Chinese car brands have been quietly reshaping the UK car market over the last few years, but the arrival of Omoda and Jaecoo has turned that quiet shift into a proper shake-up. Both brands sit under the same parent company, Chery, yet they target slightly different buyers.
The Omoda 5 is positioned as a stylish, sporty compact SUV aimed at urban drivers who want modern tech and bold design at an affordable price. Meanwhile, the Jaecoo 7 moves upmarket with a more rugged image, larger dimensions and the option of electrified powertrains.
So which is actually better? The answer depends on what you want from your SUV. In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at design, performance, practicality, technology, running costs and value to find out whether the Omoda 5 or Jaecoo 7 deserves a place on your driveway.
Omoda 5 vs Jaecoo 7: quick overview
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of what separates these two SUVs.
| Category | Omoda 5 | Jaecoo 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Around £23,990 | Around £29,435 |
| Size | Compact SUV | Mid-size SUV |
| Engine options | 1.6-litre turbo petrol | 1.6 petrol or plug-in hybrid |
| Power | Up to ~183bhp | Up to ~202bhp (PHEV) |
| Boot space | 378 litres | 412 litres |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | FWD or AWD |
The biggest difference is positioning. The Omoda 5 is cheaper and more style-focused, while the Jaecoo 7 offers more space, hybrid tech and optional all-wheel drive.
Exterior design
Omoda 5: futuristic and sporty
The Omoda 5 is unapologetically modern. With its diamond-pattern grille, sharply sculpted bonnet and narrow daytime running lights, it looks like a concept car that accidentally escaped onto the road.
The design language leans heavily into futuristic aesthetics. The coupe-inspired roofline and aggressive front fascia give the car a youthful, sporty vibe that stands out in supermarket car parks filled with more conservative SUVs.
Omoda clearly wants the 5 to appeal to younger buyers or anyone bored with the usual suspects like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage.
Highlights include:
- Dramatic grille design with chrome elements
- Slim LED lighting signatures
- Coupe-style roofline
- Contrasting bodywork details
It’s a bold design that divides opinion. Some love it, others find it a bit over-styled. But one thing is certain: you won’t lose it in a crowded car park.
Jaecoo 7: rugged and premium
The Jaecoo 7 takes a completely different approach. Instead of futuristic curves, it leans heavily into rugged SUV styling, with a boxier shape, upright stance and a grille that wouldn’t look out of place on a luxury off-roader. Think Range Rover-inspired proportions, but at a much lower price point.
The front end is dominated by a vertical grille and square headlights, giving the car a tougher appearance than its Omoda sibling. The squared wheel arches and chunky body cladding reinforce the idea that this SUV is built for more than just city streets.
The Jaecoo 7 is also physically larger. It’s roughly 10cm longer and taller than the Omoda 5, with higher ground clearance and a bigger cargo area.
Design highlights include:
- Upright SUV stance
- Large grille with vertical slats
- Chunky wheel arches
- Premium lighting design
While the Omoda 5 aims for drama, the Jaecoo 7 focuses on presence and practicality.
Interior and technology
Omoda 5 cabin
Step inside the Omoda 5 and you’ll find an interior that feels surprisingly high-tech for the price. The dashboard is dominated by a large digital display setup that blends the instrument cluster and infotainment screen into a single sweeping panel. The layout is minimal, modern and clearly influenced by premium brands.
Equipment levels are impressive considering the price point. Even entry-level models come with:
- Digital driver display
- Large infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Advanced driver-assistance systems
Higher trims add features like a Sony sound system and panoramic glass roof, making the car feel more premium than its price tag suggests.
However, some reviewers have criticised the infotainment system and driver-assistance alerts for being overly intrusive.
Jaecoo 7 cabin
The Jaecoo 7 steps things up. This SUV clearly targets buyers looking for something more luxurious. The interior design combines modern technology with classic SUV cues, creating a cabin that feels both rugged and upscale.
A large central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, while higher trims offer displays up to 14.8 inches alongside premium materials and advanced connectivity.
Features include:
- Large infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Premium materials throughout
The bigger body also means more passenger room. Rear seat passengers benefit from improved legroom and a slightly larger boot compared with the Omoda 5. In short, the Jaecoo 7 feels like a step up in quality and space.
Performance and engines
Omoda 5 performance
The Omoda 5 uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Output is roughly 147-183bhp depending on specification, producing around 275Nm of torque.
This setup delivers decent everyday performance. Acceleration is brisk enough for motorway driving, and the gearbox keeps things smooth in traffic. But this isn’t a performance SUV. Enthusiastic drivers may find the engine a little coarse and the steering lacking feedback.
In everyday driving though, the Omoda 5 feels quick enough and easy to live with.
Jaecoo 7 performance
The Jaecoo 7 offers more variety. Buyers can choose between:
- 1.6-litre turbo petrol (around 145-147bhp)
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) producing around 202bhp combined
The hybrid model is the most interesting option. It combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery capable of delivering up to 56 miles of electric-only range. That means many daily commutes could be completed without using petrol at all.
