KGM Rexton 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 KGM Rexton starts from $50,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $49,770. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $230.
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 $55,000 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 KGM Rexton, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the KGM Rexton and Kia EV5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 KGM Rexton and 7 in the Kia EV5.
Feature Showdown
The KGM Rexton features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Rexton stands out with ambient lighting 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 KGM Rexton uses a Turbo DDi Diesel producing 149kW and 441Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds.
The Kia EV5 counters with its electric setup making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 149kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 4.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The KGM Rexton measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 235mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Rexton generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 236L in the KGM Rexton and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 224L advantage. The KGM Rexton seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the KGM Rexton leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years (KGM Rexton) vs 7 years (Kia EV5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the KGM Rexton if: You need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Kia EV5 has a clear edge. 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 (18 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 · 18 April 2026
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