Chery C5 vs Tesla Model 3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Chery C5 scores higher, 74 vs 71
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 3 Oct 2026, price 11 Nov 2026
Chery C5
12 of 27 standard · no option data · 15 no dataFrom
$27,250
est. RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 108kW
- Economy
- 6.9 L/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 370L
Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 71
Chery Australia offer: $28,990 drive-away (state not stated), ends 21 Dec 2026. Terms
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Tesla Model 3
10 of 27 standard · no option data · 17 no dataFrom
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- Sedan
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric Motor
- Power
- No data
- Energy use
- No data
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- No data
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Manufacturer offer
Ends 21 Dec 2026
$28,990 Drive-Away + $2,000 Fuel Card
Manufacturer's terms: Offer ends | 21 December 2026
Offer from Chery Australia, checked 9 Nov 2026
T&Cs apply, as the manufacturer prints them. Eligibility, stock and build limits vary, so confirm the offer with the dealer.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 3 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$27,250est. RRP
- no option data for this car
$45,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
Chery C5 Urban
$27,250
Estimated RRP (the brand lists drive-away prices only), before on-road costs. Checked 11 Nov 2026
$29,990 drive-away in VIC, as published by Chery Australia
About $116 a week in repayments ($29,990 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 1 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $189 a week in repayments ($45,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Tesla Model 3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Chery C5 does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
CarSorted
Looking for your next car?
We help you research it, compare it and ask for a price.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$116/wk(≈$501/mo)
Estimate on the Chery C5 at $29,990 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the Chery C5 at 5 stars (2022) and the Tesla Model 3 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 90% for the Tesla Model 3, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Tesla Model 3, against 4 on the Chery C5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 4 of 10 key systems on the Chery C5 and 5 on the Tesla Model 3.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
Chery C5
None open on our record
Tesla Model 3
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005879 · published 30 Jan 2024The rear centre seat position of the Model 3 does not have an accessible top-restraint anchorage point as required by Australian Design Rule 34/03.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model 3 gets a 16-inch display.
The Chery C5 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, V2L and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chery C5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model 3 offers vegan leather with textile inserts.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The Chery C5 measures 4,351mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 369mm shorter than the Tesla Model 3 at 4,720mm.
The Chery C5 turns in a 11.2 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Tesla Model 3's turning circle is not on our record.
Cost to own
We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.
Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Chery C5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Tesla Model 3).
Where each one leads
The Chery C5: the longer warranty (7 years against 5).
The Tesla Model 3: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the Chery C5.
The Verdict
Chery C5 scores higher, 74 vs 71
The Chery C5 scores 74 to the Tesla Model 3's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 3 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 17 points), value (Chery C5 ahead by 13 points). Warranty: 7 years on the Chery C5, 5 on the Tesla Model 3.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$116/wk(≈$501/mo)
Estimate on the Chery C5 at $29,990 drive-away; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chery C5 and Tesla Model 3?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $27,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $18,650.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Chery C5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022) and Tesla Model 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / unlimited km.
Track the Chery C5 & Tesla Model 3
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
