Hyundai IONIQ 5 vs Kia EV9
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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts from $71,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV9 opens at $97,000. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 the more affordable entry point by $25,010.
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 $106,700 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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 84% for the Kia EV9.
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 6 in the Kia EV9.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 7 in the Kia EV9. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV9 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Kia EV9 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and BOSE audio that you will not find on the Kia EV9. 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 EV9 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the clear power advantage at 168kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 76.1kWh (Kia EV9), giving WLTP ranges of 433km and 519km. DC fast charging peaks at 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 240kW (Kia EV9).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 measures 4,635mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 375mm shorter than the Kia EV9 at 5,010mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 194L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Kia EV9 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg 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 12.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 (Hyundai IONIQ 5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a clear edge. The Kia EV9 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 EV9?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the cheapest at $71,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV9 by $25,010.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the most range at 570km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV9 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the largest boot at 527L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 makes the most power at 168kW. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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