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Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV5 comparison

Compare performance (435 HP vs 306 HP), boot space and price (54,800 £ vs 39,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Ariya or Kia EV5?

Nissan Ariya vs Kia EV5: Key differences

Nissan Ariya

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Kia EV5

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • moderately lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Ariya

Overview: Nissan Ariya VS Kia EV5 — two different takes on the family EV

Nissan Ariya and Kia EV5 sit in the same electric-SUV neighborhood but aim at different priorities: the Ariya sells a quiet, premium cabin and composed highway manners, while the EV5 doubles down on usable space and everyday value. In city traffic both feel calm, yet the Ariya projects a more refined, lounge-like atmosphere and the EV5 feels like a practical, no-nonsense family wagon. Buyers will notice quickly that the two cars trade off premium feel against sheer utility; one leans toward refinement, the other toward room and function. This page compares character, comfort, practicality and everyday usability to help you match the right one to your needs.

EV5

Character and driving feel

The Nissan Ariya drives like a refined, weighty cruiser: it soaks up speed and keeps noise to a minimum, with available all-wheel tech that delivers reassuring traction and straight-line calm. The Kia EV5 is softer and more relaxed, built to glide comfortably rather than excite; it’s easier to hustle through town but offers little in the way of sporty feedback. Where the Ariya feels measured and controlled, the EV5 feels compliant and forgiving, so drivers who prefer communicative steering or a playful chassis will find both a bit detached. If you want firmer traction and a calmer high-speed demeanor, the Ariya leans in that direction; if you want an easy, cushioned daily ride, the EV5 is the natural choice.

Ariya

Comfort, cabin vibe and long-distance behavior

Inside, the Nissan Ariya aims for a quieter, more premium ambience with softer surfaces and a deliberate layout that rewards long stints on the motorway. The Kia EV5 is spacious and comfortable too, but its vibe is more utilitarian — robust materials and a simple, functional layout rather than boutique luxury. On long trips the Ariya’s superior noise isolation helps you arrive less tired, though its slower high‑speed charging behavior means planning stops more carefully; the EV5’s greater range efficiency and brisker charging rhythm reduce the number of interruptions, even if the cabin isn’t quite as hushed. In short-haul comfort both are pleasant, but for relaxed, long-distance serenity the Ariya feels more luxurious while the EV5 pays off in fewer, shorter recharge breaks.

EV5

Usability and tech in everyday life

Practical controls and sensible tech shape daily happiness: the Kia EV5 scores with straightforward, well-implemented features such as intuitive regenerative braking control and a generous set of utility functions, including a front luggage compartment for added flexibility. The Nissan Ariya’s interior feels more polished and tactile, but its touch-heavy menus and less mature infotainment can frustrate tech-minded users who want crisp responsiveness and fine charging control. Both cars have driver aids that ease motorway driving, yet the EV5’s assistants can be a bit vocal and over-eager, whereas the Ariya’s systems tend to feel more restrained and polished. If you value clean, simple operation and functional extras, the EV5 will fit better; if you prioritise cabin quality and a composed assistance package, the Ariya holds the edge despite some UI shortcomings.

Ariya

Practicality and family usability

For hauling people and kit the Kia EV5 is the more obvious family companion: a larger boot, an additional front storage area and a rear seat that folds into a very flat load surface make life with kids and luggage easier. The Nissan Ariya still offers excellent rear legroom and a flat floor that passengers appreciate, but its usable cargo volume is a touch less and certain drivetrains reduce luggage space further. Child-seat fitment, ISOFIX mounting and second-row comfort are good in both, yet the EV5’s focus on cargo versatility and clever storage tips it toward buyers who routinely carry bikes, buggies or bulky boxes. If your priority is maximum everyday carrying capacity and simple loading, the EV5 answers that brief; if you want a more upmarket cabin for family trips where feel matters, the Ariya is compelling.

EV5

Who should choose which — buyer-fit summary before the technical details

Choose the Nissan Ariya if your priority is a quiet, refined cabin, confident all‑weather traction and a more premium interior where long motorway stages are about comfort over speed. Pick the Kia EV5 if you need the biggest usable footprint, the best value proposition and fewer or shorter charging interruptions on mixed trips, plus convenient features like a frunk and practical load arrangements. Both cars have compromises: the Ariya trades charging pace and some cargo space for serenity and finish, while the EV5 trades sporting engagement and boutique materials for space and everyday practicality. Read on to the technical comparison to see how those trade-offs translate into range, charging behavior and equipment so you can match the numbers to the lifestyle you actually live.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Ariya

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia EV5 is clearly cheaper – starting at 39,400 £ , while the Nissan Ariya costs 54,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,428 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Kia EV5 is substantially more efficient: consuming 16.9 kWh/100km compared to 24.5 kWh/100km for the Nissan Ariya. That’s a difference of about 7.6 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Kia EV5 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 530 km, about 113 km more than the Nissan Ariya.

EV5

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Nissan Ariya offers markedly more power – delivering 435 HP compared to 306 HP. That’s roughly 129 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Nissan Ariya is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 5 s, while the Kia EV5 takes 6.2 s. That’s about 1.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Nissan Ariya delivers somewhat more torque with 600 Nm compared to 480 Nm. That’s about 120 Nm more.

Ariya

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia EV5 is moderately lighter – 2,069 kg compared to 2,277 kg. The difference is around 208 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Kia EV5 carries noticeably more – 511 kg compared to 363 kg. That’s a difference of about 148 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia EV5 comes out clearly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £39,400
EV5

Kia EV5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 218 - 306 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 16.9 - 18.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 476 - 530 km
Nissan Ariya
Kia EV5

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya wraps futuristic, sculpted styling around a calm, high-tech cabin, making the switch to electric feel surprisingly easy and grown-up. It’s a comfortable, sensible EV that favors everyday usability and clever packaging over headline-grabbing theatrics — ideal for buyers who want an elegant, low-fuss electric car without the ego.

details

Kia EV5

Kia's EV5 is an exciting entry into the electric SUV market, showcasing the brand's commitment to sustainable mobility. With its modern design and advanced technology features, the EV5 promises to deliver a smooth and environmentally friendly driving experience. The interior offers a spacious and comfortable ride, making it an appealing choice for families and eco-conscious drivers alike.

details
Nissan Ariya
Kia EV5

Costs and Consumption

Price
54,800 £
Price
39,400 - 51,400 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
24.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.9 - 18.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
417 km
Electric Range
476 - 530 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,277 kg
Curb weight
2,069 - 2,205 kg
Trunk capacity
415 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,850 mm
Width
1,875 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
363 kg
Payload
465 - 511 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
435 HP
Power HP
218 - 306 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.2 - 8.4 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
600 Nm
Torque
295 - 480 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
320 kW
Power kW
160 - 225 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Nissan
Brand
Kia
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.