Tesla Model Y 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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 16 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$58,900RRP
- with the Volkswagen ID.5's standard kit: $58,900 (nothing to add)
$62,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Tesla Model Y & Volkswagen ID.5
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Price Breakdown
The Tesla Model Y starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.5 opens at $62,990. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $4,090.
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 $69,289 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
Both the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Tesla Model Y and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Tesla Model Y, against 0 on the Volkswagen ID.5.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 8 in the Tesla Model Y and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5.
Recalls on our record
Tesla Model Y
- REC-006419 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a software issue, the driver side window’s automatic protection system may not operate as intended and result in the window closing with excessive force on any obstruction such as a body part.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
Volkswagen ID.5
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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
77kWh 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.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model Y features a 16-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen ID.5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments.
The Tesla Model Y stands out with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen ID.5. 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 Volkswagen ID.5 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Tesla Model Y and 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.5.
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 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 6.7 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 210kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Tesla Model Y is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model Y) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.5), giving WLTP ranges of 466km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Tesla Model Y) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.5).
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model Y measures 4,792mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 208mm longer than the Volkswagen ID.5 at 4,584mm (2,769mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 854L in the Tesla Model Y and 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5, giving the Tesla Model Y a 305L advantage.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m 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 11.4m 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 / 999,999km (Tesla Model Y) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.5 if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (81 vs 67). The Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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 Volkswagen ID.5?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID.5 by $4,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the most range at 543km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Tesla Model Y accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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 Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 255kW. 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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