GWM ORA 5 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.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Track the GWM ORA 5 & Volkswagen T-Cross
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Price Breakdown
The GWM ORA 5 starts from $30,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the GWM ORA 5 the more affordable entry point by $4,090.
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 $33,990 and $38,489 respectively.
The GWM ORA 5 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen T-Cross does not: only battery-electric vehicles 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.
Recalls on our record
GWM ORA 5
None open on our record
Volkswagen T-Cross
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005623 · published 21 Feb 2023Due to a software fault, the visual and acoustic seat belt warning system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021
- REC-004991 · published 4 Nov 2021The seatbelt warning (acoustic warning tone and visual display) may occasionally operate rather than continuously, in circumstances such as a seatbelt not fastened or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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
58.3kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The GWM ORA 5 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 GWM ORA 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L — features our data doesn't list for 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 GWM ORA 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen T-Cross offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The GWM ORA 5 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 260Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 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 GWM ORA 5 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 85kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the GWM ORA 5 is 2.2s quicker. 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, 363mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM ORA 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 362L in the GWM ORA 5 and 385L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 23L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen T-Cross leads with a 1,100kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.9m
Based on 10.9m 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 (GWM ORA 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). The GWM ORA 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM ORA 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
GWM ORA 5: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 60
The GWM ORA 5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 60), taking 5 of 7 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: technology (GWM ORA 5 ahead by 18), performance (GWM ORA 5 ahead by 14), safety (GWM ORA 5 ahead by 12). 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, GWM ORA 5 and Volkswagen T-Cross?
The GWM ORA 5 is the cheapest at $30,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $4,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of GWM ORA 5 and Volkswagen T-Cross carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 385L with the seats up (1,281L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM ORA 5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM ORA 5 makes the most power at 150kW. The GWM ORA 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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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