Chery C5 vs Kia Seltos
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 Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $1,260.
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 $34,375 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and Kia Seltos hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 85% for the Kia Seltos.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Seltos packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Chery C5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery C5 and 6 in the Kia Seltos.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery C5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chery C5 uses a Petrol producing 108kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Kia Seltos responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 108kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 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, 34mm shorter than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 340L in the Chery C5 and 312L in the Kia Seltos, giving the Chery C5 a 28L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m 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 $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,967 (Kia Seltos). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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