Tesla Model Y vs smart #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.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 16 Sep 2026
Tesla Model Y
From $58,900
SUV
Electric
Electric Motor
255kW
—
5★ ANCAP
854L
smart #5
$58,900 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
SUV
Electric
Electric Motor
267kW
—
ANCAP: no data
630L
smart #5: not on sale yet, so smart hasn't published transmission.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Tesla Model Y starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the smart #5 opens at $58,900. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $64,790 and $64,790 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
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
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
94kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model Y features a 16-inch touchscreen, while the smart #5 gets a 13-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #5 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Tesla Model Y gets vegan leather upholstery while the smart #5 offers man-made leather.
Drivetrain
The Tesla Model Y uses a Electric Motor producing 255kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The smart #5 counters with its electric setup making 267kW and 373Nm, paired to its gearbox driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The smart #5 has the clear power advantage at 267kW vs 255kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Tesla Model Y is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model Y) vs 100kWh (smart #5), giving WLTP ranges of 466km and 590km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Tesla Model Y) vs 400kW (smart #5).
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model Y measures 4,792mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 97mm longer than the smart #5 at 4,695mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 854L in the Tesla Model Y and 630L in the smart #5, giving the Tesla Model Y a 224L advantage.
For towing, the smart #5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.1m
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Tesla Model Y) vs 5 years (smart #5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 65), taking 2 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Tesla Model Y ahead by 40), technology (smart #5 ahead by 15), reliability (Tesla Model Y ahead by 11). If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y 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, Tesla Model Y and smart #5?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #5 has the most range at 590km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 400kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Tesla Model Y holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for smart #5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #5 makes the most power at 267kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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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