Leapmotor C10 vs Kia EV5
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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the Leapmotor C10 & Kia EV5
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Price Breakdown
The Leapmotor C10 starts from $43,888 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $49,770. That makes the Leapmotor C10 the more affordable entry point by $5,882.
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 $48,277 and $54,747 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Leapmotor C10 and Kia EV5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Leapmotor C10 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in 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 Leapmotor C10 and 7 in the Kia EV5.
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
28.4kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 65kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 65kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
64.2kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
Three-phase AC
11–22kW · 11kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public 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.
Feature Showdown
The Leapmotor C10 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Leapmotor C10 stands out with panoramic roof that you will not find on the Kia EV5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Leapmotor C10 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Kia EV5 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Leapmotor C10 uses a Petrol producing 160kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 28.4kWh (Leapmotor C10) vs 64.2kWh (Kia EV5), giving WLTP ranges of 145km and 511km. DC fast charging peaks at 65kW (Leapmotor C10) vs 150kW (Kia EV5).
Space & Comfort
The Leapmotor C10 measures 4,739mm long on a 2,825mm wheelbase, 124mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Leapmotor C10 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 546L in the Leapmotor C10 and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the Leapmotor C10 a 86L advantage.
For towing, the Leapmotor C10 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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: 6 years / 150,000km (Leapmotor C10) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Leapmotor C10 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Leapmotor's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Leapmotor C10 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, Leapmotor C10 and Kia EV5?
The Leapmotor C10 is the cheapest at $43,888 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV5 by $5,882.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Leapmotor C10 uses the least fuel at 0.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Leapmotor C10 and Kia EV5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Leapmotor C10 has the largest boot at 546L.
Which can tow the most?
The Leapmotor C10 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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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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