In the fiercely competitive compact family sedan segment priced between RMB 80,000 and 120,000 (approximately USD 11,000–16,500), buyers are often forced to make difficult trade-offs among design, performance, features, and interior space. The Changan Eado PLUS—a long-standing contender in this category—has consistently held its ground thanks to its well-rounded product offering and the continuously refined Blue Whale powertrain. In this comparative review, we pit the Changan Eado PLUS against another strong rival, the Chery Arrizo 5 PLUS, to determine which truly deserves the title of “best value” in this price bracket.

On the road, the Changan Eado PLUS’s Blue Whale NE 1.4L turbocharged direct-injection engine (1,399 cc) makes a strong impression. Delivering a maximum output of 118 kW (160 hp) and peak torque of 260 N·m, it is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The powertrain is tuned for responsiveness: throttle reaction is brisk at low speeds, making urban driving effortless, while turbo lag has been effectively minimized for smooth delivery. Mid- to high-range acceleration remains confident, enabling decisive overtaking maneuvers on highways—demonstrating performance that exceeds expectations for its displacement.

By contrast, the Chery Arrizo 5 PLUS employs a 1.5L turbocharged engine (1,498 cc) producing 115 kW (156 hp) and 230 N·m of torque—figures closely matching those of the Eado. However, its tuning philosophy differs significantly. Power delivery prioritizes linearity and consistency over immediacy; initial throttle response is less aggressive than the Changan Eado PLUS’s, but the transition across the entire rev range feels seamless and predictable—a more composed and user-friendly approach suited to daily commuting.

These two sedans thus embody divergent engineering philosophies within the same market tier: the Changan Eado PLUS emphasizes sportiness and dynamic punch, while the Arrizo 5 focuses on smoothness and ease of use.

The Changan Eado PLUS’s suspension setup—MacPherson struts upfront and a torsion beam rear axle—is calibrated to strike a balanced compromise between comfort and body control. It effectively absorbs minor road imperfections, and larger bumps are handled with controlled composure. While some rear-end jostling is perceptible over sharp impacts, the overall character leans toward a taut, European-inspired feel.

The Arrizo 5, meanwhile, adopts a softer suspension tune that prioritizes ride comfort. It excels at isolating occupants from road disturbances, offering a plusher experience—particularly on rough city streets. However, this comes at the cost of increased body roll during spirited cornering or sudden lane changes, reflecting a clear bias toward relaxed, comfort-oriented dynamics.

“The Changan Eado PLUS’s greatest strength lies in its precise understanding of entry-level family car buyers’ ‘I want it all’ mindset,” notes Wang Lei, an automotive market analyst. “It may not lead in any single category, but it consistently scores above 80% across the board. That ‘no weak points’ approach is precisely why it enjoys enduring sales success.”

Inside the Changan Eado PLUS’s cabin, the driver is greeted by supportive seats and a natural seating position. At idle, the 1.4T engine remains impressively quiet. In standard drive mode, the DCT shifts early to prioritize fuel efficiency and smoothness. Switching to Sport mode holds engine revs above 2,000 rpm and enables quicker downshifts, resulting in noticeably sharper throttle response—and even a hint of exhilarating thrust. The 7-speed wet DCT performs admirably under most conditions, though minor hesitation can occasionally be felt during ultra-low-speed crawling in heavy traffic.

The Arrizo 5, equipped with either a CVT or a 5-speed manual gearbox, offers a fundamentally different driving character. The CVT ensures utterly seamless acceleration—free of any shift shock—but under hard acceleration, the characteristic “rubber-band” sensation and rising engine drone can diminish the sense of urgency. It delivers a stress-free, relaxed driving experience ideally suited for urban commutes.

Steering in the Changan Eado PLUS is moderately weighted with slight play, yet remains reasonably precise—fitting for an easy-to-drive family sedan. Body lean is well managed during quick directional changes, instilling driver confidence. The Arrizo 5’s steering is lighter and features slightly more dead zone, fully embracing a comfort-first ethos where handling engagement is secondary. Both cars offer linear and predictable brake pedal feel, though independent tests generally favor the Eado’s braking performance.

The Changan Eado PLUS’s cabin—especially in higher trims—features Changan’s signature dual-screen layout: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrated with the central infotainment display, creating a modern, tech-forward ambiance. The dashboard is driver-oriented, accented with red stitching and metallic trim to enhance its sporty appeal. The infotainment system supports online navigation, voice control, and smartphone connectivity, with interface aesthetics and responsiveness aligning with segment benchmarks.

