We analyze the critical behavior of two-dimensional N-vector spin systems with noncollinear order within the five-loop renormalization-group (RG) approximation. The structure of the RG flow is studied for different N leading to the conclusion that the chiral fixed point governing the critical behavior of physical systems with
N=2 and
N=3 does not coincide with that given by the
1/N expansion. We show that the stable chiral fixed point for
N< N∗, including
N=2 and
N=3, turns out to be a focus. We give a complete characterization of the critical behavior controlled by this fixed point, also evaluating the subleading crossover exponents. The spiral-like approach of the chiral fixed point is argued to give rise to unusual crossover and near-critical regimes that may imitate varying critical exponents seen in numerous physical and computer experiments.