Chery C5 vs Mazda CX-3
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.
Chery C5
From $27,500
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
108kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
370L
Mazda CX-3
From $27,800
SUV
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop
110kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
264L
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Price Breakdown
The Chery C5 starts from $27,500 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $300.
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 $30,250 and $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery C5 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-3. The Mazda CX-3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chery C5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-3 offers black cloth.
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 Mazda CX-3 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) with i-stop making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic (skyactiv-drive) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 108kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Chery C5 is 2.4s 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, 76mm longer than the Mazda CX-3 at 4,275mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery C5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 370L in the Chery C5 and 264L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Chery C5 a 106L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m 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 $1,967/year for the Chery C5 and $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Chery C5 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chery C5 and Mazda CX-3?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $27,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-3 by $300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-3 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Chery C5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda CX-3, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chery C5 has the largest boot at 370L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-3 makes the most power at 110kW. The Chery C5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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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