Kia EV5 vs Tesla Model Y
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.
Data checked: specs 20 Sep 2026, price 16 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$56,770RRP
- no option data for this car
$58,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Kia EV5 & Tesla Model Y
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV5 starts from $56,770 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $58,900. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $2,130.
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 $64,790 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 91% for the Tesla Model Y.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Tesla Model Y, against 6 on 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 8 in the Tesla Model Y.
Recalls on our record
Kia EV5
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
Tesla Model Y
- REC-006419 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a software issue, the driver side window’s automatic protection system may not operate as intended and result in the window closing with excessive force on any obstruction such as a body part.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
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 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
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW 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 Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, 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 Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather.
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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 255kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Tesla Model Y is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.2kWh (Kia EV5) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model Y), giving WLTP ranges of 400km and 466km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 175kW (Tesla Model Y).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 177mm shorter than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 513L in the Kia EV5 and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 341L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y 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.
11.7m to 12.1m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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 5 years / 999,999km (Tesla Model Y). 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 Tesla Model Y if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Tesla Model Y: Top CarSorted Score, 81 vs 75, but the Kia EV5 is $2,130 cheaper
The Tesla Model Y comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (81 vs 75), taking 7 of 11 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: energy efficiency (Tesla Model Y ahead by 28), performance (Tesla Model Y ahead by 21), practicality (Tesla Model Y ahead by 18). If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $56,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model Y by $2,130.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model Y has the most range at 466km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model Y accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 255kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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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