technical synergy between Kaiyi Auto and Chery, the Xuanjie Pro leverages Chery-backed powertrains, segment-busting cabin space, and accessible pricing to carve out a niche in the competitive RM60,000 to RM90,000 budget SUV market.
Competing in the compact SUV space, the Xuanjie Pro’s main selling points include proven Chery ACTECO engine tech, generous interior packaging courtesy of a 2,632 mm wheelbase, a punchy 1.5T variant pushing 156 PS, and a rock-bottom entry price from RM59,900. Its key rivals include similarly priced Chinese B- and C-segment SUVs like the Chery Tiggo 5x, Geely Binyue, and Changan CS35 PLUS.
On the sales front, the Xuanjie Pro stands as one of Kaiyi's core volume sellers. Data indicates that in March 2025, the model registered 265 units, accounting for 12.81% of Kaiyi's total monthly sales and placing fourth overall in the brand’s stable. In October 2025, Kaiyi introduced the Xuanjie Pro Chaoyue Edition, bringing substantial safety, comfort, and kit upgrades to sharpen its competitive edge.
Visually, the Xuanjie Pro carries forward Kaiyi’s youthful design ethos. The front end features a slim radiator grille with dot-matrix chrome pins, flanked by smoked headlamp assemblies for a cohesive look. Projector lenses are integrated within the headlamps, offering decent quality. The lower bumper sports a three-tier layout with vertical aero vents on the outer edges and a prominent central air intake—also adorned with dot-matrix styling—giving the front fascia an aggressive stance.
Down the flanks, the profile is clean with a subtly sloping roofline, complete with a shark fin antenna, roof rails, and a trendy floating-roof effect. A split shoulder character line adds depth, whilst rugged black cladding around the wheel arches and side skirts delivers a muscular SUV stance. At the rear, an oversized roof spoiler with an integrated high-mount stop lamp caps off the tailgate, complemented by full-width smoked LED taillights that visually broaden the car's stance.
Dimensions-wise, the 1.5L variant measures 4,400 (or 4,420) mm long, 1,831 mm wide, and 1,653 (or 1,677) mm tall, whilst the 1.5T stretches to 4,450 mm in overall length, with a uniform 2,632 mm wheelbase across the range. By comparison, the 1.5L stands at 1,653 mm (Manual/CVT Comfort Edition) or 1,677 mm (Manual/CVT Luxury Edition), while the 1.5T variant measures 1,670 mm in height.
Inside, the Xuanjie Pro opts for an all-black theme garnished with matte satin chrome accents. Key interior kit includes a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with tactile switches, a digital instrument cluster, a freestanding infotainment touchscreen, and a conventional gear selector. Standard equipment on the 2025 lineup includes dual front airbags, TPMS with real-time tyre pressure display, Auto Brake Hold, Hill-Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, a reverse camera, keyless entry, and push-start ignition. The Chaoyue Edition launched in October 2025 further elevates the cabin with synthetic leather upholstery replacing fabric, a microfibre leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat instead of the previous 4-way unit.
The Xuanjie Pro is offered with two engine choices—a 1.5L naturally aspirated unit or a 1.5T turbocharged lump—mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox, driving the front wheels across all variants.
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Variant: Powered by Chery’s SQRE4G15C 1.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit pushing 85 kW (approx. 116 PS) and 143 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Featuring multi-point injection (MPI) and rated for RON 92 petrol, it complies fully with China VI emissions standards. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed manual or a CVT. Official top speed is rated at 175 km/h for the manual and 165 km/h for the CVT. Fuel economy under the WLTC test cycle stands at 7.5 L/100 km for the manual and 7.6 L/100 km for the CVT.
1.5T Turbocharged Variant: Driven by the SQRE4T15C 1.5L turbo-four churning out 115 kW (approx. 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque with a 9.5:1 compression ratio. Also employing multi-point injection running on RON 92 petrol, it is paired exclusively with a stepped CVT simulating 9 virtual ratios. Top speed is officially claimed at 190 km/h, returning a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100 km (6.7 L/100 km under NEDC). The 1.5T lineup includes the Lingxian Edition, Zhizun Edition, and Sports Edition, spanning between RM83,900 and RM93,900.
For the 2025 model year, Kaiyi is heavily prioritising the entry-level 1.5L variants with nett promotional prices kicking off from RM59,900. The 1.5T range continues to be offered alongside run-out 2024 model year units, selling concurrently across showrooms.
Underneath, the Xuanjie Pro rides on a front-wheel-drive monocoque chassis supported by front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam setup—a tried-and-tested, cost-effective configuration typical of entry-level crossovers aimed at delivering fuss-free everyday usability. Steering duties are handled via an Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack.
Stopping power comes from ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, controlled via an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold (replacing the manual handbrake on older variants). It rides on 215/60 R17 tyres with a space-saver spare wheel tucked in the boot. The 1.5T boasts 158 mm of unladen ground clearance, an 18° approach angle, a 24° departure angle, and a tight 5.4-metre turning radius.
Driving modes remain rudimentary without dedicated terrain presets. Nonetheless, Auto Brake Hold, Hill-Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control come standard across the range. The overall suspension tuning leans clearly towards pliant ride comfort, well-suited for urban school runs and daily commutes.
