Chery E5 vs Suzuki Vitara
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 $37,990 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki Vitara opens at $38,490. That makes the Chery E5 the more affordable entry point by $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 $41,789 and $42,339 respectively.
The Chery E5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Suzuki Vitara, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery E5 and Suzuki Vitara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Suzuki Vitara 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 6 in the Suzuki Vitara.
Feature Showdown
The Chery E5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Suzuki Vitara gets a 9-inch display. 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 Suzuki Vitara. The Suzuki Vitara counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chery E5 runs a pure electric powertrain 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 Vitara lines up making 95kW and 220Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Chery E5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 95kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery E5 is 2.3s 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, 249mm longer than the Suzuki Vitara at 4,175mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery E5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the Chery E5 and 375L in the Suzuki Vitara, giving the Chery E5 a 25L advantage.
0True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years (Chery E5) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Vitara). The Chery E5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery E5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Vitara if: You or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery E5 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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