Chery E5 vs Kia Sorento
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 E5 starts from $35,150 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sorento opens at $51,380. That makes the Chery E5 the more affordable entry point by $16,230.
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 $38,665 and $56,518 respectively.
The Chery E5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sorento, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery E5 and Kia Sorento hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery E5 and 82% for the Kia Sorento.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sorento packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Chery E5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery E5 and 7 in the Kia Sorento.
Feature Showdown
The Chery E5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sorento gets a 8-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery E5 stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate and Sony audio that you will not find on the Kia Sorento. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chery E5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Kia Sorento offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Chery E5 and 1-zone in the Kia Sorento.
Drivetrain
The Chery E5 uses a Electric producing 155kW and 288Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Kia Sorento responds with a Petrol making 200kW and 332Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Kia Sorento has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 155kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery E5 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chery E5 measures 4,424mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 391mm shorter than the Kia Sorento at 4,815mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sorento generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 300L in the Chery E5 and 179L in the Kia Sorento, giving the Chery E5 a 121L advantage. The Kia Sorento seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m 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 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery E5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sorento). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery E5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sorento if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery E5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Chery E5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Chery E5 and Kia Sorento?
The Chery E5 is the cheapest at $35,150 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Sorento by $16,230.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sorento uses the least fuel at 9.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery E5 and Kia Sorento all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chery E5 has the largest boot at 300L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sorento has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Sorento makes the most power at 200kW. The Chery E5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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