Chery C5 vs Mahindra XUV 3XO
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 Mahindra XUV 3XO opens at $23,490. That makes the Mahindra XUV 3XO the more affordable entry point by $6,500.
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 $25,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Chery C5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mahindra XUV 3XO packs more ADAS features with 6 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.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mahindra XUV 3XO gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO counters with wireless charging 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 Mahindra XUV 3XO offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Chery C5 and 2-zone in the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
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 Mahindra XUV 3XO responds with a Petrol making 82kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds.
The Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 82kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 1.9s 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, 361mm longer than the Mahindra XUV 3XO at 3,990mm (2,600mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery C5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 340L in the Chery C5 and 364L in the Mahindra XUV 3XO, giving the Mahindra XUV 3XO a 24L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
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 $1,853/year for the Mahindra XUV 3XO. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,853 (Mahindra XUV 3XO). The Mahindra XUV 3XO saves you roughly $114 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 (Mahindra XUV 3XO). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Chery C5 and Mahindra XUV 3XO trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mahindra XUV 3XO will save you roughly $114 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 Mahindra XUV 3XO?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the cheapest at $23,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery C5 by $6,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO uses the least fuel at 6.5L/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 Mahindra XUV 3XO has the largest boot at 364L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery C5 makes the most power at 108kW. The Chery C5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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