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

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.

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.

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.