The Jaecoo also offers optional all-wheel drive, something the Omoda 5 currently lacks. For drivers who occasionally encounter muddy tracks, snow or rough roads, this could be a significant advantage.
Driving experience
Omoda 5 on the road
The Omoda 5 is tuned primarily for urban driving. It’s compact, easy to manoeuvre and comfortable over typical city roads. The suspension favours comfort rather than sportiness, making it a pleasant daily driver. However, enthusiastic drivers may find:
- Steering lacks feedback
- Ride can feel slightly firm over rough surfaces
- Engine noise under hard acceleration
Still, for commuting and everyday errands, it does the job well.
Jaecoo 7 on the road
The Jaecoo 7 feels more substantial. Its larger size gives it a more planted motorway presence, and the suspension is tuned for comfort over long distances. The hybrid version adds a layer of refinement, allowing the car to glide quietly on electric power around town.
The availability of all-wheel drive also improves traction on slippery surfaces. In general, the Jaecoo feels more mature and versatile, particularly for longer journeys.
Practicality and space
This is where the Jaecoo 7 begins to pull ahead. Because it’s larger, it naturally offers more room inside.
Size comparison
| Feature | Omoda 5 | Jaecoo 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~440cm | ~450cm |
| Height | 159cm | 168cm |
| Boot space | 378L | 412L |
The Jaecoo 7 also provides:
- Higher ground clearance
- Larger boot
- More rear passenger space
These differences might sound small on paper, but in everyday use they make the Jaecoo feel noticeably more practical. Families, in particular, will appreciate the extra space.
Running costs and efficiency
Running costs are another important factor when choosing between these two SUVs.
Omoda 5 economy
The petrol Omoda 5 typically delivers around 31mpg in real-world driving. That’s reasonable for a petrol SUV but not exceptional.
Jaecoo 7 economy
The petrol version of the Jaecoo 7 is slightly more efficient, achieving around 35mpg. However, the plug-in hybrid dramatically improves running costs.
With up to 56 miles of electric range, many drivers could complete daily trips without using petrol at all. For company car drivers or anyone with access to home charging, the hybrid model makes a lot of sense.
Price and value
Price is where the Omoda 5 fights back.
Omoda 5 price
The Omoda 5 starts from around £23,990 in the UK. At that price point, it undercuts many rivals by several thousand pounds while offering a generous equipment list.
Jaecoo 7 price
The Jaecoo 7 starts at roughly £29,435, with hybrid versions costing more. So it’s clearly the more expensive car. However, you are paying for:
- More space
- Optional hybrid power
- Higher-end interior
- All-wheel drive availability
Whether that extra cost is worthwhile depends on your priorities.
Which is better?
There isn’t a simple winner because the two SUVs serve slightly different purposes.
Choose the Omoda 5 if you want:
- A cheaper SUV
- Bold styling
- Good tech for the price
- A compact, city-friendly car
Choose the Jaecoo 7 if you want:
- More space
- Hybrid efficiency
- Optional AWD capability
- A more premium feel
For urban drivers and first-time SUV buyers, the Omoda 5 offers fantastic value. But if you want something more versatile and family-friendly, the Jaecoo 7 is the better all-rounder.
Final verdict
The Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7 may come from the same parent company, but they target different audiences. The Omoda 5 is the bold newcomer – affordable, stylish and packed with technology. The Jaecoo 7 is the more mature sibling – larger, more practical and available with advanced hybrid powertrains.
If value for money and striking design top your priority list, the Omoda 5 is hard to beat. But if you want more space, electrified efficiency and a touch of rugged luxury, the Jaecoo 7 ultimately edges ahead.
FAQs
Is the Jaecoo 7 bigger than the Omoda 5?
Yes. The Jaecoo 7 is bigger than the Omoda 5, with a longer body, a taller stance, more rear passenger room and a larger boot. That makes it the more practical choice for families or anyone needing extra space.
Which is cheaper: Omoda 5 or Jaecoo 7?
The Omoda 5 is cheaper than the Jaecoo 7. It sits lower in the range and is aimed at buyers who want strong equipment levels and modern styling for less money.
Does the Jaecoo 7 come with hybrid power?
Yes. The Jaecoo 7 is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, giving buyers the option of lower running costs, short electric-only journeys and greater efficiency than a standard petrol SUV.
Is the Omoda 5 available as an electric car?
Yes. The electric version is sold as the Omoda E5. It offers the same sharp styling theme as the Omoda 5 but with fully electric power instead of a petrol engine.
Which SUV is better for families, the Omoda 5 or Jaecoo 7?
The Jaecoo 7 is generally the better family SUV because it offers more cabin space, a larger boot and a more practical overall layout. The Omoda 5 suits couples or smaller households better.
Are Omoda and Jaecoo reliable brands?
Omoda and Jaecoo are both newer brands in the UK market, so long-term reliability data is still limited. Early impressions point to generous equipment, strong perceived value and competitive warranty support, but a fuller picture will emerge over time.
