The barrier to entry into electrical motoring retains getting decrease.

And, with gas costs on the rise, the inexpensive finish of the EV spectrum may turn into much more engaging for Aussie households trying to tighten their purse strings.
So let’s evaluate two of the very best budget-friendly battery-powered small SUVs – the Chery E5 and the BYD Atto 3 – to see which comes out on prime.
How a lot?
The Chery E5 (previously often known as the Chery Omoda E5) is accessible in two mannequin grades – the entry-level Urban that prices $36,990 plus on-road prices, and the flagship Ultimate that instructions a $4000 premium.


| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices / Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
|
BYD Atto 3 Premium |
$44,990 |
|
Chery E5 Ultimate |
$40,990 |
Data on this desk is correct on the time of publishing and doesn’t replace dynamically.
Similarly, BYD affords simply two variations of the Atto 3: the entry-level Essential that prices $39,990 plus on-roads and the range-topping Premium that prices $44,990 plus ORCs. An up to date model of the Atto 3 is coming later this 12 months.
Until then, whichever degree you’re right now, the Chery is the extra inexpensive possibility right here. And from right here on, we’ll evaluate each absolutely loaded mannequin grades.
What do you get?
As new challenger manufacturers for the established gamers, each Chery and BYD ship quite a bit for the comparatively small outlay required to get into these two small electrical SUVs.
The flagship variants of every mannequin include a number of ordinary gear, together with:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Power tailgate
- Panoramic sunroof
- Synthetic leather-based trim
- Electrically adjustable entrance seats
- Heated entrance seats
- Wireless cellphone charger
- Smartphone mirroring
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB+ digital radio
- 8-speaker audio system
However, the Chery E5 goes a step additional than the BYD Atto 3 in a number of key areas. Where the BYD has simply common, single-zone air-conditioning, the E5 has dual-zone local weather management, plus heated outboard rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
As for his or her digital shows, every takes a barely totally different path. The Chery E5 has twin 12.3-inch screens linked collectively throughout the dashboard, whereas the BYD Atto 3 has a smaller 5.0-inch instrument cluster however a bigger 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that may rotate between portrait and panorama orientations.
Are they secure?
Both of those autos have a most five-star ANCAP score from 2022 after they have been first examined, however they obtain their prime security gong in numerous methods.


| Category | BYD Atto 3 | Chery E5 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 91.0 per cent | 87.0 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 84.0 per cent | 88.0 per cent |
| Vulnerable street person safety | 69.0 per cent | 68.0 per cent |
| Safety help | 80.0 per cent | 83.0 per cent |
Data on this desk is constantly refreshed from our backend methods to make sure accuracy and consistency. Last replace: 29 March 2026.
The Chery scores larger for youngster occupant safety (88 vs 84 per cent) and security help (83 vs 80 per cent), whereas the BYD scores larger for grownup occupant safety (91 vs 87 per cent) and weak street person safety (69 vs 68 per cent).
Both are outfitted with a complete suite of superior energetic and passive security methods and driver aids, together with:
- 7 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane holding help
- Rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree cameras
What are they like inside?
Here’s the place these vehicles diverge essentially the most, not by way of house and practicality however in design and look.
Both the Chery E5 and BYD Atto 3 are bodily across the similar dimension. The E5 measures 4424mm lengthy, rides on a 2610mm wheelbase, is 1588mm extensive and stands 1830mm tall.
The Atto 3, as compared, is fractionally longer at 4455mm (and formally classed as a mid-size SUV, although it’s a lot shorter than most of them), has barely extra space between the entrance and rear axles with an extended 2720mm wheelbase, and is wider (1875mm) however sits decrease (1615mm).
Both present seating for 5 with good headroom, plus first rate cargo capability. Chery claims the E5 has 300 litres of boot house (measured as much as the cargo cowl), whereas BYD says the Atto 3 has 440L – which is presumably measured to the roof.
However, as a result of the Atto 3 is constructed on a devoted EV platform whereas the E5 is tailored from standard structure, rear-seat occupants will discover barely extra space, a flatter flooring, and simpler entry within the BYD than they are going to within the Chery.
Practicalities apart although, the E5’s inside design is way extra palatable and classier than the Atto 3’s bizarre swoops, toothy grilles, clumsy door handles and odd banjo-string door pockets. It’s an inside that polarises and also you’ll both love or detest it.
The Chery’s total aesthetic is extra conservative and simpler to reside with.
| Dimensions | 2025 BYD Atto 3 Premium | 2025 Chery E5 Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4455 mm | 4424 mm |
| Width | 1875 mm | 1830 mm |
| Height | 1615 mm | 1588 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
| Cargo capability | 440 L | 300 L |
Data on this desk is constantly refreshed from our backend methods to make sure accuracy and consistency. Last replace: 29 March 2026.
What’s below the bonnet?
There’s not quite a bit to separate these two with regards to their mechanical make-up.


