Chery C5 Hybrid vs MG ZS
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Chery C5 Hybrid starts from $29,100 before on-road costs, while the MG ZS opens at $22,990. That makes the MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $6,110.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $31,990 for the Chery C5 Hybrid and $22,990 for the MG ZS.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery C5 Hybrid by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 Hybrid features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the MG ZS gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery C5 Hybrid stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and heated front seats that you will not find on the MG ZS. The MG ZS counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chery C5 Hybrid gets synthetic leather upholstery while the MG ZS offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Chery C5 Hybrid and 1-zone in the MG ZS.
Drivetrain
The Chery C5 Hybrid uses a Petrol I4 Turbo + HEV producing 165kW and 295Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (dht) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.
The Chery C5 Hybrid has the clear power advantage at 165kW vs 81kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chery C5 Hybrid measures 4,435mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 5mm longer than the MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 300L in the Chery C5 Hybrid and 443L in the MG ZS, giving the MG ZS a 143L advantage.
For towing, the Chery C5 Hybrid leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.7 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,397/year for the Chery C5 Hybrid and $1,910/year for the MG ZS. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Chery C5 Hybrid.
Estimated annual total: $1,397 (Chery C5 Hybrid) vs $1,910 (MG ZS). The Chery C5 Hybrid saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5 Hybrid) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS). The MG ZS has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 7yr (Chery C5 Hybrid)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 Hybrid if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Chery C5 Hybrid and MG ZS trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Chery C5 Hybrid will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MG ZS has a clear edge. The MG ZS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chery C5 Hybrid and MG ZS?
The MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery C5 Hybrid by $6,110.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery C5 Hybrid uses the least fuel at 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG ZS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG ZS has the largest boot at 443L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery C5 Hybrid makes the most power at 165kW.
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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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