Cadillac Optiq vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Cadillac Optiq starts from $80,000 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $76,200. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $3,800.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $88,000 and $83,820 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
105.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 110kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 110kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
80kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 220kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 220kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Cadillac Optiq features a 33-inch touchscreen paired with a 33-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Cadillac Optiq stands out with AKG audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with V2L and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Cadillac Optiq uses a Electric producing 224kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Cadillac Optiq has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 168kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Cadillac Optiq is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 75kWh (Cadillac Optiq) vs 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 425km and 433km. DC fast charging peaks at 110kW (Cadillac Optiq) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The Cadillac Optiq measures 4,820mm long on a 2,954mm wheelbase, 165mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,655mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 744L in the Cadillac Optiq and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Cadillac Optiq a 217L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.0m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Cadillac Optiq has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Cadillac Optiq and Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $76,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Cadillac Optiq by $3,800.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the most range at 570km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai IONIQ 5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Cadillac Optiq, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Cadillac Optiq has the largest boot at 744L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Cadillac Optiq makes the most power at 224kW. The Cadillac Optiq is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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