The OMODA 5 is one of the most eye-catching vehicles in our fleet. Bold styling, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 5-star ANCAP rating — and at $60/day, it sits at the same price as the MG HS.
So is it worth it? Here's an honest look at what the OMODA 5 is like to hire in Melbourne.
What is the OMODA 5?
OMODA is a sub-brand of Chery Automobile — China's largest independently-owned car manufacturer. The OMODA brand was created to target younger buyers who want a premium crossover feel without the premium price tag. Think: more expressive styling, more tech focus, and a distinct identity from Chery's Tiggo range.
The OMODA 5 launched in Australia in 2023 and quickly found an audience. It occupies the compact-to-mid crossover segment — similar footprint to a Toyota C-HR or MG ZST, but with a more overtly premium interior.
Interior and technology
This is where the OMODA 5 genuinely impresses. The headline feature is the 12.3-inch touchscreen — one of the largest in this price segment. It's crisp, responsive, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, meaning you don't need a cable to use your phone's navigation.
A 360° parking camera is standard, which makes tight Melbourne parking spots noticeably less stressful. The interior fit and finish is above average — soft-touch surfaces, a digital instrument cluster, and ambient lighting give it a feel that punches well above the hire price.
Five seats are genuinely comfortable for adults. The rear seat has adequate headroom and legroom for Melbourne trip lengths — it won't feel cramped on an airport run or a longer suburban drive.
How does it drive?
The OMODA 5 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Around Melbourne, it feels lively and responsive — the turbo provides noticeable pickup in city traffic and on freeway on-ramps.
The suspension is tuned on the firmer side, which suits Melbourne's smoother suburban roads well. On rougher surfaces or tram tracks, you'll notice the firmer setup more than in a softer-riding vehicle like the Toyota Camry. It's a trade-off the OMODA makes confidently — dynamic feel over pillowy comfort.
Noise insulation is solid. Cabin noise at freeway speeds is well-controlled, which matters if you're carrying passengers as a ride-share driver.
ANCAP safety rating
The OMODA 5 achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022. This is a clean, unconditional 5-star result — no build-date caveats, no asterisks. Every OMODA 5 in our fleet qualifies for UberX.
Standard safety features include: - Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) — city and interurban - Lane centring assist - Blind-spot monitoring - Rear cross-traffic alert - Driver attention monitoring
These are the same systems you'd find on vehicles costing significantly more.
Ride-share eligibility
The OMODA 5's 5-star ANCAP rating (2022) means it meets Uber's minimum requirement for UberX. It is approved for all major ride-share and food delivery platforms operating in Melbourne.
- UberX: Yes — 5-star ANCAP (2022)
- DiDi: Yes
- Ola: Yes
- GoCatch: Yes
- Uber Eats / DoorDash / Menulog: Yes
If you're a ride-share driver who wants a vehicle that earns compliments from passengers and meets every platform requirement, the OMODA 5 is a strong choice.
How does it compare to similar vehicles?
### OMODA 5 vs MG ZS ($58/day)
The MG ZS is $2/day cheaper and similarly sized. However, most MG ZS vehicles carry a 4-star ANCAP rating — meaning they don't qualify for UberX. The OMODA 5 is always UberX eligible, has a larger touchscreen (12.3-inch vs 10.1-inch), wireless CarPlay and a more striking interior. For ride-share use, the OMODA 5 is the stronger option.
### OMODA 5 vs MG HS ($60/day)
At the same $60/day price, the MG HS is a larger SUV with a panoramic sunroof and a 463-litre boot — noticeably more space. The OMODA 5 is sportier and more tech-forward. If you carry passengers regularly and want the roomiest cabin, the MG HS edges ahead. If you want the most impressive tech and styling, the OMODA 5 wins.
### OMODA 5 vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro ($55/day)
The Tiggo 4 Pro is $5/day cheaper and also 5-star ANCAP (for November 2024+ builds). It's a practical compact SUV with a more conservative look. The OMODA 5 offers a more premium interior feel and a more distinctive design. Worth the extra $5/day if the interior experience matters to you or your passengers.
Who should hire the OMODA 5?
Ride-share drivers will appreciate the 5-star ANCAP rating, the impressive cabin tech, and the genuine passenger comfort. Passengers will notice — and rate — the difference.
Everyday hirers who want something stylish and well-equipped at a reasonable price. The OMODA 5 feels like a more expensive vehicle than the hire rate suggests.
Anyone curious about the brand. OMODA is growing fast in Australia. If you're considering buying one, hiring first is a smart way to spend a few days with it before committing.
Verdict
The OMODA 5 is genuinely good. It's not a budget vehicle dressed up with features — it earns its price with a well-resolved interior, strong safety credentials, and a driving character that rewards daily use. At $60/day with full insurance included, it represents strong value in Melbourne's hire car market.