| Specifications |
2025 BYD Atto 3 Premium |
2025 Chery E5 Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 150 kW at 4620 rpm |
155kW |
| Torque | 310 Nm at 0 rpm |
288Nm |
| Drive sort | Front | Front |
| Battery | 60.48 | 61.10 |
| Weight | 1750 kg | 1776 kg |
| 0-100 km/h (claimed) | 7.3 | 7.2 |
| Claimed vary | 420 | 430 |
| Energy consumption(claimed) | 14.9 kWh/100km | 13.0 kWh/100km |
| Max AC cost price | 7.00 kW | 6.60 kW |
| Max AC cost price | 7.00 kW | 6.60 kW |
| Max DC cost price | 88.00 kW | 80.00 kW |
| Engine | – | – |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | – | – |
| Fuel tank capability | – | – |
| Fuel tank capability | – | – |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Emissions customary | ZEV | ZEV |
| Payload | – | – |
| Braked tow capability | 750 kg | – |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 2160 kg | 2246 kg |
Data on this desk is correct on the time of publishing and doesn’t replace dynamically.
Manually up to date: This information is correct on the time of publishing and doesn’t replace dynamically.
Both have a everlasting magnet synchronous electrical motor below the bonnet that drives the entrance wheels via a single-speed discount gearbox, and is powered by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
The Chery E5 produces 155kW of energy and 288Nm of torque, and its battery has 58.9kWh of useable capability. The most cost price is 6.6kW by way of a single-phase AC home energy outlet, 9.9-10.3kW on three-phase energy (each utilizing the onboard 11kW/22kW AC charger), and 130kW by way of a DC fast-charger.
Chery claims the battery could be replenished from 10-80 per cent via its CCS2 connector in round half-hour, and that the E5 is able to delivering a complete driving vary of as much as 430km.
The BYD Atto 3, alternatively, produces fractionally much less energy (150kW) however extra torque (310Nm), and has a barely larger battery at 60.5kWh however decrease charging charges of 7kW on AC energy and 88kW on DC energy.
BYD says the battery could be replenished between 30-80 per cent in round half-hour, and supplies as much as 420km of driving vary – 10km lower than the Chery.
Cost of possession
BYD has fairly good aftersales provisions together with a six-year, 150,000km guarantee on the automobile and an eight-year, 160,000km assure on the battery, plus free roadside help for the primary 12 months.

| Servicing and Warranty | 2025 BYD Atto 3 Premium | 2025 Chery E5 Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 6 12 months / 150000 km | 7 12 months / Unlimited km |
| Roadside help | 12 month / Unlimited miles | 12 month / Unlimited miles |
| Service intervals | 12 month / 20,000 km | 12 month / 20,000 km |
| Capped-price servicing |
Up to 11 years |
Up to 7 years |
| Total capped-price service price |
$2291 – 7 years |
$1586 – 7 years |
Data on this desk is constantly refreshed from our backend methods to make sure accuracy and consistency. Last replace: 29 March 2026.
Manually up to date: This information is correct on the time of publishing and doesn’t replace dynamically.
This could be prolonged every time the automobile is serviced by a BYD supplier at beneficial intervals of 12 months or 20,000km (whichever comes first). Service pricing varies between $165 for minor check-ups to $635 for main work, and prices a complete of $2291 over the primary seven years.
Chery affords extra peace of thoughts with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee for the automobile and eight years, limitless kilometres for the battery. Similarly, it affords free roadside help for the primary 12 months of possession, which could be prolonged to as much as seven years every time the automobile is serviced via the Chery community. Service intervals are the identical because the BYD – 12 months or 20,000km.
Service prices fluctuate between $149 for check-ups to $582 for a significant service at 120,000km, and whole $1586 over the primary seven years.
CarExpert’s Pick: Chery E5
There’s little or no that separates these two vehicles from a bodily perspective.

Both of those small electrical SUVs characterize inexpensive and sensible entry factors into the EV world, providing spacious cabins full of tech and conveniences, whereas additionally offering first rate efficiency and a workable driving vary.
But the Chery delivers all this for much less, and so it comes out on prime right here.
Click the pictures for the complete gallery
MORE: Explore BYD Atto 3 showroom
MORE: Explore the Chery E5 showroom
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