Kia EV5 vs Tesla Model Y

What's the difference?

VS
Kia EV5
Kia EV5

$56,770 - $71,770

2025 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$55,900 - $89,400

2025 price

Summary

2025 Kia EV5
2025 Tesla Model Y
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Not Applicable, 0.0L

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
Electric

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Artificially heavy steering
  • Noticeable wind noise at times
  • Uncomfortable cabin materials

  • Drive mode selector is silly
  • Warranty below average
  • Feels very heavy when pushed
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?

View full pricing & specs
2025 Tesla Model Y Summary

I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this is the car that could make or break Tesla in Australia and around the world. 

Crazy, right? That seemed impossible not so long ago, back when the brand appeared untouchable. But new competition, largely from China, plus the giant Musk-shaped elefant (it is German for elephant…) in the room, has seen sales and profit plummet.

Just last month, for example, the Tesla Model Y lost its best-seller crown in Australia to BYD, admittedly in the weeks before the new 'Juniper' version arrived.

The point is, a new version of its biggest seller is a Very Big Deal. But have they changed enough, and changed it well enough, to cut through the noise?

We put the cheapest variant, the Tesla Model Y RWD, to the test to find out.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia EV5 2025 Tesla Model Y

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