Polestar 3 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Polestar 3 starts from $116,700 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N opens at $115,000. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N the more affordable entry point by $1,700.
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 $128,370 and $126,500 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.
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
92kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 310kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 310kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
84kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 350kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.5kW AC, 350kW 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 Polestar 3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N counters with Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Polestar 3 uses a Electric Motor producing 245kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N counters with its electric setup making 448kW and 740Nm, paired to its gearbox driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N has the clear power advantage at 448kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 92kWh (Polestar 3) vs 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5 N). DC fast charging peaks at 310kW (Polestar 3) vs 350kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5 N).
Space & Comfort
The Polestar 3 measures 4,900mm long on a 2,985mm wheelbase, 185mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N at 4,715mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 597L in the Polestar 3 and 480L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, giving the Polestar 3 a 117L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.4m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.4m 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 / 999,999km (Polestar 3) vs 5 years (Hyundai IONIQ 5 N). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Polestar 3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Polestar 3 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the cheapest at $115,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 3 by $1,700.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 3 has the most range at 603km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N accepts the highest DC charging at up to 350kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 3 has the largest boot at 597L.
Which can tow the most?
The Polestar 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N makes the most power at 448kW. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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