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.
Price Breakdown
The Chery C5 starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-3 opens at $27,800. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $2,190.
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 $30,580 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and Mazda CX-3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 99% for the Mazda CX-3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery C5 and 6 in the Mazda CX-3.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-3 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Mazda CX-3 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic 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 real-world sprint, 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 340L in the Chery C5 and 350L in the Mazda CX-3, giving the Mazda CX-3 a 10L 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Chery C5 and $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,710 (Mazda CX-3). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $257 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 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. 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.
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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