Kia Niro vs BMW X5
What's the difference?

Kia Niro

$24,990 - $42,888

2023 price

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BMW X5

$78,990 - $209,990

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2023 Kia Niro

2024 BMW X5

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

455 km

9.2L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

64.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Design/build quality
Performance/efficiency
Interior comfort/features

Dislikes

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

Space-saver spare
Busy control panel
Passenger dash glare

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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2024 BMW X5 Summary

The BMW X5 is a leading contender in the ‘Over $70K Large SUV’ division of Australia’s new car market, which is a hotly-contested segment boasting 15 marques and 25 models.

The X5 has hit an enduring sweet spot with Aussie buyers in terms of size, performance and price. BMW prefers to call it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) as distinct from its Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) rivals.

Clearly, any word association with a utility is something BMW Group Australia wants to avoid after recently launching its latest X5 range, which brings numerous enhancements including design revisions, increased standard equipment, refreshed powertrains and more.

We were entrusted with the digital ‘Comfort Access’ key to one of the latest X5s, to understand from a family car perspective why this model range enjoys such enduring popularity with prestige SUV (sorry, SAV) buyers.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Niro 2024 BMW X5

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.

Verdict

This is a luxurious prestige five-seater brimming with BMW’s latest design and technology that’s not only practical for weekly family duties but can also embrace spirited driving with the push of a button. A great all-rounder for families that like a sporty edge.

Kia Niro vs BMW X5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Niro vs BMW X5
What's the difference?