Volkswagen ID.5 vs Kia EV6
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 Volkswagen ID.5 starts from $65,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV6 opens at $72,590. That makes the Volkswagen ID.5 the more affordable entry point by $6,600.
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 $72,589 and $79,849 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 Volkswagen ID.5 and Kia EV6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5 and 90% for the Kia EV6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID.5 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Kia EV6.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5 and 7 in the Kia EV6. The Volkswagen ID.5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV6 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen ID.5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Kia EV6 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen ID.5 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Kia EV6. The Kia EV6 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen ID.5 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.
The Kia EV6 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.5 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 77.4kWh (Kia EV6), giving WLTP ranges of 544km and 541km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 240kW (Kia EV6).
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen ID.5 measures 4,584mm long on a 2,769mm wheelbase, 96mm shorter than the Kia EV6 at 4,680mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5 and 490L in the Kia EV6, giving the Volkswagen ID.5 a 59L advantage.
For towing, the Kia EV6 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 11.6m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 (Volkswagen ID.5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV6). The Kia EV6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen ID.5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV6 if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV6 takes 6 of 11 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.5 has a clear edge. The Kia EV6 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen ID.5 and Kia EV6?
The Volkswagen ID.5 is the cheapest at $65,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV6 by $6,600.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the most range at 497km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV6 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen ID.5 and Kia EV6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID.5 has the largest boot at 549L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV6 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.5 makes the most power at 210kW. The Volkswagen ID.5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
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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