Chery Omoda5 vs Hyundai Kona

What's the difference?

Visit Chery’s website, click on the Omoda 5 GT and you’ll find references to its “dynamic personality”, “distinctive face” and “cinematic elegance”.

Is this a show-stopping movie star or a new, sporty compact SUV? Maybe in the context of our video review of the car it can be both?

Either way, it extends the still fresh Omoda 5 line-up from two grades to four, adding the option of all-wheel drive at the same time.

It’s aimed at premium versions of small SUV favourites like the GWM Haval Jolion, Hyundai Kona, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Subaru Crosstrek, expanding the new challenger brand’s scope in this intensely competitive segment.

So, read on to see if the Omoda 5 GT has the star quality required to enhance your urban life.

The Hyundai Kona is the Korean car giant’s best-selling model in Australia, by a reasonably comfortable margin. And in 2025 it managed to battle its way to the top of the ludicrously competitive ‘Small SUV under $45K’ new-vehicle sales category.

Chery’s breakthrough Tiggo 4 Pro, GWM’s Haval Jolion, the MG ZS and close to 20 other well-credited segment rivals can all dream on because currently the Kona has their measure.

So, what’s all that about? Why are so many Aussie SUV buyers choosing to put a Kona in the driveway?

In an attempt to answer that question we slotted a Kona Hybrid into the CarsGuide garage, in this case a new mid-spec Elite version, to explore its relative strengths and weaknesses.

So, if you’re in the market for a compact SUV, with the Kona on your shortlist (and odds are it already is) stay with us for a detailed examination.