Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Polestar Polestar 4
Two electric cars 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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts from $71,990 before on-road costs, while the Polestar Polestar 4 opens at $78,500. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $6,510.
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 $79,189 and $86,350 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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar Polestar 4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 92% for the Polestar Polestar 4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar Polestar 4 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 7 in the Polestar Polestar 4.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Polestar Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with head-up display and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Polestar Polestar 4. The Polestar Polestar 4 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 uses a Electric producing 168kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Polestar Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The Polestar Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar Polestar 4 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 77.4kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 100kWh (Polestar Polestar 4), giving WLTP ranges of 433km and 620km. DC fast charging peaks at 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 200kW (Polestar Polestar 4).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,635mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 205mm shorter than the Polestar Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 526L in the Polestar Polestar 4, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 1L 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.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar Polestar 4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar Polestar 4 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Polestar 4?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $71,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar Polestar 4 by $6,510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar Polestar 4 has the most range at 620km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar Polestar 4 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 has the largest boot at 527L.
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 Polestar 4 makes the most power at 200kW. The Polestar Polestar 4 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.1s.
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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