7 SUVs to consider before buying the new Omoda 7 (including a BMW X5)

A new Chinese SUV seems to arrive every other day. The Omoda 7 is one of the latest, promising to be a viable alternative to the Volkswagen Tiguan for less than £30,000.

We haven’t driven the Omoda 7 yet, but it looks very appealing on paper. This five-seater offers a choice of petrol or plug-in hybrid power and stacks of standard kit. There’s also a seven-year 100,000-mile warranty to reassure buyers who are nervous about choosing an unfamiliar brand.

Pricing is very keen. The petrol models start from £29,915, which undercuts the Tiguan by more than £8,000. The plug-in costs from £32,000, saving almost £11,000 over the equivalent VW.

It’s not as if the Omoda has a bargain-basement spec. Even the more modestly equipped versions have a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and a surround-view camera system.

So, when the Omoda 7 arrives in January is this the family SUV you should buy? Perhaps, but don’t commit until you have considered these alternatives.

Jaecoo 7

Best for: Rugged looks for a low price

Perhaps the most obvious alternative to the Omoda is the Jaecoo 7. The shared name is no coincidence, and both brands are part of the same Chinese car giant, Chery Automobile Co. Omoda is the sportier brand, Jaecoo is positioned as the tougher, more outdoorsy choice.

The Jaecoo 7 is already on sale, and while its stiff ride and noisy petrol engine are disappointing, the car is very keenly priced. You wouldn’t guess the car was cheap from the premium cabin finish, and standard kit is very generous.

Dacia Bigster

Best for: maximum space for the money

Dacia was selling bargain-priced SUVs long before Chinese brands like Omoda muscled in on its territory. As the name implies, the Bigster is Dacia’s largest SUV.

The Bigster is even cheaper than the Omoda 7, with prices starting from £25,215. It’s a roomy and practical car but does have some cheap-looking materials. There’s a choice of petrol or full hybrid models, and there are proper 4×4 versions if you need a go-anywhere vehicle.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Best for: posh image and a high-end cabin

Not necessarily the best family SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan nonetheless acts as a benchmark for the class. Any car that matches the Tiguan’s abilities can be considered a serious contender, especially if it costs less than the VW.

The cabin is spacious and well finished, and the Tiguan drives well so long as you don’t expect much excitement. More user-friendly infotainment would be welcome, but the biggest drawback to choosing a Tiguan is the high price.

Citroen C5 Aircross

Best for: Sublime comfort for not much cash

If you see the Omoda 7 and think, “maybe, but I wish it didn’t look so dull” then the Citroen C5 Aircross could be just what you’re after.

This is one of the few European SUVs that can compete with Chinese imports on value. It’s streets ahead for style and offers a comfortable ride and a smooth plug-in hybrid engine. Don’t expect a sporty drive or a plush finish but do expect a lot of car for your cash.

BYD Seal U

Best for: Smooth hybrid system

Another Chinese brand that few car buyers had heard of a couple of years ago, BYD offers a similar mix of high-tech and low prices to Omoda. The Seal U is the company’s plug-in hybrid family SUV.

The frustrating thing is that some aspects of the Seal U are brilliant, some very poor. The plug-in hybrid system is super-efficient and very smooth, but the ride is unsettled, and the cabin finish is iffy in places.

Kia Sportage

Best for: Family life with minimal compromise

The Kia Sportage isn’t the best family SUV in any one area, but it’s good or very good at most things. That’s probably why it’s one of the best-selling SUVs around.

Basic petrol models offer great value for money, with generous equipment even in the most affordable specification. Move higher up the range for luxurious standard kit and the option of four-wheel drive and hybrid power.

Used BMW X5

Best for: Champagne motoring on a lemonade budget

You wouldn’t normally put BMW and value in the same sentence. With a used X5, though, we’d make an exception. For around £30,000 you can buy a 2019 X5 with low miles.

The X5 is one of the best SUVs you can buy, much bigger and more spacious than any of the new cars on this list. It’s also brilliant to drive, combining surprising agility with comfort. Take your pick from sweet-sounding petrols, fuel-sipping diesels, and tech-heavy hybrids.

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