Chery C5 vs Suzuki Fronx
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 Suzuki Fronx opens at $28,490. That makes the Suzuki Fronx the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $31,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Suzuki Fronx by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and Suzuki Fronx hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 48% for the Suzuki Fronx.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Suzuki Fronx packs more ADAS features with 5 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 Suzuki Fronx.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Suzuki Fronx gets a 7-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 Suzuki Fronx responds with a Petrol making 74kW and 147Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 74kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 3.0s 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, 356mm longer than the Suzuki Fronx at 3,995mm (2,520mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery C5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 340L in the Chery C5 and 308L in the Suzuki Fronx, giving the Chery C5 a 32L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m 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 $1,682/year for the Suzuki Fronx. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Fronx.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,682 (Suzuki Fronx). The Suzuki Fronx saves you roughly $285 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 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Fronx). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Fronx if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Suzuki Fronx will save you roughly $285 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.
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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