Kia EV5 vs Suzuki e Vitara

The Kia EV5 starts from $49,770 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki e Vitara opens at $42,700. That makes the Suzuki e Vitara the more affordable entry point by $7,070.

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 $46,970 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.

The Kia EV5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Suzuki e Vitara. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 77% for the Suzuki e Vitara.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia EV5 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Suzuki e Vitara.

Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and V2L that you will not find on the Suzuki e Vitara. The Suzuki e Vitara counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Suzuki e Vitara responds with a Electric Motor making 106kW and 193Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 106kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 64.2kWh (Kia EV5) vs 49kWh (Suzuki e Vitara), giving WLTP ranges of 511km and 344km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 129kW (Suzuki e Vitara).

The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 340mm longer than the Suzuki e Vitara at 4,275mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 513L in the Kia EV5 and 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara, giving the Kia EV5 a 207L advantage.

For towing, the Suzuki e Vitara leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 450kg 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 / 999,999km (Kia EV5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Suzuki e Vitara). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.