Alfa Romeo Junior vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?

Alfa Romeo Junior

$45,900 - $58,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Kia EV5

$49,990 - $76,698

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior

2025 Kia EV5

By Jack Quick

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Keen driving dynamics
Surprisingly quiet
Can be very frugal

Very comfortable and capable drive experience
Entry-level pricing on point
Strong warranty offering and $350 a year servicing

Dislikes

Double the price of Chinese rivals
Lots of plain black finishes
No standard spare wheel

Artificially heavy steering
Noticeable wind noise at times
Uncomfortable cabin materials

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior Summary

Alfa Romeo’s new entry-level model has finally arrived in Australia.

Pitched as a spiritual successor to the MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks, the Junior is a tiny SUV with plenty of hatchback design cues.

It was originally set to be called the Milano, however members of the Italian government complained, claiming it’s illegal to sell products with an Italian place name that aren’t actually made there.

The Junior is actually built in Tychy, Poland alongside the related Jeep Avenger at a Stellantis production plant.

We’ve driven the Junior a few times now overseas, but now it’s time to see how it holds up on local soil.

First up is the Ibrida, or hybrid. The fully electric version is also on sale but will have to wait for a future review.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Kia EV5 Summary

Make no mistake, you are looking at the biggest challenge the all-conquering Tesla Model Y has ever faced in Australia.

It’s the Kia EV5, a mid-size, all-electric SUV the Korean brand thinks will be its best-selling EV by some margin.

Oh, and it’s cheaper than the Tesla, by more than a little bit.

So, is this the electric SUV that might finally put an end to Tesla’s winning run in Australia?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Alfa Romeo Junior 2025 Kia EV5

Verdict

The Alfa Romeo Junior is a cute car that’s charming and smile-inducing. It deserves to sell well but ultimately this will come down to whether the Australian public is receptive.

There is plenty of competition out there and if you're wanting something design-led, it's hard to look past this without spending much more money.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The size is right, the price is right and the drive is right – three things that make the Kia EV5 a pretty formidable foe, and the kind of vehicle that might finally be able to break through the wall of the temple of Tesla in Australia.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Kia EV5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Alfa Romeo Junior vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?