BYD vs OMODA
Our deep dive into OMODA vs. BYD to highlight which brand offers the best electric cars for you
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OMODA vs. BYD: which should you pick?
When it comes to buying an electric car, BYD vs. OMODA is a common rivalry. And with the two manufacturers branching out to different powertrains (BYD with plug-in hybrid and OMODA with petrol), they have even more going for them.
We’ll run through OMODA vs. BYD driving experience, electric range, in-car tech, styling and reliability.
This guide will also cover all BYD models and all OMODA models to make sure you’re making the best educated choice for you.
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BYD vs. OMODA
BYD has quickly become a household name in the UK, respected for its electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars, but the Chinese company actually started life as a battery manufacturer.
Of all the places to start, that’s probably a good one for an EV maker, because its cars now have durable and long-lasting batteries to back them up.
OMODA is a much newer brand, but it belongs to parent company Chery, which is a hugely popular manufacturer in its home country of China.
It’s less about advanced tech and more about affordable motoring, but without having to make sacrifices on style or trim levels.
Our guide will answer:
Are BYD or OMODA cars better to drive?
Do BYD or OMODA have a better electric range?
Does BYD or OMODA have better tech?
Which make has the better styling?
Are BYD or OMODA EVs more reliable?
Which has the better lineup?
BYD vs. OMODA: what are they like to drive?
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Driving is probably one of the most important elements of any car, because let’s be honest, it’s what you’ll spend most of your time doing.
We’re pleased to report that BYD’s models feel grown-up and refined – you get comfortable suspension, good throttle response and a well-insulated cabin.
Driving an OMODA is still comfortable, but we don’t think they’re quite as polished, so you’ll feel the bumps reverberate through the cabin and hear the road and wind noise a little more.
It’s by no means a bad experience, but this is where you can spot the difference between the two brands. Being such a new brand, this is to be expected. But as we’ve already seen, OMODA has a rapid development rate, so we expect its gap to BYD will be closed very quickly.
BYD vs. OMODA: range & batteries
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Although BYD’s bold claims of safer ‘Blade’ batteries set it apart from other manufacturers, the average driver will see little difference.
For example, the OMODA E5 (267 miles) and the BYD ATTO 3 (260 miles) have very similar ranges, and they’re similarly sized crossovers, so there’s not a lot in it.
Where BYD stands out is in its sheer range of electric vehicles, and the different battery sizes it offers right across the range from compact city cars to stylish SUVs.
For full details on battery sizes and ranges, see the model lineup section below.
BYD vs. OMODA: interior and technology
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Although both models offer plenty of capable technology, including easy-to-use infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, BYD is the clear winner when it comes to tech.
Most models now come with a rotating central touchscreen, and a lot of the car’s functionalities can be controlled via the display much like in a Tesla.
You still get some physical controls, so don’t worry about it being too minimalist.
OMODA cars have far more conventional layouts with a narrow landscape screen integrated into the dash, rather than sticking out from it.
If you’re upgrading from an older car, it’ll feel far more normal, and the quality is still good.
BYD vs. OMODA: styling
OMODA’s name stems from ‘moda’, which is meant to reflect its commitment to fashion. We wouldn’t liken its cars to Gucci or Louis Vuitton, but they do have pleasing and glamorous designs, thanks in part to their bold grilles.
BYD cars aren’t quite so flashy as some other EVs, but they still stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons – soft curves and inoffensive details are BYD’s highlights.
If styling matters to you, then there isn’t really a clear winner. Both OMODA and BYD make good-looking cars, so it comes down to which body style you prefer.
BYD vs. OMODA: safety and reliability
BYD has a solid reputation for battery tech, but it also has a suite of active safety aids built in including as many cameras as some Teslas.
Tech like cross traffic alert (for pulling out of parking spaces), collision warning and a door opening warning system are easy to come by in the BYD range.
OMODA is also a stickler for safety, but you might need to upgrade trim levels for things like full 360-degree parking cameras.
BYD has a six-year/93,750-mile warranty on its cars, which is twice as much coverage as the three-year industry average offered by the likes of Audi and BMW. It also offers an eight-year/125,000-mile battery warranty (25,000 miles more than the average).
OMODA has an even better seven-year vehicle warranty and a similar eight-year battery warranty, both capped at 100,000 miles.
In terms of Euro NCAP safety ratings, both brands are still pretty new, but the BYD DOLPHIN SURF, BYD SEALION 7, BYD SEAL-U, BYD DOLPHIN, BYD SEAL, BYD ATTO 3cand OMODA 9 have all been awarded full five-star ratings, so as yet, there are no poor safety ratings for either brand.
BYD vs. OMODA: practicality
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It’s hard to compare the practicality across both brands, rather than specific models, but OMODA currently focuses on SUVs, so they’re generally better for rear-seat passengers and boot space.
BYD also offers compact hatchbacks and a saloon, so you have more choice, albeit at the cost of practicality.
Most electric models have froots (front boots), which is generally enough to keep a few charging cables or muddy boots in.
BYD vs. OMODA model lineup
BYD
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BYD DOLPHIN SURF
30kWh, 137 miles
43.2kWh, 200 miles
The smallest hatchback in the range with plenty of big-car tech.
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BYD DOLPHIN
60.4kWh, 265 miles
One of the earlier BYD models tackling a mainstream section of the market – hatchbacks.
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BYD ATTO 2
51.1kWh, 214 miles
64.8kWh, 267 miles
A newer option sitting at the smaller end of the crossover segment.
BYD ATTO 3
60.4kWh, 261 miles
BYD’s earliest car, a funky crossover similar in size to the OMODA E5.
BYD SEAL
82.5kWh, 354 miles
An out-and-out Tesla Model 3 rival, this sleek saloon has plenty of performance.
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BYD SEALION 7
82.5kWh, 300 miles
91.1kWh, 312 miles
This Tesla Model Y rival looks really smart, and it’s got the workings to back that up too.
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BYD SEAL U DM-i
1.5-litre petrol (with or without turbocharger) plug-in hybrid
18.3kWh, 43-50 miles
26.6kWh, 78 miles
BYD’s first UK-bound PHEV, with a very impressive electric-only range.
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OMODA
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OMODA 5
1.6-litre turbocharged petrol
OMODA’s first crossover, though the petrol engine lacks any electrification for a hybrid option.
OMODA E5
61kWh, 267 miles
Almost identical to the 5, the E5 is an electric crossover similar in size to the BYD ATTO 3.
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OMODA 9
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol plug-in hybrid
34kWh, 93 miles
A larger family SUV that’s all about top-spec motoring – plenty of kit and a mammoth PHEV battery.
Verdict: BYD vs. OMODA: which should you buy?
Picking between an OMODA vs. BYD is pretty easy compared with some of the other choices you’ll face in the motoring world – BYD offers a lot more, so if you’re looking for something that OMODA doesn’t sell, it’s simple.
Still, some cars like the OMODA E5 and BYD ATTO 3 are so similar that the waters get muddied somewhat. Here are some factors to consider:
BYD pros and cons
Pros:
Strong battery reputation and reliability
Good driving experience
Lots of tech
Cons:
Generally more expensive than OMODA alternatives
Styling might not be for everyone
OMODA pros and cons
Pros:
Great value for money
Smart yet simple styling
Crossovers are extremely popular
Cons:
Perhaps not quite as refined
Limited model range
Find used electric cars for sale
If you’re shopping used, it’s worth checking both brands and considering their earlier models, because you could save thousands and still be driving current-generation and fairly recent cars.
Don’t forget to compare them to other used electric cars for sale, because you never know what sort of deal you might find.
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