Kia Seltos vs Chery C5
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 Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the Chery C5 opens at $27,500. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $3,750.
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 $34,375 and $30,250 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Seltos and Chery C5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Seltos and 87% for the Chery C5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Seltos packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Chery C5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Seltos and 7 in the Chery C5.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Chery C5 gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Seltos stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Chery C5. The Chery C5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Seltos gets cloth upholstery while the Chery C5 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Chery C5 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a 6-speed dual clutch driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 108kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 34mm longer than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 312L in the Kia Seltos and 340L in the Chery C5, giving the Chery C5 a 28L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.0m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $1,967/year for the Chery C5.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $1,967 (Chery C5). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and Chery C5?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $27,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Seltos by $3,750.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Seltos uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Seltos and Chery C5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chery C5 has the largest boot at 340L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Seltos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Seltos makes the most power at 110kW. The Chery C5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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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