Chery C5 vs Toyota RAV4
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Chery C5 starts from $27,500 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $28,490. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $990.
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 $30,250 and $31,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery C5 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery C5 packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Toyota RAV4.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery C5 and 7 in the Toyota RAV4.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Chery C5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chery C5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol making 107kW and 187Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the front wheels.
The Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 107kW. 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, 219mm shorter than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,570mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 370L in the Chery C5 and 577L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 207L 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Chery C5 and $2,195/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Chery C5.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $2,195 (Toyota RAV4). The Chery C5 saves you roughly $228 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 (Toyota RAV4). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Chery C5 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $27,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery C5 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery C5 and Toyota RAV4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 577L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery C5 makes the most power at 108kW.
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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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