Kia EV5 vs Polestar Polestar 4
Two electric cars 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 Polestar Polestar 4 opens at $78,500. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $28,730.
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 $86,350 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 Polestar Polestar 4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 92% for the Polestar Polestar 4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar Polestar 4 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia EV5.
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 Polestar Polestar 4. The Polestar Polestar 4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Polestar Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Polestar Polestar 4 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that the Kia EV5 does not offer. 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 Polestar Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The Polestar Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar Polestar 4 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 100kWh (Polestar Polestar 4), giving WLTP ranges of 511km and 620km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 200kW (Polestar Polestar 4).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 225mm shorter than the Polestar Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV5 and 526L in the Polestar Polestar 4, giving the Polestar Polestar 4 a 66L advantage.
For towing, the Polestar Polestar 4 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg 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 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar Polestar 4). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar Polestar 4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar Polestar 4 takes 6 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Polestar Polestar 4 has a clear edge. The Kia EV5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Polestar Polestar 4?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $49,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar Polestar 4 by $28,730.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar Polestar 4 has the most range at 620km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar Polestar 4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV5 and Polestar Polestar 4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar Polestar 4 has the largest boot at 526L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar Polestar 4 makes the most power at 200kW. The Polestar Polestar 4 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.1s.
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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