Kia PV5 vs Volkswagen Transporter
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans 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.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 6 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.
Volkswagen Transporter: we're still completing height, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and CO2 emissions, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$55,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$58,590RRP
- with the Kia PV5's standard kit: $58,590 (nothing to add; 1 with no data, not charged)
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia PV5 starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Transporter opens at $58,590. That makes the Kia PV5 the more affordable entry point by $2,600.
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 $61,589 and $64,449 respectively.
The Kia PV5 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Transporter does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Kia PV5
None open on our record
Volkswagen Transporter
- REC-006558 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software issue, the headlamp low/high beam may not have been adjusted according to specifications.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-001406 · published 11 Apr 2017Variations in the mixture ratio of the airbag propellant may prevent the airbag and/or the belt tensioner from deploying in the event of an accident.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- REC-001405 · published 30 May 2016In the event of an accident the front left side airbag may not deploy correctly because of an incorrectly folded airbag.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- 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
71.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 128kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 128kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia PV5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Transporter. The Volkswagen Transporter counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia PV5 uses a Electric Motor producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Transporter responds with a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel making 125kW and 390Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Volkswagen Transporter has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia PV5 measures 4,695mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 355mm shorter than the Volkswagen Transporter at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Transporter generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Volkswagen Transporter leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 2,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m 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 10.2 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
2.0 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 PV5) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Transporter). The Kia PV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia PV5 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (63 vs 62). The Kia PV5 and Volkswagen Transporter trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Kia PV5 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 PV5 and Volkswagen Transporter?
The Kia PV5 is the cheapest at $55,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Transporter by $2,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Transporter uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Kia PV5 and Volkswagen Transporter carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Transporter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia PV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Transporter makes the most power at 125kW.
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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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