Omoda 5 vs. MG ZS: Which Chinese compact SUV offers more equipment for under €25.000?

The Chinese arrival in Spain is no longer just a promise: it's a reality, as evidenced by registration figures . Two names keep coming up in any dealership conversation when the budget is tight and the desired car is a compact SUV: the Omoda 5 and the MG ZS . On paper, they both target the same customer. In practice, however, they play very different games.

Let's get to the point with a nuance that needs clarifying from the start: only one of the two actually falls below €25.000 with an indicative retail price. The other does not. And that difference affects the entire comparison.

The context: two Chinese SUVs, two philosophies

The Omoda 5 , currently sold in Spain in its all-electric version, belongs to Chery, a giant that has decided to enter the European market with a sub-brand featuring a more aggressive design. The MG ZS , on the other hand, is from SAIC and has been on the Spanish market for years, with a commercial track record that the Omoda has yet to achieve. One is betting on pure electric power; the other, on a hybrid with an ECO label.

They're not direct rivals in terms of propulsion, but they are in terms of target audience: the buyer who wants a Chinese compact SUV without breaking the bank. And that's where the comparison becomes interesting—and somewhat misleading, if you don't read the price tags very carefully.

Omoda 5 electric — from ≈€37.900

Let's start with the one that breaks the headline's premise. The Omoda 5 in its 204 61 kWh Comfort version starts at around €37.900 recommended retail price. A far cry from the €25.000 mark . Even with the Auto+ Plan applied—when applicable and according to the amount available on the official website—it doesn't come close to the MG ZS in starting price.

What does it offer in return? A compact electric SUV with urban and suburban appeal, a 61 kWh battery, a homologated range of nearly 430 km , and a design that, in our opinion, is among the most successful in the Chinese segment. The interior features dual panoramic screens, leatherette upholstery, and a level of standard equipment that would require a two-tier upgrade in a comparable European model.

However, the actual cost of use only makes sense if you have a charging station at home or at work. Without your own power outlet, the equation becomes more complicated.

MG ZS Hybrid+ — from ≈€23.300

Here it is. The MG ZS Hybrid+ 1.5 194 hp starts at approximately €23.300 recommended retail price, and it's the only one of the two that literally lives up to the hype. A compact hybrid SUV, ECO label, automatic transmission, and a combined 194 hp powertrain that, on paper, promises a thrilling driving experience—although in practice, you have to manage your dynamic expectations carefully.

The interesting thing about the ZS Hybrid+ isn't what it does, but what it offers for the money. A central screen, a 360º camera in mid-range trims, the MG Pilot driver assistance package, climate control… all of this comes at a price that was unthinkable a few years ago for an SUV with an ECO label. Official fuel consumption is around 5 l/100 km, which in real-world mixed driving translates, based on our experience with the powertrain, to slightly higher figures—a realistic 5,8-6,2 l/100 km if you do a lot of highway driving.

Equipment: who gives more for less

The MG ZS Hybrid+ plays on its home turf . At its starting price, the level of standard equipment is hard to match in Europe: few rivals cost as much and come with full ADAS. A very similar analysis to the one we did with the Jaecoo 7 , where the Chinese brand excels in value for money.

The Omoda 5, although more expensive, comes standard with dual screens, a panoramic sunroof in many trims, and a perceived quality a notch higher. It doesn't compete on price; it competes on its electric value proposition.

Real cost of use: the factor that changes everything

There's no theory here, just the bills. A user who drives 15.000 km/year and charges the Omoda 5 at home on off-peak electricity rates can expect to pay around 400-500 euros annually for "fuel." The MG ZS Hybrid+, with a real-world fuel consumption of 6 l/100 km, will cost around 1.400 euros with gasoline at maximum settings.

But—and this is a significant but—the initial cost difference between the Omoda 5 and the ZS Hybrid+ is around €14.600. It takes more than ten years of driving to recoup that cost in fuel alone. The numbers don't add up for everyone.

Summary table and scoring

The prices shown are the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), excluding dealer discounts, special offers, and any applicable purchase incentives (such as the Auto+ Plan). Please check for current terms and conditions before signing.

Verdict

If the headline is "Compact Chinese SUV for under €25.000," the short answer is the MG ZS Hybrid+ . Period. No question about the price. It's the only one that meets the requirement.

If the headline were "best Chinese SUV for decarbonizing your garage with its own charging point and a flexible budget," the Omoda 5 would have a lot to say . At its price, and compared to European rivals, it remains a solid proposition—although closer to €38.000 than €25.000.

FAQ

Is the Omoda 5 sold in a hybrid version in Spain?
The current Omoda 5 market in Spain focuses on the electric variant. For conventional hybrids, Chery/Omoda directs buyers to other models in the range.

Does the MG ZS Hybrid+ need to be plugged in?
No. It's a hybrid; the battery is recharged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking. It doesn't require home charging infrastructure.

Which Chinese SUV is best if I drive a lot on the highway?
The MG ZS Hybrid+ is more practical for high-mileage highway driving without access to charging stations. The electric Omoda 5 is only worthwhile for that use if you have a fast charging station planned and a home charger.

Do the prices include the Auto+ Plan subsidies?
No. The listed prices do not include any subsidies or discounts. To find out the current amount applicable to each model—especially the Omoda 5, since it's electric—it's advisable to check the official website of the program before finalizing your purchase.