MG ZS EV 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
The MG ZS EV starts from $43,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $49,770. That makes the MG ZS EV the more affordable entry point by $5,780.
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 $48,389 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The MG ZS EV features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 MG ZS EV stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG ZS EV uses a Electric Motor producing 115kW and 280Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 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 Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV5 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 72.6kWh (MG ZS EV) vs 64.2kWh (Kia EV5), giving WLTP ranges of 440km and 511km. DC fast charging peaks at 92kW (MG ZS EV) vs 150kW (Kia EV5).
Space & Comfort
The MG ZS EV measures 4,323mm long on a 2,585mm wheelbase, 292mm shorter than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 359L in the MG ZS EV and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 101L 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: 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS EV) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). The MG ZS EV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG ZS EV if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia EV5 has a clear edge. The MG ZS EV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG ZS EV and Kia EV5?
The MG ZS EV is the cheapest at $43,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV5 by $5,780.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV5 has the most range at 480km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
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 Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG ZS EV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
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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