Hyundai IONIQ 5 N vs Kia EV9
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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N starts from $115,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV9 opens at $97,000. That makes the Kia EV9 the more affordable entry point by $18,000.
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 $126,500 and $106,700 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
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
84kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 350kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 350kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
99.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 240kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 240kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bose audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N runs a pure electric powertrain producing 448kW and 740Nm of torque, sent through its transmission to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 seconds.
The Kia EV9 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has the clear power advantage at 448kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is 4.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5 N) vs 76.1kWh (Kia EV9). DC fast charging peaks at 350kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5 N) vs 240kW (Kia EV9).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N measures 4,715mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 295mm shorter than the Kia EV9 at 5,010mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N a 147L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m to 12.4m
Based on 12.4m 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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Hyundai IONIQ 5 N) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has a clear edge. The Kia EV9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 IONIQ 5 N and Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is the cheapest at $97,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N by $18,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has the most range at 448km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N accepts the highest DC charging at up to 350kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has the largest boot at 480L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N makes the most power at 448kW. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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