Chery C5 vs Toyota Corolla Cross
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 Toyota Corolla Cross opens at $33,490. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $36,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Cross by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and Toyota Corolla Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 85% for the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Corolla Cross 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 7 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Corolla Cross gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery C5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota Corolla Cross. The Toyota Corolla Cross counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Toyota Corolla Cross responds with a Petrol making 145kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Toyota Corolla Cross has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 108kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 0.9s 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, 109mm shorter than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 4,460mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Corolla Cross generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 340L in the Chery C5 and 487L in the Toyota Corolla Cross, giving the Toyota Corolla Cross a 147L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $1,283/year for the Toyota Corolla Cross. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,283 (Toyota Corolla Cross). The Toyota Corolla Cross saves you roughly $684 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 (Toyota Corolla Cross). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Corolla Cross takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Toyota Corolla Cross will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Corolla Cross 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 Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Corolla Cross by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Cross uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery C5 and Toyota Corolla Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Corolla Cross has the largest boot at 487L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Corolla Cross makes the most power at 145kW. 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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