Toyota RAV4 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota RAV4 starts from $28,490 before on-road costs, while the Chery C5 opens at $27,500. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $990.
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 $31,339 and $30,250 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery C5 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Chery C5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery C5 packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Toyota RAV4.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota RAV4 and 7 in the Chery C5.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Chery C5 counters with Apple CarPlay that the Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Toyota RAV4 gets cloth upholstery while the Chery C5 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol producing 107kW and 187Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
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 Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 107kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,570mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 219mm longer than the Chery C5 at 4,351mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 577L in the Toyota RAV4 and 370L in the Chery C5, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 207L 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
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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,195/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $1,967/year for the Chery C5. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Chery C5.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Toyota RAV4) vs $1,967 (Chery C5). The Chery C5 saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota RAV4) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Chery C5 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota RAV4 and Chery C5?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $27,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery C5 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 577L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery C5 makes the most power at 108kW.
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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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