Chery Canada Launch: Omoda & Jaecoo Brands

Chery: The Overlooked Chinese Giant Coming to Canada

If BYD grabs the headlines, Chery Automobile deserves just as much of your attention. This Wuhu-based automaker is China's largest car exporter and already sells in more than 80 countries. In Canada, Chery has chosen a multi-brand strategy with Omoda and Jaecoo, two names that might mean nothing to you today but that you'll see everywhere on the streets of Toronto and Montreal by 2027. I've done a deep dive into what Chery is preparing for the Canadian market.

Omoda is Chery's urban and sporty brand, targeting buyers aged 25 to 45 who want bold design and cutting-edge technology. The flagship model for Canada would be the Omoda E5, a fully electric compact SUV estimated at about $35,990 CAD before incentives. Jaecoo, on the other hand, positions itself in the rugged, adventure SUV segment, comparable to Jeep or Subaru models. The Jaecoo 7, a plug-in hybrid SUV, would be the first Jaecoo model in Canada, at about $42,990 CAD.

The Omoda E5: Canada's Most Affordable Chinese EV?

[Updated April 2026] The Omoda E5 could well become one of the cheapest EVs on the Canadian market. With an estimated price of $35,990 before rebates, and after the $2,000 Roulez Vert in Québec (Chinese EVs get $0 federal EVAP), we're talking about a compact electric SUV at $33,990. That's cheaper than a gasoline Hyundai Kona. The E5 offers a 61 kWh battery, roughly 430 km of WLTP range (realistic 320-350 km in Canadian winter), and fast charging from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes. The dimensions are comparable to the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV.

The Omoda E5's design is far from boring. Flowing lines, distinctive LED lights, and an interior dominated by a 24.6-inch dual screen. The infotainment system runs on a Qualcomm chipset and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Heated leatherette seats are standard, as is the panoramic sunroof on the higher trim. For families in Brampton, Laval, or Surrey looking for a first EV, the Omoda E5 checks every box without blowing the budget.

Jaecoo 7: The Plug-In Hybrid Adventurer

The Jaecoo 7 targets a very different crowd. Think outdoor enthusiasts in Kelowna, commuters in Barrie facing snowy roads, or families in Sherbrooke heading to the cottage every weekend. The Jaecoo 7 is a plug-in hybrid SUV with all-wheel drive, offering about 100 km of electric-only range and 800 km of total range. Its rugged design is reminiscent of Land Rover, with generous approach and departure angles for light off-roading.

At about $42,990 CAD, the Jaecoo 7 positions against the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape PHEV, but with better standard equipment. The adaptive suspension system, off-road driving modes, and underbody skid plates are all standard. For Canadians torn between a pure EV and a gasoline vehicle, the Jaecoo 7 offers the best of both worlds. The 100 km electric range covers most daily commutes, and the gas engine eliminates range anxiety for long trips.

Chery's Canadian Dealership Network

Chery plans a network of 15 dealerships in Canada by 2028, under the Omoda and Jaecoo banners. The first locations would be in the Toronto area (Mississauga, Brampton, Markham), Montreal (Laval, Brossard), and Vancouver (Richmond, Surrey). Chery's strategy differs from BYD: rather than building its own dealerships, Chery is partnering with existing dealer groups who add Omoda and Jaecoo to their brand portfolio.

This approach has pros and cons. The advantage is that partner dealerships already have the service infrastructure, qualified technicians, and administrative systems in place. The downside is that the brand could be lost among others in a multi-brand dealership. For buyers, the important thing is to make sure the dealership has invested in specific Omoda/Jaecoo training and maintains a dedicated parts inventory. The first Omoda and Jaecoo vehicle deliveries in Canada are expected in the first half of 2027.

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