If you're exploring the expanding world of new family SUVs, you might have come across Omoda. This relatively new brand has brought some aggressively priced options to the UK market, and two of its most compelling models are the Omoda 9 and the Omoda 7.
The Omoda 9 serves as the brand's flagship, offering a plug-in hybrid powertrain and an upmarket feel for a surprisingly low price. The Omoda 7 sits just below it in the range, providing a spacious interior and the choice of petrol or plug-in hybrid power, all while focusing heavily on value. So, which of these SUVs is the better fit for you?
Omoda 9 vs Omoda 7
Practicality
Omoda 9 practicality score: 4/5
Omoda 7 practicality score: 4/5
When it comes to space, both of these SUVs do a commendable job. The Omoda 9 is a large car at almost 4.8 metres long, and it uses that footprint well. There is plenty of room up front, and the rear offers loads of legroom, making it comfortable for adults. The boot measures 660 litres, which is more than enough for most family duties, though the space is quite shallow and lacks underfloor storage for charging cables.
The Omoda 7 is also highly practical. The petrol model features a 639-litre boot, while the plug-in hybrid version offers 590 litres due to the battery placement. Both figures are strong for the class. Passenger space is generous, particularly in the rear where legroom is abundant. Both cars feature good interior materials for the price, but the Omoda 9 feels a step above with its soft-touch dashboard 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 driver's car, focusing instead on everyday usability. The Omoda 9 is powered by a 443bhp plug-in hybrid system. It feels brisk once you get going, but there is a noticeable pause before the throttle responds to your inputs. The ride is generally comfortable and refinement is excellent, with double-glazed windows keeping wind and road noise to a minimum, though sharp potholes can cause a thud.
The Omoda 7 offers a choice between a 145bhp petrol engine and a 201bhp plug-in hybrid. The hybrid is the highlight here, delivering smooth and seamless acceleration that feels almost like a fully electric car. However, the suspension is on the firm side, which can make the ride feel a bit jiggly over rough surfaces. Both cars handle predictably, but they lack the dynamic polish you might find in some European rivals.
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 including a lot of equipment as standard. The Omoda 9 comes loaded with features like a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree camera system, and heated and ventilated seats. It uses a 12.3-inch central touchscreen paired with a digital driver display. While the screen is sharp, the menu structure can be frustrating to navigate on the move. Thankfully, it retains physical dials for the climate control.
The Omoda 7 also relies heavily on a large central touchscreen. Unfortunately, it lacks the physical climate dials found in the 9, meaning you have to use the screen for almost everything. It does have a permanent climate taskbar at the bottom of the display, which helps, but the system remains quite complex to learn. Standard equipment is still generous, with heated seats and wireless phone mirroring included, but the 9 edges ahead for usability and overall tech execution.
Running Costs
Omoda 9 running costs score: 5/5
Omoda 7 running costs score: 4/5
The Omoda 9 shines when it comes to running costs. Priced around £45,000, it undercuts many similarly sized plug-in hybrids. Its large 34.5kWh battery provides an official electric-only range of up to 93 miles. If you can charge at home and do mostly short journeys, you will rarely need to use the petrol engine, keeping fuel bills incredibly low.
The Omoda 7 is even more affordable to buy, starting at under £30,000 for the petrol model. However, the petrol engine's official 38.7mpg figure is a bit thirsty for the class. The plug-in hybrid version is the better bet for efficiency, offering an official electric range of 56 miles. If you plug it in regularly, it will be cost-effective to run, but the Omoda 9's superior electric range gives it the top score here.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Omoda 9 |
Omoda 7 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
3 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
0.0 out of 5 |
0.0 out of 5 |
| 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
Both of these SUVs offer a lot of car for the money, but based on our Overall CarGurus rating, the Omoda 9 is the winner. It scores higher with our experts and boasts a better percentage of good and great deals. The 9 stands out with its impressive interior quality, exceptional electric range, and refined driving experience. It feels like a genuine step forward for the brand.
The Omoda 7 is still a solid choice, particularly if you are on a stricter budget and want maximum space for your cash. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is smooth, and the equipment list is long. However, its over-reliance on a complex touchscreen and a slightly firm ride hold it back from taking the top spot. If your budget stretches to it, the Omoda 9 is the more complete and rewarding 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 |
|
*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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