BYD Sealion 5 vs Chery C5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 7 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the BYD Sealion 5 & Chery C5
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Sealion 5 starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Chery C5 opens at $27,500. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $2,490.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $32,989 and $30,250 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Sealion 5 by roughly $8,755 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Chery C5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the BYD Sealion 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Sealion 5, against 4 on the Chery C5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Sealion 5 and 7 in the Chery C5.
Recalls on our record
BYD Sealion 5
None open on our record
Chery C5
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
12.9kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Sealion 5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.8-inch digital dash, while the Chery C5 gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Sealion 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Chery C5. The Chery C5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Sealion 5 uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 156kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The Chery C5 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a 6-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The BYD Sealion 5 has the clear power advantage at 156kW vs 108kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BYD Sealion 5 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Sealion 5 measures 4,738mm long on a 2,712mm wheelbase, 387mm longer than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Sealion 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 463L in the BYD Sealion 5 and 370L in the Chery C5, giving the BYD Sealion 5 a 93L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $216/year for the BYD Sealion 5 and $1,967/year for the Chery C5. That is a $1,751 annual difference in favour of the BYD Sealion 5.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Sealion 5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Sealion 5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BYD Sealion 5: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 62, but the Chery C5 is $2,490 cheaper
The BYD Sealion 5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 62), taking 4 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (BYD Sealion 5 ahead by 26), technology (BYD Sealion 5 ahead by 20), performance (BYD Sealion 5 ahead by 15). The BYD Sealion 5 will save you roughly $1,751 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BYD Sealion 5 has a clear edge. The Chery C5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Sealion 5 and Chery C5?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $27,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Sealion 5 by $2,490.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Sealion 5 uses the least fuel at 1.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Chery C5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Sealion 5 has the largest boot at 463L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Sealion 5 makes the most power at 156kW. The BYD Sealion 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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