Omoda 7 vs Jaecoo 7: which Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV-C offers the best value under 40,000 euros

Omoda and Jaecoo come from the same house —Chery— and share a platform, but they have taken different product paths in Spain. One bets on the plug-in with technological pretensions; the other on the entry-level petrol. The question many of our readers ask is simple: is there any Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV-C under 40,000 euros right now? The short answer is no, and it is worth explaining before getting into each one’s technical specifications.

Omoda 7 PHEV: technical specifications, electric range and price

The Omoda 7 PHEV is the flagship of the brand’s plug-in range in our market, with a mechanical proposition that on paper competes with Korean rivals at a considerably higher price.

Power and plug-in hybrid drivetrain

It mounts a 1.5 TGDI engine combined with an electric motor that adds up to around 210 kW, roughly 280 CV of combined power. The 18.5 kWh battery delivers an electric range of around 90 homologated kilometres —enough to cover most urban and commuter journeys without touching the fuel tank—. Combined consumption is around 2.5 l/100 km and emissions stay near 50 g/km of CO₂, figures that give it access to the DGT’s CERO environmental label.

Price and versions

Here is the nuance that dismantles much of the sector’s usual headline: the Omoda 7 PHEV starts from around 42,900 euros in recommended RRP, above the 40,000 euro threshold. It is a competitive price for what it offers —280 CV, CERO label, generous equipment— but it does not fit the “under 40,000 euros” bracket that many buyers have in mind.

Jaecoo 7 1.6 TGDI Select: technical specifications and reviews

The Jaecoo 7 plays a different game. It is the entry-level SUV-C of the sister brand, aimed at those who want robust design and equipment without going through electrification.

Petrol engine and equipment

The 1.6 TGDI 145 Select version combines a turbo petrol engine of around 110 kW (150 CV) with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. There is no plug-in electrification in this configuration: it is a conventional petrol, with everything that implies in terms of taxation and access to low-emission zones.

Jaecoo 7 Select price

The Jaecoo 7 Select starts from around 33,900 euros RRP, a figure that comfortably meets the 40,000 euro threshold. Reviews of the Jaecoo 7 in forums and road tests agree on one thing: the standard equipment is surprising for the price, although the feel of some interior materials does not quite match European rivals in the same bracket.

Omoda 7 vs Jaecoo 7: the direct comparison

Weighed against each other, the difference of almost 9,000 euros between them is no coincidence: it separates an electrified 280 CV SUV-C with CERO label from a conventional 150 CV petrol. They are not exactly the same product, even though they share a platform and family. Comparing price against price without looking at the mechanics would, in our view, be a major mistake.

Is there a Chinese plug-in hybrid SUV-C under 40,000 euros?

As of today, in the range of these two sister brands, no. The Omoda 7 PHEV exceeds the threshold, and the Jaecoo 7 under 40,000 euros is not plug-in: it is pure petrol. Anyone looking for a Jaecoo 7 PHEV —which exists as a variant within the brand’s range and which we already analysed in detail in our Jaecoo 7 PHEV review— will have to accept a higher price than the entry-level petrol version.

CERO label, ZBE and taxation: the advantage of the plug-in

For anyone who drives daily through a Low Emission Zone, the Omoda 7 PHEV’s CERO label is much more than a sticker: it means unrestricted access in Madrid, Barcelona or any municipal ZBE, plus the usual discounts on the IVTM depending on the council. The petrol Jaecoo 7, with a C label expected for this type of turbo engine, does not face severe restrictions today, but its future room for manoeuvre is narrower if the regulations tighten. If you are managing a budget and considering aid, it is worth remembering that the Plan Auto+ remains the national reference framework for purchasing electrified vehicles —check the official website for the current amount, which varies by region and vehicle type—.

Which to choose based on your daily use?

If your day-to-day is urban, with short trips and the option to charge at home or at work, the Omoda 7 PHEV makes up for its higher price with fuel you barely end up consuming and frictionless access to any ZBE. If, on the other hand, your use is mixed, with frequent road driving and no available plug, charging a battery you will not fully use makes little sense: there, the cheaper and mechanically simpler petrol Jaecoo 7 is the smarter option. It is not the panacea either —it loses the CERO label and the fuel savings— but it wins on simplicity and entry price. Anyone torn between both approaches can find a broader criterion in our guide on how to choose a premium Chinese SUV, which covers warranty and resale value, two variables that still generate reasonable doubts in this segment.

Summary table: Omoda 7 vs Jaecoo 7

The prices shown are the manufacturer’s recommended RRP, without dealer discounts, one-off campaigns or purchase aid.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Omoda 7 a plug-in hybrid SUV under 40,000 euros?

No. The Omoda 7 PHEV starts from around 42,900 euros RRP, above that threshold, although it remains competitive against rivals from other brands with similar performance.

What electric range does the Omoda 7 PHEV have?

It is around 90 homologated kilometres with its 18.5 kWh battery, enough to cover usual urban journeys without burning petrol.

Does the Jaecoo 7 Select have a plug-in hybrid version?

The 1.6 TGDI Select version, which starts from around 33,900 euros, is a conventional petrol. The PHEV variant exists in the Jaecoo 7 range, but at a higher price than this entry-level configuration.

What environmental label does each model have?

The Omoda 7 PHEV carries the CERO label, with unrestricted access to any ZBE. The petrol Jaecoo 7 does not reach that category, although it does not face severe restrictions in the current regulatory scenario.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

Off-RoadJaecoo 710 versions · from 32,900 €

Off-RoadOmoda 72 versions · from 42,900 €