Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Volvo EX90
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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts from $71,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX90 opens at $124,990. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $53,000.
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 $79,189 and $137,489 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 Volvo EX90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 92% for the Volvo EX90.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volvo EX90.
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 9 in the Volvo EX90.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX90 gets a 14.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with V2L and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Volvo EX90. The Volvo EX90 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 Volvo EX90 responds with a Electric making 300kW and 770Nm, paired to a single-speed driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Volvo EX90 has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX90 is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 111kWh (Volvo EX90), giving WLTP ranges of 433km and 580km. DC fast charging peaks at 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 250kW (Volvo EX90).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,635mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 402mm shorter than the Volvo EX90 at 5,037mm (3,000mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 365L in the Volvo EX90, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 162L advantage. The Volvo EX90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo EX90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg 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 12.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.4m 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 (Volvo EX90). 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, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX90 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 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 Volvo EX90?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $71,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX90 by $53,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo EX90 has the most range at 580km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo EX90 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 250kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Volvo EX90 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 Volvo EX90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX90 makes the most power at 300kW. The Volvo EX90 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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