Chery C5 vs GAC Emzoom
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.
Price Breakdown
The Chery C5 starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the GAC Emzoom opens at $25,590. That makes the GAC Emzoom the more affordable entry point by $4,400.
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 $28,149 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and GAC Emzoom hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC Emzoom packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in 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 Chery C5 and 6 in the GAC Emzoom.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the GAC Emzoom gets a 14.6-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GAC Emzoom counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that the Chery C5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chery C5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the GAC Emzoom offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Chery C5 and 2-zone in the GAC Emzoom.
Drivetrain
The Chery C5 uses a Petrol producing 108kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed dual clutch to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The GAC Emzoom responds with a Petrol Turbo making 125kW and 270Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The GAC Emzoom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 108kW. In the real-world sprint, the GAC Emzoom is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chery C5 measures 4,351mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 59mm shorter than the GAC Emzoom at 4,410mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Emzoom generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 340L in the Chery C5 and 341L in the GAC Emzoom, giving the GAC Emzoom a 1L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Chery C5 and $1,881/year for the GAC Emzoom. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the GAC Emzoom.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,881 (GAC Emzoom). The GAC Emzoom saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5) vs 7 years / 150,000km (GAC Emzoom). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GAC Emzoom if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer GAC's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GAC Emzoom takes 5 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GAC Emzoom will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chery C5 and GAC Emzoom?
The GAC Emzoom is the cheapest at $25,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery C5 by $4,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GAC Emzoom uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery C5 and GAC Emzoom all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The GAC Emzoom has the largest boot at 341L.
Which is the most powerful?
The GAC Emzoom makes the most power at 125kW. The GAC Emzoom is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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