Ford F150 vs Kia Pv5
What's the difference?

Ford F150

$106,950 - $163,950

2026 price

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Kia Pv5

$55,990 - $55,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Ford F150

2026 Kia Pv5

By Marcus Craft

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.5L

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

13.4L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Roomy cabin
Smooth driving on-road
Reasonably capable off-road

Smooth handling characteristics
Clever packaging
Low pricing and ownership costs

Dislikes

Price tag
Not quite premium enough
Underwhelming payload

Low top speed
No spare wheel
Only two seats

2026 Ford F150 Summary

The Ford F-150 Platinum – the new top-shelf variant in the company’s F Series truck range – has arrived in Australia as part of the a refreshed line-up.

This full-sized dual-cab ute has a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, myriad drive modes and 4500kg towing capacity and, as such, is regarded as a rival for the likes of the Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra.

But with a price-tag tickling $164,000 before on-road costs and at a smidge under six metres long, is this big rig simply too big and too expensive?

We’re testing the short wheelbase (SWB) version this time, so let’s get into it.

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2026 Kia Pv5 Summary

Kia is no stranger to vans, nor electric cars. The very successful Carnival and the family of EV-named models from 3 to 9 have proven that.

But the 2026 Kia PV5 is the first time Kia’s launched a model that fits in both categories, and it comes with a futuristic design, low price, and competitive electric driving range.

It’s clear Kia hopes those looking at rivals like the VW ID.Buzz, Renault Kangoo E-Tech or Peugeot E-Partner will consider a PV5, but can it lure away buyers of diesel stalwarts like the Toyota HiAce or Ford Transit?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford F150 2026 Kia Pv5

Verdict

The Ford F-150 Platinum SWB is good but not great.

It has plenty of standard features onboard and some handy touches, it’s nice to drive on-road, and is adequately capable off-road but it lacks the overall plushness its price-tag promises.

The F-150’s smaller sibling, the Ranger Super Duty, does all of this F Truck’s jobs better, has more general appeal and all-round driveability, and it costs much less than the F-150.

Yet I can still see the appeal of the Ford F-150 Platinum SWB. As a potential purchase, it might make a lot more sense to you than me.

Verdict

Kia isn’t expecting the PV5 to light the sales charts on fire, but it is hoping to get in on the ground floor when businesses start looking to EVs to replace their diesel fleets.

In that sense, Kia seems onto a winner here, given the PV5 feels wholly suited to short-distance courier or call-out trade work.

It’s cleverly designed and pleasant from the driver’s seat, and its low outlay and running costs will surely place it high on fleet buyers’ lists.

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

Ford F150 vs Kia Pv5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford F150 vs Kia Pv5
What's the difference?