If you are in the market for a value-packed family SUV, the new wave of Chinese brands has likely caught your attention. Omoda is one of the latest to arrive in the UK, and it brings two strong contenders to the market: the Omoda 9 and the Omoda 7.
The Omoda 9 is the brand's flagship, offering a premium feel and a plug-in hybrid powertrain for a surprisingly low price. The Omoda 7 sits just below it, promising plenty of space and equipment on a tighter budget. Both aim to shake up the established order, but which of these newcomers is the better choice for you?
Omoda 9 vs Omoda 7
Practicality
Omoda 9 practicality score: 4/5
Omoda 7 practicality score: 4/5
Both of these SUVs score well when it comes to interior space. The Omoda 9 is a large vehicle, and it uses its footprint well. Up front, the cabin is wide and comfortable, while rear passengers get plenty of legroom. The boot offers a generous 660 litres of space, making it a capable family hauler, though there isn't much underfloor storage for your charging cables.
The Omoda 7 is slightly smaller but still highly practical. Its boot measures 639 litres in petrol form, or 590 litres if you choose the plug-in hybrid. Rear legroom is also a strong point, with plenty of space for adults to get comfortable. While the interior materials in the 7 are good, the 9 feels a step up in terms of overall quality, featuring soft-touch plastics and convincing vegan leather.
Driving Impressions
Omoda 9 driving score: 3/5
Omoda 7 driving score: 3/5
Neither of these SUVs is designed to be a sporty drive, focusing instead on everyday comfort. The Omoda 9 features a powerful plug-in hybrid setup producing 443bhp. It is quick in a straight line, though the throttle response can feel a little hesitant. It rides well on most surfaces, and its standout feature is its refinement, keeping wind and road noise to an absolute minimum.
The Omoda 7 is available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 201bhp plug-in hybrid. The hybrid is smooth and accelerates seamlessly, though the suspension is on the firm side, meaning larger potholes can send a shudder through the cabin. Both handle predictably and safely, but the 9 offers a quieter, more relaxed experience on a long journey.
Technology and Equipment
Omoda 9 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Omoda 7 technology and equipment score: 3/5
Omoda has built a reputation for offering a lot of standard equipment, and the flagship 9 is packed with features. It includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Sony sound system. The dual 12.3-inch screens look sharp, though some climate controls are buried in the menus. Thankfully, there are physical dials for the temperature and fan speed.
The Omoda 7 also relies heavily on its large central touchscreen. While it takes some time to learn, it keeps a permanent climate control bar visible, which is a helpful touch. Both cars feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Omoda 9 takes the lead thanks to its sheer volume of luxury features and slightly better interior ergonomics.
Running Costs
Omoda 9 running costs score: 5/5
Omoda 7 running costs score: 4/5
The Omoda 9 costs around £45,000, which is appealing given its size and equipment list. Its real advantage is the large 34.5kWh battery, which provides an official electric range of up to 93 miles. If you charge at home and have a standard commute, your daily running costs could be incredibly low.
The Omoda 7 is even more affordable to buy, starting under £30,000 for the petrol model. However, the petrol version's fuel economy is fairly average. The plug-in hybrid 7 is more efficient, offering up to 56 miles of electric range. Both are cost-effective if you plug them in regularly, but the 9's massive electric range gives it top marks in this category.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Omoda 9 |
Omoda 7 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
3 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
Insufficient user reviews |
Insufficient user reviews |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
42.4% |
27.3% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
3.9 out of 5 |
3.7 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Omoda 9 Overall CarGurus rating: 3.9/5
Omoda 7 Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7/5
Choosing between the Omoda 9 and the Omoda 7 comes down to your budget and how much you value premium features. The Omoda 7 is a spacious, well-equipped family SUV that offers a lot of car for the money, especially if you opt for the entry-level petrol model.
However, the Omoda 9 is the clear winner in this comparison, reflected in its higher Overall CarGurus rating. It justifies its higher price tag with a significantly better electric range, superior cabin refinement, and a truly extensive list of standard equipment. If you want a luxury feel without the premium price, the Omoda 9 is a compelling package.
Omoda 9 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fantastic interior quality |
Some ergonomic frustrations |
| Big and spacious |
Not as polished to drive as the best luxury SUVs |
| Very aggressive pricing given what you get |
Lazy throttle responses |
Omoda 7 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Impressive space and practicality |
Too reliant on the touchscreen |
| Lots of kit for a low price |
Quality is patchy in some areas |
| Decent to drive |
Warranty isn't all it seems |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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