ROX 01 Review: A Rugged EV with Style and Substance 

Style, comfort, versatility — and genuine off-road ability? The ROX 01 might just be the EV you didn’t know you were looking for. With rugged credentials and a head-turning presence, it’s half the price of a Land Rover Defender — but does it deliver where it counts? Let’s find out what the ROX 01 is really made of and whether it truly ROX. 

Exterior: Bold Design, Familiar Feel 

At 5.3 meters long, the ROX 01 is nearly the same size as a Defender, but it wears its bulk differently. Its sleeker lines and distinctive headlight design — inspired by the Chinese character for “stone” — give it a modern, assertive identity. 

The 87% high-grade steel body suggests it’s as tough as it looks, while the Sport variant adds roof racks and a ladder — functional-looking accessories for urban adventurers, even if rarely used. 

That said, the ROX 01’s overall design leans heavily on familiar cues — the Defender’s stance outside and a Li Auto-style cabin within. It’s attractive, but not especially original. 

Powertrain: EREV Tech That Works 

The ROX 01 is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) — its 1.5L engine doesn’t power the wheels but instead charges a 56kWh NMC battery that feeds the electric motors. 

• EV-only range: 235 km (146 miles) CLTC 

• Total range (with fuel): Up to 1,150km (715 miles) CLTC 

That’s road-trip ready — though the boxy shape means high-speed highway driving will drain the battery faster. It’s a flexible setup for mixed driving needs, and more refined than many hybrid rivals. 

With approach and departure angles of 22.2° and 25.1° and a wading depth of 700mm, it’s also ready to handle dirt tracks and moderate off-roading without flinching. 

Interior: Premium Meets Practical  

Step inside, and the orange leather and large 15.7-inch touchscreen instantly give off Li Auto vibes — premium, comfortable, and familiar. The Snapdragon chip ensures smooth performance, and Apple CarPlay is standard. 

However, tech-savvy drivers may find it underwhelming. The wireless charging pad is inconsistent, and while a wired option is hidden below, it feels like a missed opportunity in an otherwise well-equipped interior. One notable omission? No Head-Up Display (HUD).  

You get a 14-way adjustable driver’s seat, tri-zone climate control, and loads of space thanks to the 3-meter wheelbase. Rear passengers benefit from “zero gravity” seating and a 15.6-inch entertainment screen (depending on trim). Six- and seven-seat configurations are available, with changes affecting the third row layout. 

Tech & Practicality: Smart, Not Brilliant 

On paper, the ROX 01 delivers on the essentials: a 12.3-inch digital driver cluster, a digital rearview mirror, and a 360-degree camera that’s a lifesaver in crowded parking situations. 

You also get 2.2kW of vehicle-to-load (V2L) output at the charging port — great for powering gear on camping trips or during emergencies. 

Still, the overall tech suite lacks wow factor. In a market crowded with bold, innovative EVs, the ROX 01’s cabin tech is solid but forgettable. 

Driving Experience: Smooth, Capable, Confident 

With 350kW of power and 750Nm of torque, this big box moves — 0–100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. And despite its off-road image, the ride is surprisingly soft and composed. 

Daily usability is excellent: visibility is great, ride comfort is high, and it’s easy to maneuver considering its size. The ADAS suite is adequate but not standout — and again, the lack of a HUD is felt during longer drives. 

Charging & Range: Decent, Not Class-Leading 

• DC fast charging: 0–80% in just under 30 minutes 

• AC charging: ~8 hours to full 

It’s usable, especially if you have home charging. And with 100km+ of  pure EV range, many drivers could avoid burning fuel for days. Still, charging speeds are average by 2025 standards, and competitors are pushing the envelope faster. 

Verdict: A Stylish, Capable SUV — But with Some Catch-Ups to Make 

The ROX 01 blends rugged SUV appeal with everyday usability, strong range flexibility, and a price that undercuts its Western rivals by half. For under ¥300,000 (~$41,000), it delivers real value. 

But it’s not perfect. A derivative design, some tech oversights, and efficiency tradeoffs may give pause to more discerning buyers. Still, if you’re after Defender vibes without Defender drama, the ROX 01 makes a compelling case — and shows how China’s off-road EV scene is getting seriously exciting.