Omoda 5 vs MG ZS: the best-equipped compact SUV for under €23,000 goes head-to-head

The Asian compact SUV segment has become the main battleground of the Spanish market. Two names dominate the conversation today: Omoda 5 and MG ZS. Both aim to win over the rational buyer who demands technology, an extended warranty and a value for money that the European mainstream brands find hard to match. But when the €23,000 filter is applied, the balance clearly tips towards a single protagonist.

Omoda 5 vs MG ZS: two philosophies for the same segment

The comparison between the Omoda 5 and the MG ZS pits two C-segment SUVs with an urban vocation and a strong presence, but with radically different strategies. Omoda, the lifestyle sub-brand of the giant Chery, offers a premium product oriented towards pure electrification. MG, owned by SAIC Motor, has built its European success on mechanical pragmatism and competitive prices. The result is two cars that, although they share a segment, speak to different buyers.

The €23,000 threshold: who really meets it

This is where theory collides with the price tag. Only the MG ZS Hybrid+ really sits below the symbolic cut-off, with an indicative RRP from around €23,300. The electric Omoda 5 starts at around €37,900, a figure that only approaches the threshold when dealer discounts and incentives are applied.

MG ZS Hybrid+ from ≈€23,300: the hybrid that redefines the price

The MG ZS Hybrid+ comes with a hybrid system based on a 1.5 petrol engine coupled to an electric motor, which together deliver around 190 CV. The automatic transmission and intelligent energy management allow a homologated consumption of around 5 l/100 km and emissions of about 120 g/km of CO₂. Its ECO label opens the doors of low-emission zones without requiring the user to plug the car in.

The entry-level trim’s equipment includes a touchscreen central display, climate control, a rear-view camera and an ADAS package with autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control. The seven-year warranty from MG remains one of the most aggressive on the Spanish market.

Omoda 5 electric from ≈€37,900: the zero-emission bet

The Omoda 5 in its 204 CV version with Comfort trim opts for 100% electric propulsion. It features a battery of approximately 61 kWh that homologates around 430 km of WLTP range. Its top speed is around 170 km/h and it carries the DGT’s CERO label.

Aesthetically, the Omoda 5 plays in a different visual league: a grille-less front end, sharp headlights, a 12.3-inch curved double screen on the dashboard and a coupé-like look reminiscent of European premium products. The technology equipment includes level 2 semi-autonomous driving, wireless charging, a panoramic roof and a Sony sound system on the upper trims.

Technology equipment: where each one wins

The Omoda 5 offers a more aspirational interior, with superior digital integration and more refined ADAS. The MG ZS Hybrid+ provides solid, honest equipment, without the aesthetic sophistication of its rival but with everything essential homologated. In screens, perceived materials and the feeling of a “new generation” car, Omoda wins. In functional pragmatism and price accessibility, MG dominates.

Real-world range, daily use and cost of ownership

The electric car rewards the urban user with garage access: an unbeatable cost per kilometre and the CERO label. The hybrid system of the MG ZS removes range anxiety and offers total ranges of over 700 km on a full tank. For those who cover long routes without charging infrastructure, the ZS Hybrid+ is the logical answer.

Summary table and comparative score

Fuel

Power

Range

Price from

Label

Score /10

Highmotor verdict

If the filter is strictly to pick the best-equipped compact SUV for less than €23,000, then the MG ZS Hybrid+ is the only one that makes it into the picture. The Omoda 5, more expensive but more ambitious, plays in a higher technology league and only makes sense for those who prioritise the CERO label and a 100% electric experience.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, the Omoda 5 or the MG ZS?
The MG ZS Hybrid+ starts at around €23,300, while the electric Omoda 5 starts at around €37,900. The difference exceeds €14,000 in indicative RRP.

Does the Omoda 5 have a hybrid version in Spain?
The version currently sold in Spain that we have analysed is the 61 kWh electric Omoda 5. For a hybrid in the same segment, the MG ZS Hybrid+ is the direct alternative.

What environmental label does each model have?
The electric Omoda 5 carries the DGT’s CERO label. The MG ZS Hybrid+ obtains the ECO label as it is a hybrid.

Which offers the better warranty?
MG maintains a seven-year warranty on the Spanish market, a benchmark that is hard to beat. Omoda offers competitive coverage, with extended periods specifically for the battery in its electric version.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverOmoda 56 versions · from 27,900 €