Audi SQ5 vs Kia EV6
What's the difference?

Audi SQ5

$49,990 - $89,950

2022 price

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Kia EV6

$72,590 - $99,865

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2022 Audi SQ5

2026 Kia EV6

By Andrew Chesterton

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

Electric range

560 km

Energy consumption

17.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

84.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Style with little sacrifice
Plenty of on-board tech
SQ5 is a fun and engaging drive

Successful facelift
Grippy performance
Improved driving range

Dislikes

Price penalty for Sportback
Regular Q5 Sportback more premium than performance-focused
Cabin not quite premium at every touchpoint

Cramped headroom in front seats
Still pricier than many rivals
Annoying driver aids

2022 Audi SQ5 Summary

The Audi Q5 now has a sportier-looking sibling, with the German brand's all-time best-selling SUV welcoming a sleeker, more aggressive solution it calls its Sportback range.

And look, spoiler alert, it looks better than the regular Q5. It's as simple as that. So if that's all you're here to find out, feel free to close the laptop, put the phone away, and move on with your day.

But you'd be doing yourself a disservice, because there are more questions to be answered here. Like will you paying in on-board comfort for this new raked roofline? Do the Sportback's sporty intentions make for a more annoying daily drive? And how much does Audi want you to pay for one?

All these questions and more answered. So stay with me.

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2026 Kia EV6 Summary

Four years is a long time in the Australian automotive sector. Back in 2022, the Kia EV6 made a big splash as a cool, edgy EV with a focus on driver engagement.

It won a bunch of awards and was praised for its dynamism and design. Kia’s first dedicated EV was a winner! But in the years since it’s been overshadowed by a gaggle of newer and cheaper electric cars, largely from China.

More than a year after it made its global debut, Kia Australia has finally launched the facelifted EV6 in Australia. It brings with it a number of changes, most notably a new front end design, as well as a multimedia and software upgrade, chassis refinements, local ride and handling tuning tweaks and bigger batteries for more driving range.

But is it too little, too late for the Kia EV6? Have buyers moved on from this once ground-breaking EV to more affordable Chinese options? Read on to find out why this EV shouldn’t be so easily forgotten.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Audi SQ5 2026 Kia EV6

Verdict

Let’s forget the money, for a second, because yes, you’re paying more for the Sportback variant. But if you can afford it, then why wouldn’t you. This is a sleeker, sportier and more stylish answer to the regular Q5, which was already a super-solid offering in the segment. And as far as I can tell, the practicality sacrifices you have to make are minimal at best.

So why not?

Verdict

It’s fair to say the Kia EV6 is not the most affordable mid-to-large electric SUV money can buy. Especially in the era of cheaper Chinese models.

It also lacks some of the practicalities of a few rivals. If that’s your focus and you’re dead set on buying a Kia, then the EV5 is the clear choice.

But that’s not the sole purpose of this car.

It doubles as family transport and a car for driving enthusiasts. It’s the sort of EV that can convert EV non-believers.

After a week with the EV6, it’s not a car I’ll forget easily. And I urge buyers looking in the EV space not to overlook this pioneering model. It’s a brilliant car to drive and the GT-Line RWD is the value pick of the whole line-up.

Audi SQ5 vs Kia EV6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi SQ5 vs Kia EV6
What's the difference?