Hyundai Inster vs Chery E5
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Inster starts from $39,000 before on-road costs, while the Chery E5 opens at $35,150. That makes the Chery E5 the more affordable entry point by $3,850.
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 $42,900 and $38,665 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
The Chery E5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 87% for the Chery E5.
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 4 in the Hyundai Inster.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
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
42kWh 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 (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
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 Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Chery E5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the Chery E5. The Chery E5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and Sony audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Inster gets cloth upholstery while the Chery E5 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 2-zone in the Chery E5.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds.
The Chery E5 responds with a Electric making 155kW and 288Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Chery E5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 71kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery E5 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Hyundai Inster) vs 58.9kWh (Chery E5), giving WLTP ranges of 327km and 430km. DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (Hyundai Inster) vs 130kW (Chery E5).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 599mm shorter than the Chery E5 at 4,424mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery E5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 300L in the Chery E5, giving the Chery E5 a 20L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.2m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery E5). The Chery E5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The Chery E5 takes 9 of 11 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and Chery E5?
The Chery E5 is the cheapest at $35,150 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Inster by $3,850.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Chery E5 has the most range at 430km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Chery E5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 130kW.
Which is safest?
The Chery E5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chery E5 has the largest boot at 300L.
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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