Riddara RD6 Review: How Does Geely's Initial Electric Pickup Perform? | Carscoops

      This soft-roader pickup from Geely may not excel in off-road performance, but it offers a practical option compared to an SUV.

      by Sam D. Smith

      PROS ›› Comfortable ride, ample interior and bed space CONS ›› Lesser-known brand, below-average performance, limited range

      If you're in the West, you might be puzzled by the name Riddara, and that’s understandable, as it's not a familiar brand. However, this is Geely’s "lifestyle utility brand," marketed as Radar in China. For those curious, the name change was necessary due to copyright issues in some regions, not picked randomly by an intern.

      Geely is now recognized as a major player in the automotive industry. Beyond its own Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands, it also owns Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Proton, and Smart. The Riddara/Radar is simply another addition to its expansive portfolio.

      Now that you're informed, you’re likely wondering how this vehicle fits into the market. It's no surprise that this is an electric vehicle, as China is leading in this sector. While the Cybertruck, F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T dominate the full-size EV pickup segment in the US, there’s a scarcity of smaller offerings akin to the Toyota Hilux.

      At 5,260 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,880 mm high, the RD6 qualifies as a compact pickup by American standards. However, in the East, it’s seen as a sizable truck, with markets in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia eagerly embracing vehicles of this style. The RD6 was purposefully designed as an EV, resulting in fewer compromises than one might expect.

      QUICK FACTS

      Exterior: A Pickup for Those Who Prefer Subtlety

      Those who favor large, bold pickup trucks may find the RD6’s exterior somewhat underwhelming. With 225 mm of ground clearance, it appears slightly lower to the ground than typical, but its less aggressive stance suits its market positioning.

      Its softer front lines convey an electric vehicle aesthetic that many pickups lack. The upper front features a conventional grille-less design, utilizing a textured plastic panel, while some faux vents can be found lower down. A clamshell-style hood hides a useful front trunk with a capacity of 70 liters.

      The door mirrors are mounted on stalks rather than connecting at the quarter glass. The side profile isn’t entirely flat, showcasing some contouring and distinct wheel arches that add character. Although our test vehicle's appearance might seem a bit lackluster, the ample sidewall definitely enhances ride comfort.

      Overall, the Riddara RD6 doesn’t particularly stand out in traffic, steering away from the trend of oversized grilles and lofty stances that many new pickups adopt to convey a rugged image. Even the newly released BYD Shark manages to embody this boldness with a more off-road focused design.

      The rear bed dimensions are 1,525 mm long, 1,450 mm wide, and 540 mm high. While it’s serviceable, it lacks some desired features, such as power outlets, though higher-spec models include V2L capabilities.

      The tailgate employs electric release; however, aside from the electrical latch, the hinge, the door, and its mechanism all feel robust and reliable, appealing to traditional pickup enthusiasts. Unlike some tech-laden EVs coming out of China, which showcase overly complex features, the RD6 opts for a straightforward, sturdy tailgate mechanism.

      Interior: A Comfortable Space, Yet Not Overly Spacious

      If the exterior appears soft, the interior follows suit. The base model we reviewed was fairly utilitarian, with higher trims offering nicer materials for the dashboard and doors, as well as a larger central display. However, while it may not be the most luxurious, it does feature a decent leather-wrapped steering wheel, an electric driver’s seat, and a PM 2.5 air filtration system.

      The controls offer acceptable feedback, featuring metal-effect accents on items like light switches and multifunction controls on the steering wheel. Though the central console’s plastic feels a bit cheaper, a Land Rover-style rotary knob governs Geely’s version of Terrain Response. We didn’t have the chance to test it off-road during our brief drive, but we hope to test one of the more premium 4WD variants in the future.

      The 12.3-inch central display utilizes a form of Android and responds promptly to inputs. The top-tier Horizon 4×4 benefits from a larger 14.6-inch screen, while a 10.2-inch LCD screen presents information clearly to the driver.

      The voice assistant, however, is somewhat sluggish, taking about 10-15 seconds to recognize a command. Nonetheless, it understands basic instructions across various accents without requiring repeated phrasing.

      Rear seating is reasonably comfortable, aligning with the RD6’s target audience. The low