Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Kia EV5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts from $65,950 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $49,770. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $16,180.
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 $72,545 and $54,747 respectively.
The Kia EV5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Kia EV5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Adult occupant protection scored 81% for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and 88% for the Kia EV5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 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 6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and 7 in the Kia EV5.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Grand Cherokee uses a Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS producing 210kW and 344Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters to a 4WD layout.
The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Grand Cherokee measures 4,914mm long on a 2,964mm wheelbase, 299mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jeep Grand Cherokee generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1067L in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the Jeep Grand Cherokee a 607L advantage.
For towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee leads with a 2,813kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,313kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
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 / 100,000km (Jeep Grand Cherokee) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia EV5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a clear edge. The Kia EV5 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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