2025 Omoda C9: Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson rival approved for Australia under another Chery sub-brand

The 2025 Omoda C9 – a midsize SUV from Chery similar in size to a Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V – has been homologated for Australia, but it’s not locked in, officials say.

Available in China since 2023 as the Exeed Yaoguang, the vehicle is rebranded for other markets, including New Zealand and South Africa, as the Omoda C9 – joining the Omoda C5 small SUV, which is sold in Australia as the Chery Omoda 5.

The Omoda C9 also has similar dimensions to the soon-to-launch 2024 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max – but unlike the seven-seat Tiggo 8 Pro Max, the Omoda C9 has been approved for sale with five seats.

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Image: Omoda C9 shown at South African preview event, courtesy TimesLIVE

If Chery decides to launch the Omoda C9 in Australia, it is unclear if it’d be marketed as a Chery – like the Omoda 5 – or if Omoda would become another sub-brand like Jaecoo.

Another larger SUV built by Chery – the Jaecoo J8, based on the Chinese-market Chery Tiggo 9 – is also likely for Australia, following confirmation the RAV4 and CX-5-sized Jaecoo J7 will arrive in the second half of 2024.

Omoda and Jaecoo are export-focused sub-brands of Chery Motor, which re-launched in Australia in early 2023 with the Chery Omoda 5 small SUV, followed by the Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro Max, and the all-electric Omoda E5.

“‘[Omoda C9] is under consideration for the Australian market, but no [launch] plans at this stage,” said a Chery Australia spokesperson.

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Image: Chinese-market Exeed Yaoguang interior

The Omoda C9 has been approved with a 193kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol similar to the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel-drive.

A plug-in hybrid version, the Omoda E9 PHEV, is not listed in the current approval documents for Australia, but it will become available in New Zealand later this year – opening the door for a local launch.

Available equipment in the Omoda C9 includes curved dual screens, pop-out door handles, heated, ventilated and massaging front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 50-watt wireless phone charger, a nine-speaker Sony audio system, augmented-reality satellite navigation, and facial recognition.