Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Kia EV3

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Audi SQ5 Sportback and Kia EV3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 83% for the Kia EV3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 7 in the Kia EV3.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV3 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV3. The Kia EV3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV3 offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Kia EV3.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

The Kia EV3 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 283Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 417mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 460L in the Kia EV3, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 55L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia EV3's turning circle is 1.4 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and electricity for the Kia EV3 about $600 a year (12.5 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV3).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 150kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 460L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 500kg).

The Kia EV3: the lower starting price ($47,600 against $109,900) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Kia EV3 scores higher, 81 vs 73

The Kia EV3 scores 81 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 7 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 36 points), value (Kia EV3 ahead by 29 points). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 460L in the Kia EV3. Warranty: 5 years on the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 7 on the Kia EV3.

Common questions