Polestar Polestar 4 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
Two electric cars 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 Polestar Polestar 4 starts from $78,500 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $71,990. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $6,510.
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 $86,350 and $79,189 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 Polestar Polestar 4 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Polestar Polestar 4 and 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar Polestar 4 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Polestar Polestar 4 and 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Feature Showdown
The Polestar Polestar 4 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Polestar Polestar 4 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with head-up display and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Polestar Polestar 4 uses a Electric Motor producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Polestar Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar Polestar 4 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 100kWh (Polestar Polestar 4) vs 77.4kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 620km and 433km. DC fast charging peaks at 200kW (Polestar Polestar 4) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The Polestar Polestar 4 measures 4,840mm long on a 2,999mm wheelbase, 205mm longer than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 526L in the Polestar Polestar 4 and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 1L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 Polestar 4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar Polestar 4 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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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