At present if you're in the market for a small electric SUV there are three main options in Australia: the Chery Omoda E5, BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV, but which is best?
Chery E5 Urban
430 Km
60.5 kWh
$36,990
BYD Atto 3 Standard Range
345 Km
49.9 kWh
$48,011
MG ZS EV Standard Range
320 Km
49 kWh
$43,990
I've driven all three and this is what I think their key strengths and weaknesses are...
The Modern Newcomer: Chery Omoda E5
Strengths
1. Modern design with sleek aesthetics
2. Competitive range (up to 430km WLTP) for both BX and EX specifications
3. Full size Kumho spare tyre included
4. 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty/8-year unlimited km battery warranty
5. Uses BYD Blade battery technology, known for safety and longevity7-year unlimited kilometre
▶️MORE: 2025 Chery Omoda E5 Price and Specs
Weaknesses
1. New and relatively untested brand in Australia
2. Level 3 High regen is lurchy and non linear at all, needs improvement
3. Mostly Touch screen controls, no Home Button
4. No remote control app, unlike BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV
5. Top EX Model is close to rumoured price of larger Leapmotor C10 EV SUV
▶️MORE: 2025 Chery Omoda E5 Price and Specs
The Popular Choice: BYD Atto 3
Strengths
1. Blade Battery technology known for safety and longevity
2. Improved 2024 version has Continental EcoContact tyres not Atlas Batman
3. Decent range (up to 420km WLTP) for extended range model
4. Very roomy practical boot space for a small EV SUV
5. Large central touchscreen standard inclusion excellent 360 cameras
Weaknesses
1. Quirky controversial interior may not appeal to all consumers
2. Tiny driver information display
3. Inconsistent customer experience at MyCar/BYD service Centres
4. Uneven warranty coverage eg: AC/DC charging port assembly 3 years/60,000 kilometers
5. Top Extended Range Model is close to rumoured price of larger Leapmotor C10 EV SUV
▶️MORE: 2024 BYD Atto 3 price and specs
The Budget Champion: MG ZS EV
Strengths
1. Base model by far the cheapest of the three cars
2. Familiar ICE car SUV styling
3. Simple and functional interior
4. 10 years / 250,000km warranty
5. Remote control app
Weaknesses
1. Interior quality not as premium as competitors
2. No regen energy recovery during braking if cruise control is on
3. Based on older ICE platform so not as spacious as rivals
4. Basic infotainment system
5. Overall design and technology relatively old compared to Omoda E5 and Atto 3
▶️MORE: 2023 MG ZS EV review
The Verdict: Which Small Electric SUV is Best?
- Most Advanced Technology: Tie between Chery Omoda E5 and BYD Atto 3 - Both use advanced BYD Blade LFP battery technology and have a modern infotainment systems with big screen.
- Best Value for Money: MG ZS EV base model if your budget is tight and range needs shorter - though while it offers the lowest price point, its older technology makes the value proposition less clear-cut.
- Most Modern Package: Chery Omoda E5 - Combines streamlined uncontroversial internal and external design with advanced technology, including the BYD Blade battery.
- Best Overall Package: I lean towards the Chery Omoda E5 - It offers a combination of modern design, advanced technology (including the BYD Blade battery), and competitive specs.
However as I noted above, the Leapmotor C10 EV SUV is rumoured to be priced the same as the top specification Chery Omoda E5 and BYD Atto 3, while offering substantially more space in a larger SUV EV.
The Australian EV market is changing rapidly. Watch this space...
Chery Omoda E5 vs BYD Atto 3 Detailed Comparison
Specification | Chery Omoda E5 | BYD Atto 3 |
Price Range | BX: $45,900 / EX: $49,900 | Standard: $44,990 / Extended: $49,990 |
Battery Capacity | 61 kWh (BYD Blade LFP) | Standard: 49.9 kWh / Extended: 60.5 kWh (BYD Blade LFP) |
WLTP Range | Up to 430 km (both BX and EX) | Standard: 345 km / Extended: 420 km |
Power Output | 150 kW / 340 Nm | Standard: 130 kW / 310 Nm / Extended: 150 kW / 310 Nm |
0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds | Standard: 7.3s / Extended: 7.3s |
DC Fast Charging | Up to 80 kW (30-80% in 28 mins) | Standard: 70 kW / Extended: 80 kW (30-80% in ~29 mins) |
Warranty | 7 years unlimited km / Battery: 8 years unlimited km | 6 years/150,000 km / Battery: 8 years/160,000 km |
Design & Interior | Modern, sleek design with streamlined interior. Mostly touchscreen controls. | Quirky interior with guitar string door pulls. Tiny driver display. Large touchscreen. |
Technology Features | Modern infotainment. No remote app. Advanced safety features. | Excellent 360 cameras. Remote app available. Comprehensive safety suite. |
Boot Space | Full-size Kumho spare tyre. Good cargo space. | Very roomy boot - best in class. Excellent cargo capacity. |
Tyres | Quality branded tyres | 2024+: Continental EcoContact (improved) |
Regenerative Braking | Level 3 High regen is lurchy - needs improvement | Smooth regenerative braking system |
Brand Reputation | New and relatively untested in Australia | Established, popular. Inconsistent service experience. |
Value Proposition | Best for: Modern design, longer warranty, consistent range. Most modern overall package. | Best for: Boot space, established brand, remote app. Proven track record. |
About the author
Neerav Bhatt
Neerav Bhatt has been a technology journalist and photographer for over 20 years appearing in online, print, radio and TV media. His current focus is on helping Australians switch to electric vehicles as well as making their home fully electric, sustainable and climate resilient. Youtube: www.youtube.com/@NeeravBhatt Web: neeravbhatt.com
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