Kia EV5 vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?

Kia EV5

$49,990 - $76,698

2025 price

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Kia Niro

$34,990 - $54,990

2023 price

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Summary

2025 Kia EV5

2023 Kia Niro

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

Dislikes

Artificially heavy steering
Noticeable wind noise at times
Uncomfortable cabin materials

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

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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2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia EV5 2023 Kia Niro

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.

Verdict

The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Kia EV5 vs Kia Niro What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia EV5 vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?