Kia EV5 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
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 Kia EV5 starts from $49,770 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $71,990. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $22,220.
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 $54,747 and $79,189 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 Kia EV5 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
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 Kia EV5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV5 and 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and BOSE audio that the Kia EV5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV5 uses a Electric producing 160kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the clear power advantage at 168kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.2kWh (Kia EV5) vs 77.4kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 511km and 433km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 20mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV5 and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 67L 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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia EV5 and Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $49,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 5 by $22,220.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the most range at 507km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV5 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 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 has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 makes the most power at 168kW. The Kia EV5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.2s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
