Kia EV5 vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024) and the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2024 vs 2022). 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 91% for the Lexus NX, 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 Lexus NX.

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 8 in the Lexus NX.

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 Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-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 Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting. 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 Lexus NX offers synthetic leather.

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 Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 0.8s 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, 45mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 513L in the Kia EV5 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 7L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1714L vs 1141L.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 1,200kg 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 Lexus NX's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.4 m against 11.7 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 Lexus NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: no data (Kia EV5), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV5: the lower starting price ($56,770 against $71,700) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 513L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 300kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 71

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Kia EV5's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 8 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Lexus NX ahead by 30 points), practicality (Lexus NX ahead by 12 points). Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV5, 5 on the Lexus NX.

Common questions