Geely EX5 vs BYD Atto 3

Both are front-drive electric SUVs aimed at first-time EV buyers on a budget. The Geely EX5 undercuts the BYD Atto 3 on entry price, though they share near-identical battery sizes.

The BYD Atto 3 has a confirmed five-star ANCAP rating, a strong point in its favour. At the time of writing the Geely EX5's ANCAP rating was still pending in our data, so confirm the current rating before you buy. Both come with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist systems.

Both punch above their price on equipment, with big touchscreens, heated seats and wireless mirroring. The Atto 3's quirky, colourful cabin has been a talking point since launch, while the EX5 takes a cleaner, more conventional approach. Feature counts are close; this one comes down to taste.

Mechanically these two are remarkably alike: roughly 60kWh batteries, front-wheel drive, around 150-160kW and 0-100km/h times in the 7-second region. The Geely claims a touch more range (430km vs 420km) and a hair more power, so it edges the on-paper performance, but in daily driving they feel very similar. Neither is quick; both are smooth, easy and quiet around town.

The biggest practical difference is the boot. The Atto 3's 440 litres comfortably beats the EX5's 302 litres, which is small for an SUV. If you carry prams, luggage or gear, that gap matters. The Atto 3 also offers a 1,500kg towing rating where the EX5 is not rated to tow. Rear-seat space is good in both.

The Atto 3 has the clearer ownership story: a six-year vehicle warranty, an eight-year battery warranty and BYD's large, established dealer and service network, the biggest of any Chinese brand here. Geely is newer to its own-badge sales, so confirm warranty and servicing terms with the dealer. For both, resale is still forming, which is the usual budget-EV trade-off.