The automotive landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, with newcomers challenging established players. Among these fresh contenders, the Chery Omoda 5 GT AWD stands out as a particularly interesting proposition.
This Chinese-made crossover might not be a household name yet, but it’s rapidly gaining attention. Priced at a competitive $35,990, it delivers features that would cost substantially more from traditional brands.
I recently spent a week with this striking SUV, putting it through its paces across city streets, winding country roads, and even some light off-road terrain. What follows are my honest impressions after living with the Omoda 5 GT AWD.
Bold Design That Demands Attention
First impressions matter, and the Omoda 5 makes a strong one. Its design language feels distinctly cinematic – like something from a near-future sci-fi film.
The front fascia features a dramatic split headlight arrangement with LED daytime running lights that slice across the upper portion. Below, the main headlight clusters sit nestled in angular housings.
Perhaps most striking is the diamond-pattern grille, which appears to float within the front end. This motif continues throughout various exterior elements, creating a cohesive design language.
In profile, the Omoda 5 embraces the popular coupe-SUV silhouette with a gently sloping roofline. The contrast black roof flows into a sharply angled rear window.
Standing next to established competitors, the Omoda doesn’t look like a budget alternative. It carries itself with the confidence of a premium product.
Color Options That Pop
My test vehicle came in “Aurora Green” – a vibrant turquoise that shifts dramatically depending on lighting conditions. It’s refreshingly bold in a segment often dominated by conservative silver and gray options.
Other available colors include Mars Red, Phantom Black, and Snow White. Each enhances different aspects of the vehicle’s character.
The GT AWD trim level adds gloss black accents, exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, and red brake calipers. These touches lend a sporty undertone to the overall package.
Inside: Premium Aspirations Meet Practical Reality
Stepping into the cabin reveals Chery’s ambition to compete with more expensive rivals. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces you regularly interact with.
The dashboard is dominated by a dual-screen setup combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. These displays feature crisp resolution and responsive touch sensitivity.
Ambient lighting with 64 color options adds a premium feel during night driving. The light strips run across the dashboard and door panels, creating an immersive environment.
Seating surfaces use a combination of leatherette and suede-like material that feels substantial. The front seats offer heating, cooling, and 6-way power adjustment – features often optional on vehicles costing $10,000 more.
Technology That Impresses
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This functionality worked flawlessly during my testing, maintaining stable connections throughout my journeys.
A wireless charging pad sits conveniently ahead of the shifter. It accommodated my larger smartphone with a case without overheating – something not all wireless chargers manage.
The eight-speaker Sony audio system delivers impressive sound quality with punchy bass and clear highs. Audiophiles might still want more, but most users will find it more than satisfactory.
Voice control capabilities understand natural language commands for navigation, climate control, and media playback. The system occasionally struggled with complex requests but handled basic functions reliably.
Practical Considerations
Rear seat passengers enjoy decent legroom considering the vehicle’s compact footprint. At 5’10”, I could sit behind my own driving position without feeling cramped.
The rear bench features a 60/40 split-folding mechanism. With seats up, the cargo area offers 360 liters of space – adequate for weekly grocery runs or weekend luggage.
Folding the rear seats expands capacity to 1,075 liters, accommodating larger items. The load floor sits at a comfortable height for loading heavy objects.
Interior storage includes oversized door pockets, a spacious center console bin, and a reasonably sized glovebox. Cupholders accommodate most beverage containers without issue.
Performance: Capable and Confident
Under the hood sits a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 145kW (194 horsepower) and 290Nm of torque. These figures position it among the more powerful options in its class.
Power delivery feels smooth throughout the rev range. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and predictably under normal driving conditions.
During harder acceleration, I recorded 0-100 km/h times consistently around 7.8 seconds. This puts it on par with many more expensive European offerings.
The GT AWD variant adds an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can send power to the rear wheels when needed. During light off-road excursions, the system provided reassuring traction.
Driving Dynamics
The steering offers three selectable weights through the drive mode selector. Even in “Sport” mode, feedback remains somewhat muted – clearly tuned for comfort over communication.
Suspension tuning strikes a reasonable balance between compliance and control. The Omoda absorbs most road imperfections without feeling floaty or disconnected.
