Mazda CX-3 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 Mazda CX-3 starts from $27,800 before on-road costs, while the Chery C5 opens at $29,990. That makes the Mazda CX-3 the more affordable entry point by $2,190.
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 $30,580 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda CX-3 by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-3 and Chery C5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 99% for the Mazda CX-3 and 87% for the Chery C5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-3 and 7 in the Chery C5.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-3 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Chery C5 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-3 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Chery C5 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Mazda CX-3 has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 108kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-3 measures 4,275mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 76mm shorter than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery C5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 350L in the Mazda CX-3 and 340L in the Chery C5, giving the Mazda CX-3 a 10L advantage.
0Turning 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-3 and $1,967/year for the Chery C5. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mazda CX-3) vs $1,967 (Chery C5). The Mazda CX-3 saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-3) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery C5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda CX-3 will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. The Chery C5 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 (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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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