Jaecoo J7 SHS 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.
Price Breakdown
The Jaecoo J7 SHS starts from $43,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV3 opens at $48,315. That makes the Jaecoo J7 SHS the more affordable entry point by $4,325.
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 $48,389 and $53,147 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Jaecoo J7 SHS and Kia EV3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 81% for the Jaecoo J7 SHS and 83% for the Kia EV3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jaecoo J7 SHS packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia EV3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Jaecoo J7 SHS and 7 in the Kia EV3. The Jaecoo J7 SHS adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Jaecoo J7 SHS features a 13.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jaecoo J7 SHS stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Kia EV3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jaecoo J7 SHS uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 145kW and 325Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 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 Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 145kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.3kWh (Jaecoo J7 SHS) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The Jaecoo J7 SHS measures 4,500mm long on a 2,672mm wheelbase, 200mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 431L in the Jaecoo J7 SHS and 310L in the Kia EV3, giving the Jaecoo J7 SHS a 121L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J7 SHS) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The Jaecoo J7 SHS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jaecoo J7 SHS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Jaecoo J7 SHS and Kia EV3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Jaecoo J7 SHS has a clear edge. The Jaecoo J7 SHS adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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