Kia EV3 vs Hyundai Kona Electric
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 Kia EV3 starts from $48,315 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $7,815.
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 $53,147 and $44,550 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 Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Kia EV3 and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia EV3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV3 and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with wireless charging and heated front seats that the Kia EV3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 283Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 559km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 101kW (Kia EV3) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 310L in the Kia EV3 and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 51L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV3 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona Electric 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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