Kia EV5 vs Nissan Qashqai

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024) and the Nissan Qashqai at 4 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2024 vs 2025). 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 78% for the Nissan Qashqai, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control. The Nissan Qashqai adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.

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 Nissan Qashqai 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 V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan Qashqai. The Nissan Qashqai counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate 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 Nissan Qashqai offers quilted leather-accented.

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 Nissan Qashqai lines up making 140kW and 311Nm, paired to a reduction drive (automatic) driving the front wheels.

The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 140kW. 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, 190mm longer than the Nissan Qashqai at 4,425mm (2,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 513L in the Kia EV5 and 452L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Kia EV5 a 61L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1714L vs 1376L.

For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 450kg 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 Nissan Qashqai's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 11.1 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 Nissan Qashqai about $1,169 a year (4.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

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

Where each one leads

The Kia EV5: more power (160kW against 140kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (513L against 452L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Nissan Qashqai: the higher braked towing limit (750kg against 300kg).

The Verdict

Nissan Qashqai scores higher, 74 vs 71

The Nissan Qashqai scores 74 to the Kia EV5's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Nissan Qashqai ahead by 31 points), safety (Kia EV5 ahead by 10 points). Boot space with the seats up: 513L in the Kia EV5, 452L in the Nissan Qashqai. Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV5, 5 on the Nissan Qashqai.

Common questions