Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Polestar 3
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 starts from $68,200 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $116,700. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $48,500.
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 $75,020 and $128,370 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Polestar 3 does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
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 usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
92kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 310kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 310kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets wool blend / leather-appointed combination upholstery while the Polestar 3 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 3-zone in the Polestar 3.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 uses a Electric producing 168kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed reduction gear to a RWD layout.
The Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Polestar 3 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 168kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 92kWh (Polestar 3), giving WLTP ranges of 570km and 603km.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,655mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 245mm shorter than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Polestar 3 a 77L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar 3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Polestar 3 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, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar 3?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $68,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 3 by $48,500.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 3 has the most range at 603km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 310kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Polestar 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Hyundai IONIQ 5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 3 has the largest boot at 597L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 3 makes the most power at 245kW.
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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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