GWM ORA 5 vs Toyota Corolla 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.
Price Breakdown
The GWM ORA 5 starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Corolla Cross opens at $33,490. That makes the Toyota Corolla Cross 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 $37,389 and $36,839 respectively.
The GWM ORA 5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota Corolla Cross, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the GWM ORA 5 and Toyota Corolla Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM ORA 5 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GWM ORA 5 and 7 in the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Feature Showdown
The GWM ORA 5 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Corolla Cross gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM ORA 5 stands out with V2L that you will not find on the Toyota Corolla Cross. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The GWM ORA 5 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 150kW and 260Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Toyota Corolla Cross lines up making 90kW and 163Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The GWM ORA 5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 90kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM ORA 5 measures 4,471mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 11mm longer than the Toyota Corolla Cross at 4,460mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM ORA 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 362L in the GWM ORA 5 and 487L in the Toyota Corolla Cross, giving the Toyota Corolla Cross a 125L advantage.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years (GWM ORA 5) vs 5 years (Toyota Corolla Cross). The GWM ORA 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM ORA 5 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM ORA 5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Toyota Corolla Cross has a clear edge. The GWM ORA 5 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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