Jeep Compass 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
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Compass features a 10.1-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 Jeep Compass stands out with wireless charging and heated front seats that you will not find on the Kia EV3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Compass uses a Petrol I4 Turbo + PHEV producing 132kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 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 132kW. In the real-world sprint, the Jeep Compass is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 11.4kWh (Jeep Compass) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Compass measures 4,404mm long on a 2,636mm wheelbase, 104mm 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 438L in the Jeep Compass and 310L in the Kia EV3, giving the Jeep Compass a 128L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m 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: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Compass) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Compass if: You need more boot space, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Jeep Compass and Kia EV3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Jeep Compass has a clear edge. 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.
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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