Kia EV5 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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.
Reference imageKia EV5
From $56,770
SUV
Electric
Electric
160kW
—
5★ ANCAP
513L
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
From $58,990
SUV
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol
221kW
1.5 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
494L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV5 starts from $56,770 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $58,990. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $2,220.
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 $62,447 and $64,889 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 83% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
64.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
22.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 50kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 50kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and V2L that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay and Yamaha audio. 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 8.5 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.2kWh (Kia EV5) vs 22.7kWh (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV), giving WLTP ranges of 511km and 84km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 50kW (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 105mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 513L in the Kia EV5 and 494L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Kia EV5 a 19L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 1,300kg 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 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $56,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $2,220.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV5 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 513L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the most power at 221kW.
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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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