Chery E5 vs Suzuki e Vitara
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 $37,990 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki e Vitara opens at $36,990. That makes the Suzuki e Vitara the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $41,789 and $40,689 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery E5 and Suzuki e Vitara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery E5 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Suzuki e Vitara.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery E5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and Sony audio that you will not find on the Suzuki e Vitara. The Suzuki e Vitara counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Suzuki e Vitara responds with a Electric Motor making 128kW and 189Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Chery E5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 128kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery E5 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58.9kWh (Chery E5) vs 49kWh (Suzuki e Vitara), giving WLTP ranges of 430km and 344km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (Chery E5) vs 129kW (Suzuki e Vitara).
Space & Comfort
The Chery E5 measures 4,424mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 149mm longer than the Suzuki e Vitara at 4,275mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Suzuki e Vitara generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the Chery E5 and 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara, giving the Chery E5 a 94L 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
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 5 years / 999,999km (Suzuki e Vitara). The Chery E5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery E5 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 e Vitara if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery E5 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Chery E5 has a clear edge. The Chery E5 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 E5 and Suzuki e Vitara?
The Suzuki e Vitara is the cheapest at $36,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery E5 by $1,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Chery E5 has the most range at 420km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Suzuki e Vitara accepts the highest DC charging at up to 129kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery E5 and Suzuki e Vitara 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 400L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery E5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery E5 makes the most power at 155kW. The Chery E5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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