Mahindra XUV 3XO 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 Mahindra XUV 3XO starts from $23,490 before on-road costs, while the Chery C5 opens at $29,990. That makes the Mahindra XUV 3XO the more affordable entry point by $6,500.
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 $25,839 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Chery C5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mahindra XUV 3XO packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Chery C5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Chery C5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra XUV 3XO uses a Petrol producing 82kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.4 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 Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 82kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mahindra XUV 3XO measures 3,990mm long on a 2,600mm wheelbase, 361mm 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 364L in the Mahindra XUV 3XO and 340L in the Chery C5, giving the Mahindra XUV 3XO a 24L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
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 $1,853/year for the Mahindra XUV 3XO and $1,967/year for the Chery C5. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mahindra XUV 3XO) vs $1,967 (Chery C5). The Mahindra XUV 3XO saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra XUV 3XO) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery C5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mahindra XUV 3XO and Chery C5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mahindra XUV 3XO will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Chery C5?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the cheapest at $23,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery C5 by $6,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Chery C5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mahindra XUV 3XO has the largest boot at 364L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery C5 makes the most power at 108kW. The Chery C5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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