Geely EX5 vs Hyundai Kona Electric
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.
Price Breakdown
The Geely EX5 starts from $41,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $1,490.
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 $46,189 and $44,550 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Geely EX5 and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Geely EX5 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Geely EX5 and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Geely EX5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona Electric misses.
Feature Showdown
The Geely EX5 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Geely EX5 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 160kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through its transmission to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Geely EX5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Geely EX5 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 68.4kWh (Geely EX5) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 475km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 100kW (Geely EX5) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The Geely EX5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 265mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely EX5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 302L in the Geely EX5 and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 59L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Geely EX5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely EX5 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona Electric 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, Geely EX5 and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Geely EX5 by $1,490.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Geely EX5 has the most range at 475km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Geely EX5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 100kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Geely EX5 and Hyundai Kona Electric all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Geely EX5 makes the most power at 160kW. The Geely EX5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
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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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