Lotus Eletre 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.
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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lotus Eletre stands out with head-up display, heated front seats and ventilated seats that you will not find on the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lotus Eletre uses a Electric Motor producing 450kW and 710Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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.
The Lotus Eletre has the clear power advantage at 450kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lotus Eletre is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 112kWh (Lotus Eletre) vs 64.2kWh (Kia EV5), giving WLTP ranges of 530km and 511km. DC fast charging peaks at 350kW (Lotus Eletre) vs 150kW (Kia EV5).
Space & Comfort
The Lotus Eletre measures 5,103mm long on a 3,019mm wheelbase, 488mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lotus Eletre generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 611L in the Lotus Eletre and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the Lotus Eletre a 151L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
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: 5 years / 999,999km (Lotus Eletre) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lotus Eletre if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lotus'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 Lotus Eletre takes 7 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lotus Eletre 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, Lotus Eletre and Kia EV5?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $49,770 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Lotus Eletre has the most range at 530km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lotus Eletre accepts the highest DC charging at up to 350kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Lotus Eletre has the largest boot at 611L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lotus Eletre makes the most power at 450kW. The Lotus Eletre is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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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