BYD Atto 3 vs Kia EV3
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 20 Sep 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$39,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Wireless Phone Charging not offered
$47,600RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BYD Atto 3 & Kia EV3
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 3 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV3 opens at $47,600. That makes the BYD Atto 3 the more affordable entry point by $7,610.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $52,360 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the BYD Atto 3 and 83% for the Kia EV3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Atto 3, against 6 on the Kia EV3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BYD Atto 3 and 7 in the Kia EV3.
Recalls on our record
BYD Atto 3
- REC-005579 · published 22 Dec 2022BYD is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall on all affected vehicles.Year range on the notice: 2022
Kia EV3
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
49.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 70kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 70kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
58.3kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 5-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 BYD Atto 3 stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV3. The Kia EV3 counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Atto 3 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Kia EV3 offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the BYD Atto 3 and 2-zone in the Kia EV3.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia EV3 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 49.9kWh (BYD Atto 3) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3), giving WLTP ranges of 345km and 436km.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 155mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 3 and 460L in the Kia EV3, giving the Kia EV3 a 20L advantage.
For towing, the BYD Atto 3 leads with a 750kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia EV3: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 74, but the BYD Atto 3 is $7,610 cheaper
The Kia EV3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 74), taking 6 of 8 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Kia EV3 ahead by 19), energy efficiency (Kia EV3 ahead by 17), reliability (Kia EV3 ahead by 5). The Kia EV3 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3?
The BYD Atto 3 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $7,610.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV3 has the most range at 436km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BYD Atto 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 70kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV3 has the largest boot at 460L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV3 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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