Suzuki Fronx vs Chery C5
What's the difference?

Suzuki Fronx

$28,990 - $29,990

2026 price

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Chery C5

$27,990 - $32,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Suzuki Fronx

2026 Chery C5

By Chris Thompson

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Simple and easy
Light weight dynamics
Convincing value

Competitive warranty
Improved handling
Elegant dashboard design

Dislikes

Interior looks outdated
Unimpressive mild-hybrid
It’s called 'Fronx'

Distracting ADAS intervention
Choppy ride
Thirsty powertrain

2026 Suzuki Fronx Summary

If there’s one brand that can lay claim to be the best in the ‘cheap and cheerful’ category, it’s probably Suzuki. Not only have its cars been consistently affordable and basic, but also broadly loved by owners.

Now, with small SUVs becoming more and more prominent, Suzuki is bringing a new sub-$30K hybrid light SUV to the market - the Fronx.

Weird name aside, the Fronx promises a fair bit on paper. But can it deliver on the road? We jumped in for a quick spin at its Australian launch to find out.

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2026 Chery C5 Summary

This is the new Chery C5.

Not a Chevy C5 Corvette, Citroen C5, Sinclair C5 city trike or even a Lockheed C-5 Galaxy bomber, but a facelifted Omoda 5, with a fresh nose and a few (largely) welcome upgrades underneath.

But do they address the old model’s flaws? Which, for many reviewers, made it difficult to recommend, even against other equally cheap and cheerless small SUV rival alternatives, including the previous-shape MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion.

Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Suzuki Fronx 2026 Chery C5

Verdict

If you’re considering a small car, particularly if an SUV is the goal, a Suzuki should in most cases be on the shopping list. Back-to-basics motoring is key to the brand’s identity. Its most popular model is a tiny ladder-frame 4X4, for example. Hi Jimny.

The Fronx doesn’t break new ground in any practical sense, but it does come in with a decent price and list of features that should sway plenty of small-car fans in the showroom.

It’s decent to look at, comfortable for the segment, and easy to get used to and drive. The numerical rating on this review betrays just how likeable the car is.

It’s not extremely refined and it starts to lose its dynamic shine on rough roads, but in an urban setting the Fronx should excel.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

Can a new name, fresh face and suspension update save Chery’s sleek SUV coupe from the ignominy of being one of the least pleasant options in its ultra-competitive class?

Sadly, not enough has been done for us to recommend the new C5.

As an affordable, stylish, roomy and zoomy SUV, the Chery definitely provides showroom appeal, especially given the decent warranty.

But, with lots of little niggles still present to distract and frustrate, the C5 is far from A1. Plus, with prices now creeping up, it doesn’t even have the cheap pricing of the old Omoda 5 to get it over the line.

Heading into 2026, Chery still needs to do better than this.

Suzuki Fronx vs Chery C5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Fronx vs Chery C5
What's the difference?