Body roll during cornering is well-controlled for a vehicle of this type. It maintains composure through sweeping bends, only showing its SUV nature during abrupt direction changes.
Braking performance proved consistent and reassuring, with the pedal delivering progressive resistance. Emergency stops from 100 km/h required approximately 41 meters – competitive for this segment.
Efficiency and Running Costs
During my week of mixed driving, the Omoda 5 GT AWD returned an average of 8.2L/100km. This falls slightly short of the manufacturer’s claimed 7.5L/100km but remains reasonable for a turbocharged AWD crossover.
The vehicle requires 95 RON premium fuel – a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers. The 55-liter tank provides approximately 670km of real-world range between fills.
Chery backs the Omoda 5 with a 7-year/unlimited kilometer warranty package. This generous coverage exceeds many established competitors and helps address potential concerns about the brand’s longevity.
Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000 kilometers. Capped-price servicing packages are available, with the first five services averaging around $375 each.
Safety Features That Reassure
The Omoda 5 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in independent testing. This achievement helps address one of the major concerns many buyers have about newer automotive brands.
Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems intervene subtly rather than aggressively – a welcome characteristic.
All models feature seven airbags, including a center airbag between front occupants. This additional protection helps prevent passenger-to-passenger collisions during side impacts.
The surround-view camera system provides clear imaging, though resolution could be improved in low-light conditions. Parking sensors complement the visual aids effectively.
Living With the Omoda 5: Real-World Observations
After spending substantial time with this vehicle, certain characteristics became apparent. The climate control system operates quietly and maintains consistent temperature, though it occasionally struggles during extreme heat.
Phone connectivity remained stable throughout testing. The Bluetooth connection maintained clarity during calls, with minimal road noise interference thanks to effective cabin insulation.
The keyless entry system detected the key reliably from about two meters away. The push-button start never faltered, even when the key was buried in a backpack.
Door handles operate with a substantial feel, though the driver’s door occasionally required a firmer pull to open. These minor details reveal where some refinement remains possible.
Owner Experiences
Speaking with several early adopters of the Omoda 5, satisfaction levels appeared generally high. Most praised the value proposition, while a few mentioned minor software glitches that were resolved with updates.
Dealer experiences varied considerably. Some reported excellent service and communication, while others encountered knowledge gaps about the vehicle’s features.
The Omoda owner community has grown rapidly online, with active forums sharing tips, modifications, and troubleshooting advice. This support network helps address the learning curve associated with newer brands.
Parts availability remains a valid concern, though Chery has established regional distribution centers to mitigate potential delays. Most routine maintenance items are reportedly readily available.
Final Verdict: A Serious Contender
The Chery Omoda 5 GT AWD represents remarkable value at $35,990. It delivers features, performance, and style that would typically command significantly higher prices.
Is it perfect? Certainly not. Some interface elements could be more intuitive, and certain materials don’t match the best in class.
However, these minor shortcomings fade when considered against the overall package. For buyers willing to look beyond established badges, the Omoda 5 represents a compelling alternative.
The automotive landscape is changing rapidly. Brands like Chery are no longer producing simple budget alternatives but creating genuine competitors worthy of consideration on their own merits.
Whether the Omoda 5 GT AWD is right for you ultimately depends on your priorities. If distinctive style, generous equipment, and warranty coverage rank highly, this surprising crossover deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chery a reliable brand?
While relatively new to some markets, Chery has been manufacturing vehicles since 1997. Their current models feature modern engineering and are backed by a comprehensive 7-year warranty.
Does the Omoda 5 require special servicing?
No, it follows standard service schedules with 15,000km intervals. Most qualified mechanics can perform routine maintenance.
How does the all-wheel-drive system work?
The system primarily drives the front wheels, automatically engaging rear wheels when slip is detected or during spirited driving.
Can I use regular fuel instead of premium?
The manufacturer specifies 95 RON fuel. Using lower octane may affect performance and potentially long-term reliability.
How does resale value compare to established brands?
As a newer entrant, depreciation may be steeper initially. However, the comprehensive warranty package transfers to subsequent owners, helping protect value.
Is the infotainment system upgradeable?
Yes, Chery provides periodic over-the-air updates that add features and improve functionality.