Chery C5 vs Volkswagen T-Cross
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 Chery C5 starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the Chery C5 the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
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 $32,989 and $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery C5 and Volkswagen T-Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 97% for the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen T-Cross packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Chery C5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery C5 and 6 in the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Chery C5 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with wireless charging that the Chery C5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chery C5 uses a Petrol producing 108kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed dual clutch to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Chery C5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery C5 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chery C5 measures 4,351mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 243mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery C5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 340L in the Chery C5 and 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 52L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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 Chery C5 and $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Chery C5) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Volkswagen T-Cross saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery C5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Chery C5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery C5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery C5 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Cross 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, Chery C5 and Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Chery C5 is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $5,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery C5 and Volkswagen T-Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 392L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery C5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
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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