Kia EV5 vs Land Rover Defender 110

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024) and the Land Rover Defender 110 at 5 stars (2020). ANCAP tested these in different years (2024 vs 2020). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 85% for the Land Rover Defender 110, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia EV5, against 6 on the Land Rover Defender 110.

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 6 in the Land Rover Defender 110.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender 110 gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV5 stands out with V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender 110. The Land Rover Defender 110 counters with wireless charging, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV5 gets cloth & artificial leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender 110 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Kia EV5 and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 110.

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 8.5 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 110 responds with a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid making 183kW and 570Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender 110 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender 110 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 143mm shorter than the Land Rover Defender 110 at 4,758mm (3,022mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 110 generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender 110 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 3,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia EV5's turning circle is 1.1 m tighter, 11.7 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Kia EV5 costs about $874 a year (18.2 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender 110 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender 110). Capped-price servicing: no data (Kia EV5), 5 years (Land Rover Defender 110).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV5: the lower starting price ($56,770 against $100,900) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Land Rover Defender 110: more power (183kW against 160kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 300kg).

The Verdict

Kia EV5 scores higher, 71 vs 70

The Kia EV5 scores 71 to the Land Rover Defender 110's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: technology (Land Rover Defender 110 ahead by 31 points), value (Kia EV5 ahead by 21 points), reliability (Kia EV5 ahead by 18 points). Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV5, 5 on the Land Rover Defender 110.

Common questions