GWM ORA vs Kia K4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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 GWM ORA starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia K4 opens at $32,090. That makes the GWM ORA the more affordable entry point by $100.
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 $35,189 and $35,299 respectively.
The GWM ORA qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia K4, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The GWM ORA holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Kia K4. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the GWM ORA and 85% for the Kia K4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM ORA packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Kia K4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM ORA and 6 in the Kia K4. The GWM ORA adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia K4 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The GWM ORA uses a Electric producing 126kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Kia K4 responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The GWM ORA has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The GWM ORA measures 4,235mm long on a 2,650mm wheelbase, 205mm shorter than the Kia K4 at 4,440mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia K4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the GWM ORA and 428L in the Kia K4, giving the Kia K4 a 158L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
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: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM ORA) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia K4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GWM ORA if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia K4 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM ORA takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Kia K4 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, GWM ORA and Kia K4?
The GWM ORA is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia K4 by $100.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia K4 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The GWM ORA has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia K4 has the largest boot at 428L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia K4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM ORA makes the most power at 126kW.
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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