The Arrizo 5 opts for a more understated, homey aesthetic, pairing analog gauges (or a small digital screen) with a floating central touchscreen. Both vehicles use soft-touch materials in frequently contacted areas, but the Changan Eado PLUS’s interior feels younger and more refined through thoughtful design execution. While the Arrizo 5’s infotainment system covers essential functions competently, the Changan Eado PLUS holds a slight edge in UI design and operational fluidity.

Notably, higher-spec Changan Eado PLUS models include Level 1–2 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning—significant value-adds in this price range. The Arrizo 5, by comparison, offers fewer ADAS features at similar price points, focusing instead on fundamental safety equipment.

“Step inside the Changan Eado PLUS, and you immediately understand its appeal to young families,” says Li Xiao, editor at tech lifestyle publication SmartPlay. “That dual-screen cockpit isn’t just a spec-sheet checkbox—it’s Changan’s olive branch to a digitally native generation.”

As core family sedans, both vehicles deliver commendable interior space. The Changan Eado PLUS boasts a 2,700 mm wheelbase—standard for the segment—offering generous legroom: a 175 cm (5'9") passenger enjoys roughly two fists of knee clearance in the rear, with adequate headroom. The center tunnel features a modest hump that minimally affects middle-seat comfort. The trunk is conventionally sized but well-shaped, and the rear seats fold flat to expand cargo capacity.

The Arrizo 5’s 2,670 mm wheelbase is slightly shorter, yet real-world rear legroom feels nearly identical—sufficient for typical family needs. However, the Changan Eado PLUS’s rear seats provide better bolstering and support. In terms of passenger space, both sedans earn passing grades with little to separate them.

Storage solutions are abundant in both cabins, including door pockets, cupholders, and center console bins. The Changan Eado PLUS shows extra attention to detail—such as a thoughtfully placed storage slot ahead of the gear selector. Overall, both models have proven their everyday practicality in the marketplace and rightly earn the label “spacious and versatile family haulers.”

Priced between RMB 70,000 and 110,000 (USD 9,700–15,200), the Changan Eado PLUS positions itself as the choice for young families seeking a blend of driving engagement, contemporary styling, a tech-rich cockpit, and robust safety features.

The Chery Arrizo 5 PLUS occupies a nearly identical price band but appeals to buyers prioritizing reliability, proven mechanicals, spaciousness, and solid build quality. It adheres faithfully to the “balanced bucket” principle—lacking standout highlights but also avoiding critical weaknesses—winning through dependability and value.

Their rivalry represents a classic clash between the “tech-savvy, youthful” camp and the “pragmatic, well-rounded” school. Choosing the Changan Eado PLUS means embracing a more dynamic, digitally integrated driving experience; opting for the Arrizo 5 offers peace of mind through time-tested engineering and cost-effectiveness.

1. What kind of car is the Changan Eado PLUS?

The Changan Eado PLUS is a mainstream compact family sedan developed by Changan Automobile. Targeting the RMB 80,000–110,000 segment, it combines stylish design, efficient Blue Whale powertrains, intelligent cabin technology, and balanced ride comfort—making it a popular choice for buyers seeking well-rounded quality.

2. What are the Changan Eado PLUS’s key strengths?

Its core advantages include:

① A potent and fuel-efficient Blue Whale 1.4T engine;

② Youthful exterior and interior design with a dual-screen digital cockpit;

③ Practical space and rich feature content at a competitive price;

④ Strong market presence, backed by stable resale value and positive owner feedback.

3. What about fuel economy and reliability?

The Blue Whale 1.4T achieves a WLTC-certified combined fuel consumption of approximately 6–7 L/100 km—among the best in its class. Having evolved through multiple generations, the Changan Eado PLUS has undergone extensive real-world validation and is widely regarded as a dependable daily driver.

User Comments

tom: “Excellent ride quality—handles potholes without harshness.”

F: “The new Changan Eado PLUS’s driver-assist suite is surprisingly comprehensive for the price. Truly practical.”

Some**: “The updated Blue Whale 1.5T + 7DCT combo strikes the perfect balance—efficient for daily commutes yet powerful enough for long trips.”