Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Kia Sportage
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts from $71,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $33,500.
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 $79,189 and $42,339 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sportage, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 87% for the Kia Sportage.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 6 in the Kia Sportage. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia Sportage misses.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, V2L and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Kia Sportage. The Kia Sportage counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 uses a Electric producing 168kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the clear power advantage at 168kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,635mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 16L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 50kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.0m 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
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 (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sportage 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, Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 5 by $33,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia Sportage all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Sportage has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 makes the most power at 168kW.
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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