BMW X3 vs Kia EV5

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X3 at 5 stars (2025) and the Kia EV5 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the BMW X3 and 88% for the Kia EV5, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 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 6 in the BMW X3 and 7 in the Kia EV5. The BMW X3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV5 misses.

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 BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X3 stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Kia EV5 offers cloth & artificial leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 2-zone in the Kia EV5.

Drivetrain

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 140kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 140mm longer than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 513L in the Kia EV5, giving the BMW X3 a 57L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 2,100kg 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 EV5's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 11.7 m against 12.1 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 BMW X3 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and electricity for the Kia EV5 about $874 a year (18.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X3) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV5).

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 513L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 300kg).

The Kia EV5: the lower starting price ($56,770 against $86,100), more power (160kW against 140kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

BMW X3 scores higher, 73 vs 71

The BMW X3 scores 73 to the Kia EV5's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (BMW X3 ahead by 31 points), practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 21 points), value (Kia EV5 ahead by 14 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 513L in the Kia EV5. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW X3, 7 on the Kia EV5.

Common questions