Kia EV5 vs Kia EV6
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 Kia EV6 opens at $72,590. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $22,820.
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 $79,849 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 Kia EV6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 90% for the Kia EV6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia EV5 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Kia EV6.
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 Kia EV6.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV5 stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Kia EV6. 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 Kia EV6 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Kia EV6 has the clear power advantage at 168kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 0.1s 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 (Kia EV6), giving WLTP ranges of 511km and 541km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 240kW (Kia EV6).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 65mm shorter than the Kia EV6 at 4,680mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV5 and 490L in the Kia EV6, giving the Kia EV6 a 30L advantage.
For towing, the Kia EV6 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.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV6). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV6 takes 7 of 9 key spec categories. 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 Kia EV6?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $49,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV6 by $22,820.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV5 has the most range at 480km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV6 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV5 and Kia EV6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV6 has the largest boot at 490L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV6 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
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