Chery Omoda 5 2023 review: EX

The Omoda 5 is here as a rival to cars like the Haval Jolion or Toyota Corolla Cross, and it's coming in hot with a much more ‘premium’ feel than its price suggests.

You can get into the Omoda 5 from $29,900, before on-road costs, which is very good given it takes aim at the larger end of the small SUV segment, but here, for just $3000 more, is the top-spec EX variant - that's $32,900 if your quick maths is as bad as mine.

It's more expensive than the base models of its rivals, but the Chery doesn't come with a base model features list. Plus, a Toyota Corolla Cross with all of the goodies costs upwards of $40,000.

The top-spec EX variant wears a price tag of $32,900. (Image: Chris Thompson)

As standard, the Omoda 5 comes with LED headlights and daytime running lights, a set of 18-inch wheels on the outside, but the list really gets going inside.

The Omoda 5 has an electrically adjustable driver's seat as standard, but the EX grade makes both seats electrically adjustable and heated. They’re also trimmed in synthetic leather.

Both variants also have a pair of 10.25-inch displays, one for multimedia and one for driving instruments, plus dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A few more bonuses for the EX: there's a heated steering wheel, a power tailgate, and a sunroof.

The Omoda 5 also comes with a neat feature - once you’re used to it - which unlocks the car on approach and locks as you walk away. If you try to lock the car again with the button however, it’ll beep embarrassingly loudly at you.

Another useful little feature, if it's your cup of tea, is the car's virtual assistant which can be used with a ‘Hey Chery’ trigger phrase, much like premium Euro car brands or your smartphone have been using.