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Home›Comparisons›Hyundai Inster vs Jaecoo J5
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Hyundai Inster vs Jaecoo J5

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.

Hyundai Inster
Hyundai

Hyundai Inster

From $39,000

Body

SUV

Fuel type

Electric

Engine

Electric

Power

71.1kW

Economy

—

Safety

4★ ANCAP

Boot

280L

View full details
Jaecoo J5
Winner
Jaecoo

Jaecoo J5

From $35,990

Body

SUV

Fuel type

Electric

Engine

Electric

Power

155kW

Economy

—

Safety

ANCAP: no data

Boot

384L

View full details
SpecHyundaiJaecoo
Price (RRP)$39,000$35,990
Fuel typeElectricElectric
Range (WLTP)327km402km
Battery42 kWh58.9 kWh
Power71.1kW155kW
0-100 km/h—10.5s
Max DC Charge120kW130kW
10-80% Charge Time28 min28 min
Boot Space280L384L
Towing—1,250kg
Warranty5yr / Unlimited8yr / Unlimited
ANCAP Safety4 StarsNo data
V2LYes (3.6kW)No

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Price Breakdown

The Hyundai Inster starts from $39,000 before on-road costs, while the Jaecoo J5 opens at $35,990. That makes the Jaecoo J5 the more affordable entry point by $3,010.

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 $42,900 and $39,589 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

42kWh usable

Public DC

50kW charger · 0–80%

40 min

Ultra-rapid DC

up to 120kW · 0–80%

21 min

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

How long to charge

58.9kWh usable

Public DC

50kW charger · 0–80%

57 min

Ultra-rapid DC

up to 130kW · 0–80%

27 min

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Jaecoo J5 gets a 13.2-inch display and 8.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Jaecoo J5. The Jaecoo J5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Inster gets cloth upholstery while the Jaecoo J5 offers synthetic leather (pet-friendly). Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 2-zone in the Jaecoo J5.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.

The Jaecoo J5 responds with a Electric making 155kW and 288Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.

The Jaecoo J5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 42kWh (Hyundai Inster) vs 58.9kWh (Jaecoo J5), giving WLTP ranges of 327km and 402km. DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (Hyundai Inster) vs 130kW (Jaecoo J5).

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 555mm shorter than the Jaecoo J5 at 4,380mm (2,620mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jaecoo J5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 384L in the Jaecoo J5, giving the Jaecoo J5 a 104L advantage.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

10.6m to 10.8m

TightestHyundai Inster Standard RangeTightest turn at 10.6m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Hyundai Inster Standard Range
10.6mTighter
Best
Jaecoo J5 EV Summit
10.8m
Worst
Hyundai Inster Standard Range
10.6m · Good

Based on 10.6m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Jaecoo J5 EV Summit
10.8m · Good

Based on 10.8m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestHyundai InsterTightest turn at 10.6m, needs the least road to swing around
Hyundai InsterTightest10.6 m
Good△ 3-point
Jaecoo J510.8 m
Good△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 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.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

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 / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J5). The Jaecoo J5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —8yr (Jaecoo J5).

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Jaecoo J5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The Jaecoo J5 takes 7 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Jaecoo J5 has a clear edge. The Jaecoo J5 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and Jaecoo J5?

The Jaecoo J5 is the cheapest at $35,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Inster by $3,010.

Which has the longest driving range?

The Jaecoo J5 has the most range at 402km (WLTP).

Which charges fastest?

The Jaecoo J5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 130kW.

What are the ANCAP safety ratings?

Hyundai Inster holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Jaecoo J5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.

Which has the most boot space?

The Jaecoo J5 has the largest boot at 384L.

Which can tow the most?

The Jaecoo J5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,250kg.

Which has the best warranty?

The Jaecoo J5 has the longest warranty at 8 years / Unlimited.

Which is the most powerful?

The Jaecoo J5 makes the most power at 155kW.

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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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