Jaecoo 7 vs Omoda 7: similar on paper but one clear winner

The Jaecoo 7 and the Omoda 7 are two hybrid SUVs which share a lot of similarities on paper. In reality, however, one is a stand-out choice over the other. Senior reviews writer Mario Christou has driven both, and explains which one you should buy.

So many Chinese car brands have come to the UK in the past few years that it’s hard to keep up, but lean in, because I have a secret to tell you. A lot of them are actually identical under the skin, with only the styling to differentiate them. Jaecoo and Omoda are two such brands.

If the model names weren’t enough of a giveaway, the Jaecoo 7 and Omoda 7 are actually two of the most closely-related cars on sale today. They also offer similar equipment levels for a similar price, but don’t think that having the same engines and basic components make this pair interchangeable, because one is far superior to the other.

So, let’s take a closer look at them and find out which is the better car.

Jaecoo 7 vs Omoda 7: styling and design

Styling is subjective, but only one of these cars has earned the backhanded nickname of ‘Temu Range Rover’ – and it’s not the Omoda. No, the Jaecoo 7 would be a decent looker if it weren’t a rip of the Range Rover Velar – albeit one that looks like somebody has tried to draw it from a very distant memory.

The Omoda may have a hint of Lexus to its pointy grille and headlights, but otherwise it gets props here for being a more original – and successful – design, even if it’s a bit generic from the side. The lightning-bolt taillight patterns are particularly cool.

Step inside, however, and the difference all but disappears. If the steering wheel badges had been taped up prior to your entry and you’d be hard pressed to tell them apart. In fact, aside from the upright air vents, exposed cupholders and portrait-oriented infotainment in the Jaecoo, the cabins are near-identical.

That’s not a bad thing, because both interiors feature plenty of soft, padded surfaces and loads of standard equipment. The displays feature crisp graphics, too, but the infotainment systems in both cars are a bit of a faff to navigate…because they’re pretty much the same.

Jaecoo 7 vs Omoda 7: space and practicality

This is where the Omoda first trumps the Jaecoo, because while cabin storage is similar up front it offers way more space in the second row of seats. The boot is almost 200 litres bigger in the Omoda, too, at 639 litres to the Jaecoo’s paltry 450-litre cargo space. Both cars suffer from the same issue, however, as the boots are rather shallow, so tall items will obstruct the parcel shelf or possibly your view out back.

Nonetheless, it’s easy to get comfortable up front in both cars as there’s loads of room and a good amount of adjustability in the seats. There is another annoyance with the Jaecoo, however, and that’s the driver’s pedal.

It’s floor-hinged, which is good (just like a BMW or Porsche), but the pedals are set quite close to you and there’s an awful lot of plastic trim which protrudes into the footwell. I don’t have particularly big feet, but not only did I feel like I was sitting directly above the pedal, I kept catching the trims when trying to accelerate.

Jaecoo 7 vs Omoda 7: driving and running costs

This is where the biggest difference between the cars lies, because the Jaecoo 7 is one of the least pleasant driving experiences I’ve encountered this year. The Jaecoo is jarring no matter the road, because it’s neither very comfortable around town, nor is it quiet and refined on the motorway. There’s no point trying to hustle down a country lane, as the steering is too light to give you any confidence when doing so.

The Omoda 7, meanwhile, may have similarities under the skin, but it’s a far superior car to drive. It isn’t massively comfortable, but it’s far more relaxing than the bouncy Jaecoo, while there’s less ruckus in the cabin from the tyres than its counterpart. It’ll even tackle a country lane with a degree of competence.

Both cars share the same hybrid system under the bonnet, which is excellent and the highlight of the pair. Dubbed the ‘Super Hybrid System – Plug-in’, the 1.5-litre engine is paired with an 18.4kWh battery for around 50 miles of real-world electric range. I managed to achieve around 50mpg in both models when the battery was discharged, too.

Jaecoo 7 vs Omoda 7: verdict

 

The truth of the matter is that the Omoda 7 is a far better car than the Jaecoo 7. It’s more spacious, more comfortable, better to drive and it’s even cheaper to buy – which is really something because the Jaecoo’s main selling point is its stellar value for money.

In fact, through Carwow you can lease an Omoda for just £239 a month, while the cheapest Jaecoo 7 plug-in will set you back £290 a month over the same three-year term.

What’s most remarkable about the Omoda, however, is that it exemplifies the progress Chinese car brands are making in an astounding amount of time. The Jaecoo is only a couple of years old, and the Omoda is far improved. I’m hopeful for the next-generation models, soon to come. In the meantime, choose the Omoda 7.

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*Savings are made up of the maximum dealer discount off RRP – subject to dealership, location and trim. Prices correct at the time of writing.