Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Kia EV5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025) and the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 88% for the Kia EV5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia EV5, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 7 in the Kia EV5. The Audi SQ5 Sportback adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV5 offers cloth & artificial leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Kia EV5.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 4.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 102mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 513L in the Kia EV5, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 2L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia EV5's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.7 m against 11.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and electricity for the Kia EV5 about $874 a year (18.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV5).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 513L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 300kg).

The Kia EV5: the lower starting price ($56,770 against $109,900) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 71

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the Kia EV5's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 7 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 37 points), technology (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 31 points), value (Kia EV5 ahead by 23 points). Warranty: 5 years on the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 7 on the Kia EV5.

Common questions