Kia EV5 vs smart #1
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 Kia EV5 starts from $49,770 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $5,130.
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 $54,747 and $60,390 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 Kia EV5 and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia EV5 and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia EV5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV5 and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV5 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV5 stands out with V2L that you will not find on the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV5 uses a Electric producing 160kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.2kWh (Kia EV5) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 511km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia EV5) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 345mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV5 and 203L in the smart #1, giving the Kia EV5 a 257L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Kia EV5 has a clear edge. The Kia EV5 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, Kia EV5 and smart #1?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $49,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $5,130.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV5 has the most range at 480km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV5 and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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