The Geely Riddara RD6 is a ute that’s breaking new ground by combining traditional workhorse credentials with zero-emission performance. Now, having spent more quality time behind the wheel, we can confirm this Chinese manufacturer has delivered something genuinely compelling, albeit with a few caveats worth considering.
Exterior Design – Bold and Purposeful
The Riddara RD6 makes a statement from the moment you lay eyes on it. At 5.2 metres long, 1.9 metres wide, and 1.88 metres tall, it strikes an imposing figure that commands respect on the road. The LED lighting signature is thoroughly modern, and there’s a particularly clever party trick, the nameplate across the front illuminates at night, ensuring you’ll never lose your ute in dimly lit car parks.
The design language speaks “utility” without sacrificing style. Its 19-inch alloy wheels fill the arches nicely, while generous wheel arch protection hints at this vehicle’s off-road intentions. Standard running boards and a roof rack add practicality without looking like aftermarket additions.
One standout feature is the front-mounted frunk, providing additional storage space beyond the generous 1,000-litre bed. Speaking of the bed, there’s an integrated step that deploys to help you climb aboard, a thoughtful touch that demonstrates attention to detail (and makes it easier for those of us that are vertically challenged to get into the rear). Speaking of the rear, it features a clean LED light strip design, and with a three-tonne towing capacity and one-tonne payload, so the RD6 backs up its rugged looks with genuine capability.
However, the long nose does present some compromises. The approach and departure angles sit around 25 degrees, slightly shorter than traditional ladder-frame competitors, though the 225mm ground clearance partially compensates. This is a consequence of the monocoque chassis construction, a more car-like platform that delivers benefits elsewhere in the driving experience.
Interior and Comfort – Surprisingly Refined
Slide into the cabin, and you’re greeted by an environment that feels modern yet appropriately robust for a work vehicle. The material quality impresses, with a mix of hard-wearing plastics up top and softer, leatherette-trimmed surfaces lower down, complete with stitching details that break up the dashboard nicely. The seats are comfortable and embossed with the Riddara branding, lending a premium feel.
Space is abundant, particularly in the rear where the EV platform architecture allows for generous legroom. There’s even hidden storage beneath the rear seats when you lift them up, yet another example of the clever packaging advantages electric vehicles offer. The expansive rear window and unobstructed rear-view mirror provide excellent visibility, something we found surprisingly satisfying during daily driving.
Infotainment and Technology – Feature-Packed
The technology suite is where the Riddara RD6 truly shines. A 13-inch infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a comprehensive app drawer. The 540-degree camera system is exceptional, featuring see-through bonnet and chassis views that prove invaluable when navigating off-road terrain or tight parking situations.
A 10-inch digital instrument cluster provides all the essential driving information, from speed to lane positioning, in a clear and customisable format. The voice-controlled cockpit adds another layer of convenience, allowing hands-free operation of various functions.
Seven driving modes (Eco, Sport, Comfort, Mud, Sand, Wading, and Off-road) adapt the vehicle’s characteristics to different conditions at the touch of a button. This versatility is particularly impressive given the electric powertrain, demonstrating that EVs can match traditional utes for adaptability.
Powertrain – Shocking Performance (in a good way)
Here’s where things get properly exciting. The 73 kWh LFP battery feeds dual motors producing a combined 315 kW and 595 Nm of torque. Those figures translate to a genuinely shocking 0-100 km/h sprint of just 4.5 seconds—numbers that would embarrass many sports cars, let alone utility vehicles.
On the road, this translates to effortless overtaking and surprisingly athletic performance for such a substantial vehicle. There’s no diesel rattle, no lag, just instant torque delivery that makes light work of merging and hill climbs. The WLTP-rated 360-kilometre range is realistic for urban and suburban use, though it’s expected, heavy loads and towing will reduce this figure.
The wading depth of 815mm is genuinely impressive, allowing you to tackle water crossings that would have conventional utes thinking twice. Combined with the various terrain modes, the RD6 proves itself a capable off-roader despite its monocoque construction.
Driving Dynamics – Car-Like Sophistication
Behind the wheel, the Riddara RD6 feels remarkably refined. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, with suspension tuning that strikes a nice balance between load-carrying capability and everyday comfort. The low centre of gravity (a natural advantage of EVs with floor-mounted batteries) delivers handling characteristics that feel more car than truck.
Brake regeneration is adjustable via a convenient button beside the drive mode selector. The four-wheel-drive system operates seamlessly without requiring low-range selection, simplifying the driving experience.
The Dealbreakers – ADAS Overload
However, not everything is perfect. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are frustratingly intrusive. Lane departure warnings are ear-piercingly loud, as are the rear cross-traffic alerts and indicator ticks. The system also prevents movement until your seatbelt is fastened, sensible for road use but potentially frustrating on work sites. These safety systems, while comprehensive, including AEB, FCW, LDW, and LKA alongside six airbags and 70% high-strength steel construction, do need ‘taming’.
Tarmac Takeaway
The Geely Riddara RD6, priced from $69,990 plus on-road costs, represents a genuine alternative in the ute market. With a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and three years of roadside assistance, it’s backed by solid manufacturer support.
It’s not perfect, the ADAS systems require tolerance, and range limitations demand trip planning, but as an around-town workhorse with weekend adventure capability, the RD6 delivers. For those ready to embrace electric utility, Geely has created something genuinely compelling.
