Chery E5 vs Volkswagen T-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.
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Price Breakdown
The Chery E5 starts from $35,150 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Cross the more affordable entry point by $160.
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 $38,489 respectively.
The Chery E5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen T-Cross, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
58.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 130kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Chery E5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. 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 Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Chery E5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen T-Cross offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Chery E5 and 1-zone in the Volkswagen T-Cross.
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 Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Chery E5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 85kW. 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, 316mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery E5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 300L in the Chery E5 and 385L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 85L 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
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 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Chery E5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery E5 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Chery E5 and Volkswagen T-Cross trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Cross 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 Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery E5 by $160.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery E5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 385L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery E5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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.
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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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