Is This the Tesla Model Y Killer? Kia’s New EV5 is Cheaper, Faster, and Ready to Take Over Australia

The Tesla Model Y has dominated Australia’s electric vehicle market, but now faces its biggest challenge yet—the Kia EV5, an all-new electric midsize SUV. Kia aims to make this model its top seller in the country, and with a price tag significantly lower than Tesla’s, it’s setting the stage for fierce competition. The base model EV5, the Air, is priced at AUD 56,770 on the road, compared to the AUD 68,868 for the single-motor Tesla Model Y in New South Wales. Kia’s lineup includes both standard and long-range options, with the Air Long Range listing at AUD 61,770 before on-road costs, and the mid-range EV5 Earth at AUD 64,770. The flagship GT Line, expected to arrive later, is priced at AUD 71,770.

The EV5 Air comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, roof racks, and power mirrors, while the interior features a mix of cloth and faux leather seating with a massage function for the driver. The tech setup includes twin 12.3-inch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo system. The Earth trim adds 19-inch wheels, faux leather seats, and privacy glass, while the GT Line packs in even more, such as 20-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and an augmented rear head-up display.

Design-wise, the EV5 shares the boxy, modern aesthetic of the larger Kia EV9 but is more accessible and familiar, particularly with its blend of rounded edges and sharp angles. Inside, the cabin is clean and tech-focused, with the same triple-screen setup found in recent Kia models. However, some interior materials lack the premium feel expected at this price point.

The EV5 is about the same size as a Tesla Model Y, offering ample interior space. There’s plenty of room for passengers, even in the rear seats, with clever design touches like well-placed charging ports and storage bins. The trunk provides 513 liters of storage, expandable by folding down the rear seats, and the vehicle-to-load feature lets you power devices from the car’s battery.

The base EV5 Air comes with a single front-mounted motor producing 160kW and 310Nm, offering an 8.5-second sprint to 100 km/h. The long-range versions are slightly slower due to the extra battery weight. The all-wheel-drive Earth model steps up to 230kW and 480Nm, hitting 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Battery options range from a 64.2kWh pack with 400 km of range to the larger 88.1kWh battery providing up to 555 km, depending on the model. All versions support fast charging, with the ability to go from 10% to 80% in under 40 minutes.

On the road, the EV5 delivers a solid driving experience. While the steering feels artificially heavy at times, and there’s some noticeable wind noise at higher speeds, the vehicle remains stable, comfortable, and easy to drive. Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems are comprehensive, offering features like junction crossing alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, and semi-autonomous highway cruising. For those seeking extras like blind-spot monitoring or a surround-view monitor, the GT Line is the option to choose.

Kia backs the EV5 with a 7-year unlimited-kilometer warranty and offers prepaid servicing options. With the right balance of size, price, and performance, the Kia EV5 could be the vehicle that finally challenges Tesla’s reign in Australia’s EV market.