Higher-spec trims of the Xuanjie Pro feature a 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment system, complete with 4G LTE telematics, intelligent voice control (for media, navigation, and telephony), and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice assistant is summoned via the wake-up command “Hello Xiaoyi”. Mobile phone screen mirroring is supported natively, whilst the flagship 1.5T Zhizun Edition gains a 360-degree surround-view monitor.
In terms of creature comforts, the entire 2025 lineup comes equipped with keyless entry, push-button start, Auto Brake Hold, Hill-Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, a reverse camera, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, and manual air conditioning. The Chaoyue Edition introduced in October 2025 further bundles:
Safety: Rear parking sensors (working in tandem with the reverse camera)
Comfort: Faux leather upholstery (replacing fabric), 6-way power-adjustable driver seat (upgraded from 4-way manual), and a microfibre leather steering wheel
Convenience: Auto headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and a full-size steel spare wheel
Seat materials range from entry fabric to premium synthetic leather on mid-to-high specs. The rear bench drops in a 60:40 split to swallow bulkier cargo when needed.
Passive safety sees dual front airbags fitted as standard across all Xuanjie Pro variants, with side airbags added on flagship grades like the 1.5T Zhizun Edition. Standard active safety kit across the board comprises Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a real-time Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) remain basic, as expected at this price point. Cruise control, a reverse camera, and rear parking sensors (added on the Chaoyue Edition) are standard, whilst the range-topping 1.5T Zhizun Edition adds a 360-degree camera. Advanced Level 2 driver aids like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) are absent, in line with its budget-friendly positioning.
The commercial traction of the Xuanjie Pro closely mirrors the broader fortunes of the Kaiyi marque. Official figures show that in March 2025, it shifted 265 units, accounting for 12.81% of Kaiyi's monthly volume and ranking fourth in the brand's stable. The subsequent arrival of the Chaoyue Edition in October 2025—priced between RM67,900 and RM77,900 with generous specification bumps—aimed to inject fresh sales momentum.
Local automotive analysts highlight three core strengths for the Xuanjie Pro:
Chery Technical Backing: The proven ACTECO powertrain delivers bulletproof reliability and pocket-friendly maintenance
Segment-Busting Interior Space: Its 2,632 mm wheelbase and 1,831 mm overall width allow three adults to sit abreast comfortably at the rear; the boot effortlessly swallows two 28-inch suitcases alongside a 20-inch carry-on, with even more cargo room unlocked by dropping the rear seats
Unbeatable Bang-for-Buck: The promotional base price from RM59,900 delivers compelling value against other sub-RM60k crossovers
However, the Xuanjie Pro continues to grapple with notable headwinds:
Weak Brand Equity: Kaiyi remains a second-tier player in China's domestic passenger car arena, trailing significantly behind mainstream giants like Chery and Geely. Many buyers gravitate towards the more established Chery Tiggo 5x, despite its RM5,000 price premium
Lack of Distinct Differentiation: Sharing a technical platform so closely with the Chery Tiggo 5x leaves the Xuanjie Pro struggling to carve out a distinct identity
Sparse Dealership Footprint: Kaiyi’s relatively lean sales and service network poses aftersales and servicing inconveniences for prospective buyers
Pressure from Budget EVs: In the RM60,000 to RM90,000 price bracket, compact battery electric vehicles (BEVs) like the Wuling Binguo and BYD Seagull are aggressively poaching entry-level ICE SUV buyers
Competitive Landscape: Spec-for-spec, the Kaiyi Xuanjie is listed just RM5,000 lower than the Chery Tiggo 5x. To sweeten the deal, Kaiyi offers first-party perks including lifetime free servicing, a lifetime vehicle warranty for the first owner, 2-year 0% interest hire-purchase packages, and complimentary lifetime basic telematics data.
Owner feedback is largely positive regarding its "high value-for-money", "airy cabin space", and "sufficient daily driveability". Common grouses, however, revolve around poor secondhand resale values, ubiquitous hard interior plastics, sluggish overtakes in the 1.5L when fully loaded, and a hesitant CVT response during sudden kick-downs.
The Kaiyi Xuanjie Pro is an indispensable offering in Kaiyi Auto's budget crossover playbook, underpinned by proven Chery ACTECO engine tech, a practical 2,632 mm wheelbase, and an ultra-accessible RM59,900 entry ticket. The 2025 model year caters to diverse budgets via dual 1.5L and 1.5T engine choices, whilst the Chaoyue Edition adds valuable equipment to the mix.
Nonetheless, the Xuanjie Pro’s market trajectory highlights Kaiyi's central conundrum: whilst its Chery-engineered mechanicals are sound, limited brand cachet and a small dealer network hinder its ability to go toe-to-toe with mainstream heavyweights like Chery and Geely. The contrasting commercial fates of the Xuanjie Pro and its mechanical twin, the Chery Tiggo 5x, perfectly sum up this brand gap.
For cost-conscious buyers with a firm budget of RM60,000 to RM80,000 who prioritise cabin room and pragmatic ownership over brand prestige, the Xuanjie Pro represents a sensible first car. Its first-owner lifetime warranty and free maintenance packages go a long way in soothing badge-conscious worries. Still, buyers will have to carefully weigh the Xuanjie's lower initial outlay against the far broader service networks of rivals like the Chery Tiggo 5x and Geely Binyue. With budget EVs rapidly gaining market share, the headroom for traditional entry-level ICE SUVs like the Xuanjie Pro will only get tighter.
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