Is the Kia Niro EV cheaper to run than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?

Over 5 years at 15,000 km/year in NSW, the Kia Niro EV costs $46,063 versus $35,840 for the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is $10,223 cheaper overall, driven mainly by depreciation.

How much does it cost to run the Kia Niro EV per year in Australia?

Around $9,213 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.

How much can I save switching from the Kia Niro EV to the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?

About $10,223 over 5 years — roughly $2,045 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.

5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW

Kia Niro EVVSToyota Corolla Ascent Sport

The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is cheaper to run — by $10,223 over 5 years (22% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.

5-yr cheaper total: $35,840; Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
Saving vs rival: $10,223; 22% lower
Cost per km: $0; vs $1
Saving per year: $2,045; on average

Tale of the tape

Headline specs and running costs side by side.

Metric	⚡ Kia Niro EV	⛽ Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport
Driveaway price	$62,990	$33,990
Powertrain	Electric (BEV)	Petrol · ULP 91
Efficiency	17.0 kWh/100km	6.5 L/100km
Battery / fuel	64.8 kWh battery	Petrol · ULP 91
Range	~315 km real-world	—
Annual energy / fuel	$564	$1,999

Run the numbers yourself

interactive

Pre-loaded with the Kia Niro EV and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.

EV Running Cost Calculator

Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.

⚡ Electric vehicle

⛽ Petrol equivalent

Annual distance15,000 km

Ownership period

State / Territory

EV charging mix

Home (grid)70%

Public charger20%

Home solar10%

Total: 100%

Over 5 years, the Kia Niro EV costs $5,147 more than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport — but fuel savings grow every year.

Electric

Kia Niro EV

Energy / Fuel: $2,818
Registration: $2,500
Insurance: $7,500
Servicing: $1,750
Depreciation: $31,495

5-Year Total

$46,063

$1/km · $9,213/yr

Petrol

Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport

CHEAPER

Energy / Fuel: $11,070
Registration: $2,500
Insurance: $7,500
Servicing: $2,750
Depreciation: $17,096

5-Year Total

$40,916

$1/km · $8,183/yr

💰 YOU SAVE $5,147

5-Year Cost Breakdown

Energy / Fuel

$2,818

PET

$11,070

Registration

$2,500

PET

$2,500

Insurance

$7,500

PET

$7,500

Servicing

$1,750

PET

$2,750

Depreciation

$31,495

PET

$17,096

Compare Kia Niro EV vs Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport in detail See all Kia running costs

5-year cost breakdown

Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.

Category	Kia Niro EV	Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport	Difference
Energy / fuel	$2,818	$9,994	−$7,176
Registration	$2,500	$2,500	—
Insurance	$7,500	$7,000	+$500
Servicing	$1,750	$2,750	−$1,000
Depreciation	$31,495	$13,596	+$17,899
Total (5 yrs)	$46,063	$35,840	$10,223

Which is cheaper to run?

Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport costs $35,840 to own and run, against $46,063 for the Kia Niro EV. That is a $10,223 difference — about $2,045 a year, or $170 a month.

The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $17,899. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the Kia Niro EV's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.

Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.

FAQ

Is the Kia Niro EV cheaper to run than the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?: Over 5 years at 15,000 km/year in NSW, the Kia Niro EV costs $46,063 versus $35,840 for the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport. The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport is $10,223 cheaper overall, driven mainly by depreciation.
How much does it cost to run the Kia Niro EV per year in Australia?: Around $9,213 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
How much can I save switching from the Kia Niro EV to the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport?: About $10,223 over 5 years — roughly $2,045 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.