Nissan ARIYA vs Volkswagen ID.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.
Price Breakdown
The Nissan ARIYA starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.5 opens at $65,990. That makes the Nissan ARIYA the more affordable entry point by $11,000.
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 $60,489 and $72,589 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 Nissan ARIYA and Volkswagen ID.5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan ARIYA packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan ARIYA and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen ID.5 gets a 12.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan ARIYA uses a Electric producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.5 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.5 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.5), giving WLTP ranges of 385km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (Nissan ARIYA) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.5).
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 11mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.5 at 4,584mm (2,769mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5, giving the Volkswagen ID.5 a 83L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 / 300,000km (Nissan ARIYA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.5 takes 8 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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