Is this cheap SUV’s frustrating feature forgivable? (Chery Omoda 5 2023 review)

Full review of the new 2023 Chery Omoda 5 EX small SUV, including price, features, safety, driving and our recommendation.

The Chery Omoda 5 is a new small SUV to the Australian market. Built in China, this top-of-the-range Omoda 5 EX costs $35,490 in NSW. It has a 7 year warranty, and a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine making 115kW of power (154 hp).

The Omoda 5 competes with the MG ZS, Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Nissan Qashqai and other small SUVs.

Time codes:
0:00 - What is Chery?
0:20 - Chery is back in 2023
0:30 - Omoda 5 pricing
0:48 - EX model
1:17 - Design & styling
2:25 - Interior & features
5:22 - Back seats
6:26 - Boot space & cargo room
6:43 - Running costs
7:29 - Driving the Omoda 5
12:23 - Our verdict

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Chery Omoda.

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[julieholt]

I brought one a couple of months ago after originally wanting purchSe a small SUV like Kona, Seltos, Corolla etc but the waiting lists and huge price increases made me look at the Chery Omoda. I loved the look of it straight away and driving it was even better once i got used to constantly looking for no hand brakes and keys that you turn. Yes the indicators are quite loud but Im used to that now, just crank up the music. I dont travel too far these days so this suits me. Im used to the lane assist stuff now. It kerps me awake 😂. Compared to my Kia Cerato and Toyota Corolla, im loving the feeling of height and space. Love it.

[TheHayabusa]

Got to give these Chinese made vehicles true credit. No ridiculous waiting times like the big name manufacturers, solid warranty, great safety/luxury features and unbeatable prices. Yes, some of the active driving features can be a software upgrade, but essentially, theses will sell like hot cakes. Thou, I will wait until the next version arrives (near months away) with the more powerful engine and AWD. Well done Chery.

[gustavomercado]

Test drove one. The first Chinese car I've driven and in my opinion it's good value plus it has really comfortable seats

[halohunter]

With Kia/Hyundai moving up in price, it's great to see the new Chinese lower cost competitors entering. If anything, it will help keep prices lower for the other more established brands. Chery, BYD and MG all feel like Kia/Hyundai's back in the 90s.

[raymondmumford]

It’s priced very well, looks modern, great safety, excellent warranty. It’s going to find lots of homes in Australia. Good constructive review 😊

[tombyrom]

Purchased today after a Test drive, my mrs owned a Hyundai Kona 2019 that has now been written off, due to budget and availability on other cars we selected the Chery. I was impressed with the drive and used to most of the smart features. I drive a 2022 BT-50 that has plenty of these annoying features. Eventually get used to it.

[ettelbell]

Just got mine today! Just turn off the safety settings. With the update it stays off and you don’t have to worry about it. It’s amazing! I’m in Australia 😊

[sehnsucht]

I'm test driving one of these today. Hesitant to buy a chery brand vehicle but I actually really like the look and all the features, for that price it is pretty impressive. A more in-depth review showing some of the features might have been nice

[Zoranurai]

So funny, the front looks like a tucson, the rear looks like a lexus rx, side a little lync&co and interior a mix of a lot of other brand’s style parts. Not necessarily a bad thing though, it’s just funny. And of course the infinity looking logo

[beetledune]

I own other Chery model car..i am impressed..will look at this new Chery, see if i want add another chery in my garage.

[bradleybprentice]

Those chargers on the centre console were originally designed for the Chinese LHD version on the car. Not changed for RHD.

[adisid]

Why does it look like he is complaining about almost every feature in the interior and external feature of the car? Plus, why the constant comparison with other cars in every design feature? I feel that Chery has done a good job within the given budget.

[megadush]

I’m getting a Nissan Ariya vibe from the rear! And that switches on the dash is just like what’s in the Ariya!

[nimbera]

The most honest reviewers! Good job 👍🏽 you guys, helped me a lot in making correct decision for buying my new car coz when I was at the dealers I forgot to check so many things ! Btw I bought a Mazda 3

[c.s]

I’m glad the Chinese make cars for the Australian market. I think it helps the better brands reduce their prices which I will buy.

[ValueCarsAU]

Definitely a bit more honest than eg Car Expert, well done mate

[aussie]

If you ever see me walking in to a Chery dealership you have permission to slap some sense into me 🤪

[bblboy]

I think they should extend more space for the rare seat and reduce the size of the trunk

[ironlungtherd]

Tbh it looks the part, but that's what scares me, it might look "premium", and have a low price, but stands to reason they've cut corners, and I wouldn't want to bet my life on it.

[electricdiesel]

Does it comes with roof rails for 'cosmetic display only do no use' could be the matter of ADR investigation? Don't understand the warranty is 7 years instead of 3 years since 8 years ago.