Hyundai Kona Electric vs Chery E5
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 Kona Electric starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Chery E5 opens at $37,990. That makes the Chery E5 the more affordable entry point by $2,510.
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 $44,550 and $41,789 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 Kona Electric and Chery E5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 7 in the Chery E5.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Chery E5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Chery E5. The Chery E5 counters with power tailgate and Sony audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Chery E5 responds with a Electric making 155kW and 288Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Chery E5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery E5 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 58.9kWh (Chery E5), giving WLTP ranges of 395km and 430km. DC fast charging peaks at 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 60kW (Chery E5).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 74mm shorter than the Chery E5 at 4,424mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 400L in the Chery E5, giving the Chery E5 a 39L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.2m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 Kona Electric) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery E5). The Chery E5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery E5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery E5 takes 7 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Chery E5 has a clear edge. The Chery E5 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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