Kia Niro vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Niro and Hyundai IONIQ 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Kia Niro.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Niro misses.
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
64.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 80kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 80kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
80kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 220kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 220kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Niro features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Niro stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Niro gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Kia Niro uses a Electric producing 150kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the clear power advantage at 168kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Niro is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.8kWh (Kia Niro) vs 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5). DC fast charging peaks at 80kW (Kia Niro) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The Kia Niro measures 4,420mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 235mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,655mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 451L in the Kia Niro and 520L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 69L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.6 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 Niro) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5). The Kia Niro has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Niro if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a clear edge. The Kia Niro 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 Niro and Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $76,200 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the most range at 570km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Niro and Hyundai IONIQ 5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Niro has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 makes the most power at 168kW. The Kia Niro is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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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