2026 Forthing Taikon 5 arrives as Australia's cheapest mid-size electric SUV

Key takeaways

• 2026 Forthing Taikon 5 is Australia's cheapest mid-size electric SUV
• Four-model range priced from $36,990 to $42,490 drive-away
• BEV offers 427km WLTP range, hybrid claims 937km combined

A new Chinese brand has touched down locally.

The 2026 Forthing Taikon 5 has arrived with a pricing pitch built to grab attention. The mid-size SUV opens at $36,990 drive-away, which makes it the most affordable mid-size electric SUV on sale in Australia and the cheapest range-extender hybrid of any kind. First showroom deliveries are due later this month.

Forthing is part of China's Dongfeng Motor Group and reaches Australia through Ateco Group, the independent distributor that also handles LDV, Maserati, Ram and Renault.

2026 Forthing Taikon 5 pricing

Two powertrains and two grades make up the range. Metallic paint costs an extra $600.

Specs and performance

The petrol engine in the Range Extender Hybrid never drives the wheels. It runs as a generator on 91-octane unleaded to top up the battery, which then feeds the electric motor.

Both versions charge from 30% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes on DC power and offer 3.5kW vehicle-to-load, so each can run external appliances. The Taikon 5 stretches 4600mm long on a 2715mm wheelbase, putting it square in Toyota RAV4 territory.

How the Taikon 5 stacks up against the competition

On price, the Forthing undercuts the field.

The BYD Atto 3 starts at $39,990 before on-road costs and the Geely EX5 opens at $41,990. The hybrid's closest match is the slightly smaller Leapmotor B10 priced from $37,888 plus on-roads.

Every Taikon 5 lands with a seven-year, 200,000km warranty. Servicing falls due every 12 months or 15,000km for the hybrid, and 12 months or 20,000km for the BEV.

"We are pleased to offer Australian new-car buyers a range of affordable options in the booming new-energy vehicle class," said Shaun Garrard, National Manager of Forthing in Australia.

For buyers chasing maximum value in a family-sized EV or hybrid, the Taikon 5 has just rewritten the entry point.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2026 Forthing Taikon 5 in Australia?

Pricing runs from $36,990 to $42,490 drive-away across four models. Metallic paint adds $600.

What is the driving range of the Forthing Taikon 5?

The electric version claims 427km on the WLTP cycle. The Range Extender Hybrid offers 170km of electric range and up to 937km combined with the petrol generator.

When does the Forthing Taikon 5 go on sale in Australia?

First Australian showroom deliveries are due later this month, June 2026, with expressions of interest open now.