Kia EV5 vs Subaru Outback

The Kia EV5 starts from $49,770 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $780.

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 $53,889 respectively.

The Kia EV5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Outback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Kia EV5 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 88% for the Subaru Outback.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

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 9 in the Subaru Outback.

The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV5 stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Kia EV5 runs a pure electric powertrain 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 Subaru Outback lines up making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.

The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 255mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV5 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 515L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 7 years (Kia EV5) vs 5 years (Subaru Outback). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.