Chery C5 vs MG ZS
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 MG ZS opens at $22,990. That makes the MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $25,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and MG ZS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 90% for the MG ZS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG ZS 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. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery C5 and 7 in the MG ZS.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the MG ZS gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG ZS counters with power tailgate 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 MG ZS offers 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 MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 1.4s 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, 79mm shorter than the MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 340L in the Chery C5 and 359L in the MG ZS, giving the MG ZS a 19L 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 $1,910/year for the MG ZS. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the MG ZS.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,910 (MG ZS). The MG ZS saves you roughly $57 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 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS). The MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG ZS takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MG ZS will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. The MG ZS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 MG ZS?
The MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery C5 by $7,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG ZS uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery C5 and MG ZS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG ZS has the largest boot at 359L.
Which can tow the most?
The MG ZS has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
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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