Hyundai Inster vs Volvo ES90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Volvo ES90. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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 Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo ES90 gets a 14.5-inch display and 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 Volvo ES90. The Volvo ES90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio 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 Volvo ES90 offers nordico fabric. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 4-zone in the Volvo ES90.

Drivetrain

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

The Volvo ES90 responds with a Electric making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

The Volvo ES90 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 42kWh (Hyundai Inster) vs 92kWh (Volvo ES90), giving WLTP ranges of 327km and 554km. DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (Hyundai Inster) vs 300kW (Volvo ES90).

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 1175mm shorter than the Volvo ES90 at 5,000mm (3,102mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo ES90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 424L in the Volvo ES90, giving the Volvo ES90 a 144L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Inster's turning circle is 1.4 m tighter, 10.6 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $672 a year (14 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Volvo ES90 about $826 a year (17.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $154 a year less for the Hyundai Inster.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km* (Hyundai Inster) and 5 years / unlimited km (Volvo ES90).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Inster: the lower starting price ($37,500 against $88,880) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($672 a year against $826).

The Volvo ES90: more power (245kW against 71.1kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (424L against 280L).

The Verdict

Hyundai Inster scores higher, 75 vs 69

The Hyundai Inster scores 75 to the Volvo ES90's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 9 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Volvo ES90 ahead by 36 points), energy efficiency (Hyundai Inster ahead by 21 points), value (Hyundai Inster ahead by 18 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Inster costs about $154 less (14 kWh/100km against 17.2 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 280L in the Hyundai Inster, 424L in the Volvo ES90.

Common questions