Volvo EX30 vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?

Volvo EX30

$49,990 - $62,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Kia EV5

$49,990 - $76,698

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Volvo EX30

2025 Kia EV5

By Marcus Craft

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Decent on all surfaces
Impressive AWD capability
Free five-year/150,000km servicing plan

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

Dislikes

19-inch rims
Squeeze back seat
No cover on panoramic glass roof

Artificially heavy steering
Noticeable wind noise at times
Uncomfortable cabin materials

2026 Volvo EX30 Summary

The EX30 Cross Country is the new adventure-focussed top-shelf variant in Volvo’s small electric SUV line-up.

This five-seat compact crossover has a dual-motor electric set-up, all-wheel drive, raised suspension, more ground clearance than a regular EX30 and an exterior that more than hints at its off-road aspirations.

But just how much potential does this Cross Country have as an all-wheel drive adventure machine?

View full pricing & specs

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

Deep dive comparison

2026 Volvo EX30 2025 Kia EV5

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. It’s an impressive AWD EV. Nice to drive, comfortable and offering the extra driver confidence an AWD system brings.

It also looks good, has a decent stack of features onboard and has plenty of appeal for owners, especially in terms of servicing costs.

As an EV tourer, it has a reasonable driving range and offers enough in terms of AWD flexibility to appeal to those people who may like the idea of an all-electric adventure machine.

But it is small, has a limited scope of off-road capability and pricing is ranging upward for what it offers.

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.

Volvo EX30 vs Kia EV5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo EX30 vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?