Kia EV5 vs Toyota Fortuner
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Toyota Fortuner opens at $53,775. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $4,005.
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 $59,153 respectively.
The Kia EV5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota Fortuner, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV5 and Toyota Fortuner hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 95% for the Toyota Fortuner.
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 1 in the Toyota Fortuner.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV5 and 7 in the Toyota Fortuner.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Fortuner gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. 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 Toyota Fortuner. The Toyota Fortuner counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Toyota Fortuner responds with a Diesel making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 2.3s quicker. 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, 180mm shorter than the Toyota Fortuner at 4,795mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV5 and 200L in the Toyota Fortuner, giving the Kia EV5 a 260L advantage. The Toyota Fortuner seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Fortuner leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 (Toyota Fortuner). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Fortuner if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Kia EV5 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 Toyota Fortuner?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $49,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Fortuner by $4,005.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Fortuner uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV5 and Toyota Fortuner all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Fortuner has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV5 makes the most power at 160kW. The Kia EV5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.2s.
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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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