2024 Chery Omoda 5 v MG ZST: Spec battle

With that in mind, Chinese challenger brands are fighting to beat established rivals on value.

The Chery Omoda 5 and MG ZST both fit that profile, and the latter is winning the budget SUV sales war.

A total of 11,809 examples of the MG ZS (including ZST and ZS EV) were delivered through the first half of 2024, while Chery moved 2933 Omoda 5 models.

Sales figures don't always tell the full story though, and Chery has been busily working to expand the Omoda 5 lineup.

With that in mind, let's see how the mid-spec Chery Omoda 5 BX stacks up against the flagship MG ZST Essence.

This matchup pits a lower specification model against a flagship, but both the Chery Omoda 5 BX and top specification MG ZST Essence share similar drive-away prices.

The MG ZST range starts at $26,990 drive-away for the Core, and extends to $31,490 drive-away for the Essence.

The Chery Omoda 5 lineup starts at $27,990 drive-away for the new entry-level FX variant, and extends to more than $40,000 drive-away for the GT AWD.

These cars offer different powertrain setups, but both have small displacement turbocharged engines.

The Omoda 5 BX features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 108kW and 210Nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Despite packing one less cylinder the ZST 1.3-litre boasts more power and torque, while emitting less carbon dioxide.

You'll be forced to fill up more often though, as the MG is less efficient and has a smaller fuel tank.

The Chery Omoda 5 is longer, wider, and has a lower roof than the MG ZST, giving it a more streamlined design.

That also compromises the interior space of the Chery, which has less cargo room with the seats folded down.

The ZST is 102kg lighter.

The Chery Omoda 5 and MG ZST are both backed by seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranties.

Both models also share the same service intervals, however the MG is more expensive to maintain over the first seven years of ownership.

MG includes seven years of roadside assist as part of its aftersales package, whereas Chery requires owners to service their car at a dealership to access the same length of support.

The Chery Omoda 5 has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP based on testing conducted in 2022.

ANCAP has yet to crash test the ZST, however the related ZS was crash-tested and received a four-star rating back in 2017. This rating expires in December 2024.

It's worth mentioning the ZS EV, which features the same suite of active safety technology as the ZST, scored a five-star rating when it was tested in 2019.

Here's a breakdown of the standard safety equipment on each car:

The Chery Omoda 5 is a newer car than the more established MG, bringing more tech to the table, but it also lacks some of the luxuries found in a kitted out ZST.

The Omoda 5 BX and ZST Essence trade blows on exterior specifications, with both cars boasting unique features.

Chery equips the Omoda 5 BX with power-folding side mirrors and 18-inch alloys as standard, both are upgrades over the ZST.

However, the MG comes as standard with a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.

The MG is big on front seat luxury, sporting heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.

All are features the Omoda 5 fails to match, but the Chery caters better to second row passengers with a cupholder-laden central armrest.

Both cars come with power-adjustable leatherette front seats as standard.

The Omoda 5 is better equipped from a technology standpoint, with connectivity advantages including wireless smartphone mirroring and wireless phone charging.

It also features a USB-C outlet, which is becoming the most common connection style for modern mobile devices.

Chery's eight-speaker sound system trumps the MG six-speaker option, too.

Only the ZST offers in-built satellite navigation, the value of which is determined by whether you prefer to be guided by phone-based navigation apps.

Which budget Chinese SUV would you pick? Or is there a more compelling alternative?

MORE: Buy a Chery Omoda 5MORE: Everything Chery Omoda 5

MORE: Buy a MG ZSTMORE: Everything MG ZST

Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au