GAC GS5

GAC GS5: Which Version Should You Buy?

Choosing a GAC GS5 mainly comes down to three decisions: first generation or second generation, Manual or Automatic, and FWD or AWD. The first generation, including its restyling, offers 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, and 1.8 DCT versions. The second generation simplifies the choice to three 1.5-litre turbocharged versions: 1.5 MT with 152 hp, 1.5 AT with 152 hp, and 1.5 AT with 169 hp.

Choosing a GAC GS5 mainly comes down to three decisions: first generation or second generation, Manual or Automatic, and FWD or AWD. The first generation, including its restyling, offers 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, and 1.8 DCT versions. The second generation simplifies the choice to three 1.5-litre turbocharged versions: 1.5 MT with 152 hp, 1.5 AT with 152 hp, and 1.5 AT with 169 hp. Based strictly on the available specifications, the 169 hp 1.5 AT is the strongest second-generation option; the 152 hp 1.5 MT is the economy-focused choice; and the first-generation 1.8 AT with AWD is the only version listed with AWD.

GAC GS5 generations: what changed?

The first-generation GAC GS5 was offered from April 2012 through December 2013 as an SUV 5-doors, with five versions. Buyers could choose naturally aspirated 2.0-litre or 1.8-litre Gasoline engines, Manual or Automatic transmissions, and either FWD or AWD depending on the version. Outputs ranged from 147 hp to 177 hp. The five versions were 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT with FWD, and 1.8 AT with AWD.

The first-generation restyling ran from January 2014 through September 2018. It remained an SUV 5-doors but reduced the range to two FWD versions: 1.8 MT and 1.8 DCT. Both produced 177 hp and 237 Nm from 1751 cc, while Turbo replaced the earlier first-generation 1.8-litre versions’ No-boost specification. The 1.8 MT retained a 5-speed Manual, whereas 1.8 DCT used a 7-speed Robotic gearbox.

The second-generation GAC GS5 started in October 2018 and is listed without a stop date. This SUV 5-doors has three versions, all using a 1495 cc Turbo Gasoline engine, a 6-speed gearbox, and FWD. Two deliver 152 hp, while the more powerful 1.5 AT produces 169 hp. Compared with the restyled first generation, the second generation uses 256 cc less displacement and a fuel tank reduced from 65 litres to 55 litres.

GAC GS5 engine and specs

All engines are front-mounted and transverse, with four valves per cylinder, and all versions specify 95 fuel. The second-generation 152 hp engines use Distributed injection (multi-point). The second-generation 169 hp 1.5 AT uses Direct injection (direct). Injection-system data for every first-generation version is not measured.

The calculated output per litre helps separate engines that otherwise look similar. The first-generation 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT produce about 74.7 hp per litre. The 177 hp, 1751 cc versions produce about 101.1 hp per litre. The second-generation 152 hp versions produce about 101.7 hp per litre, while the 169 hp 1.5 AT reaches about 113.0 hp per litre. It therefore has the highest power per litre in the supplied range.

GAC GS5 performance, fuel economy and mpg-related figures

Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for every listed GAC GS5 version.

Top speed is measured for several first-generation versions. The 2.0 MT reaches 185 km/h, while the 2.0 AT reaches 180 km/h. The first-generation 1.8 MT reaches 200 km/h, the FWD 1.8 AT reaches 192 km/h, and the AWD 1.8 AT reaches 190 km/h. For the restyled range, the 1.8 MT reaches 200 km/h, while the top speed of 1.8 DCT is not measured. Top speed is not measured for any second-generation version.

The clearest economy comparison favours the second generation. Its 7.5 L/100 km combined figure is 1.0 L/100 km lower than the first-generation or restyled 1.8 MT at 8.5 L/100 km, and 2.0 L/100 km lower than the AWD 1.8 AT at 9.5 L/100 km. Choosing the 152 hp 1.5 MT instead of the 152 hp 1.5 AT saves 0.2 L/100 km in the city, but their highway and combined figures are identical. The 169 hp 1.5 AT adds 17 hp over the 152 hp 1.5 AT without changing the listed city, highway, or combined consumption.

GAC GS5 dimensions, weight and capacities

Exterior dimensions are not measured for any listed version. Kerb weight and gross weight are also not measured, so weight per horsepower cannot be calculated responsibly for any GAC GS5 version. Wheel sizes are not measured throughout the supplied range.

Ground clearance is measured only for the first-generation 1.8 MT and the restyled 1.8 MT and 1.8 DCT; each has 180 mm. Ground clearance for all other versions is not measured.

Every original and restyled first-generation version has a 65-litre fuel tank. Every second-generation version has a 55-litre tank, a reduction of 10 litres. All versions use Independent, spring front and rear suspension, Ventilated disc front brakes, and Disc rear brakes.

GAC GS5 problems and reliability

The supplied specifications contain no measured reliability ratings, failure records, repair frequencies, or identified GAC GS5 problems. A reliability ranking between 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 1.8 DCT, 1.5 MT, and 1.5 AT is therefore not measured. Engine oil capacity is also not measured. These omissions matter when assessing a used GAC GS5 because the available data can compare performance and consumption, but it cannot establish maintenance cost or long-term durability.

Which GAC GS5 version should you buy?

For the strongest second-generation specification, choose the 169 hp 1.5 AT. It has 17 hp more than the 152 hp 1.5 AT, an increase of about 11.2%, while both retain 235 Nm and the same listed consumption of 10.2 L/100 km city, 6.2 L/100 km highway, and 7.5 L/100 km combined. The 169 hp version also has the range’s highest calculated specific output at about 113.0 hp per litre.

For a second-generation Manual, choose 1.5 MT. It matches the 152 hp 1.5 AT in power, torque, highway consumption, and combined consumption, while its city figure is 0.2 L/100 km lower. Both are FWD and use a 6-speed gearbox, so transmission type is the principal distinction.

For AWD, the only listed choice is the first-generation 1.8 AT with 177 hp. Compared with the FWD first-generation 1.8 AT, it has the same engine output and gearbox but a top speed lower by 2 km/h and combined consumption higher by 0.3 L/100 km. Those are the measurable trade-offs for selecting AWD in this catalogue.

For the best measured first-generation combination of power, top speed, and economy, the 1.8 MT is the standout. Compared with 2.0 MT, it has 30 hp and 50 Nm more, reaches a top speed 15 km/h higher, and uses 0.3 L/100 km less on the combined cycle despite having 218 cc less displacement. The restyled 1.8 MT repeats the same 177 hp, 237 Nm, 200 km/h top speed, and 8.5 L/100 km combined consumption, while its boost specification changes from No to Turbo.

The 1.8 DCT is the transmission-focused alternative within the restyled generation, offering a 7-speed Robotic gearbox instead of the 1.8 MT’s 5-speed Manual. Both provide 177 hp, 237 Nm, FWD, 180 mm ground clearance, and a 65-litre tank. However, the 1.8 DCT’s top speed and fuel-consumption figures are not measured, preventing a complete numerical performance comparison.

Price, including price in KSA or Nigeria, is not measured, and no sale listings are included. Consequently, the data cannot show what any extra purchase cost buys. On specifications alone, the 169 hp 1.5 AT is the preferred second-generation all-rounder, the 1.5 MT is the leaner city-consumption choice, the first-generation 1.8 MT is the strongest measured Manual performer, and the first-generation 1.8 AT with AWD is the choice when AWD is essential.