Head-to-head
Kia EV5 vs Kia Niro EV
The Kia EV5 starts $9,820 (15%) below the Kia Niro EV. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Kia EV5
The EV5 slots between the Niro EV and EV6 and targets family buyers with a roomy cabin, a 555 km long-range battery, and Kia's 7-year warranty. Built in China rather than Korea.
- From
- $56,770
- Range
- 555 km
- Battery
- 81.4 kWh
Option B · SUV
Kia Niro EV
Kia's mainstream small electric SUV sits below the EV5 in the range and shares architecture with the Hyundai Kona Electric. Less daring than the EV6 but a solid all-rounder backed by Kia's seven-year warranty.
- From
- $66,590
- Range
- 460 km
- Battery
- 64.8 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Kia EV5 and Kia Niro EV, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 goes 95 km further on a charge (555 vs 460 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 carries a 16.6 kWh larger battery (81.4 vs 64.8 kWh).
- 3
DC charging · advantage Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 accepts 46 kW more DC peak charging (140 vs 94 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 4
Price · advantage Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 undercuts the Kia Niro EV by $9,820 (15%) on starting price.
- 5
0–100 km/h · advantage Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV is 0.7 s quicker to 100 km/h (7.8 s vs 8.5 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Kia EV5 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $9,820
- ▸ 95 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (140 kW vs 94 kW)
Where the Kia Niro EV wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7.8s vs 8.5s)
Kia EV5
What we like
- ✓ 555 km long-range option is best-in-class
- ✓ Seven-year warranty across the line
- ✓ Spacious, well-finished interior
What we don't
- ✕ AWD performance variant not offered
- ✕ Slower 0-100 than direct rivals
- ✕ China origin matters to some buyers
Kia Niro EV
What we like
- ✓ Seven-year vehicle warranty
- ✓ Well-resolved cabin packaging
- ✓ Strong dealer network across Australia
What we don't
- ✕ DC charging peak (94 kW) trails newer rivals
- ✕ Pricing has climbed steadily since launch
- ✕ Less efficient than 800V Hyundai-Kia platforms
Frequently asked: Kia EV5 vs Kia Niro EV
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Kia EV5 or the Kia Niro EV?
- The Kia EV5 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $56,770 versus $66,590 for the Kia Niro EV, a $9,820 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Kia EV5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 555 km, 95 km further than the Kia Niro EV's 460 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Kia EV5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 140 kW versus 94 kW for the Kia Niro EV. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Kia Niro EV does 0–100 km/h in 7.8 seconds — 0.7 s quicker than the Kia EV5's 8.5 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Kia EV5 better value than the Kia Niro EV?
- On paper the Kia EV5 is $9,820 cheaper AND beats the Kia Niro EV on most of the headline specs we measure — meaning by spec-sheet logic it's the stronger value play. What a spec sheet can't capture: brand prestige, dealer network depth, build feel, software polish, and likely resale.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Kia EV5
if…
- ✓ you want to save $9,820 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (95 km further per charge)
- ✓ you match the profile: families
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.