Kia EV3 vs Land Rover Defender OCTA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender OCTA a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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 Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender OCTA gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV3 stands out with V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender OCTA. The Land Rover Defender OCTA counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Meridian audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV3 gets cloth upholstery while the Land Rover Defender OCTA offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Kia EV3 and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender OCTA.

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 Land Rover Defender OCTA responds with a 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol Mild Hybrid making 467kW and 750Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA has the clear power advantage at 467kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender OCTA is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 513mm shorter than the Land Rover Defender OCTA at 4,813mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender OCTA generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender OCTA leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 3,000kg 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 EV3's turning circle is 2.4 m tighter, 10.4 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Kia EV3 costs about $600 a year (12.5 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender OCTA about $3,734 a year (13.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV3) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender OCTA).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV3: the lower starting price ($47,600 against $304,500) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Land Rover Defender OCTA: more power (467kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 500kg).

The Verdict

Kia EV3 scores higher, 81 vs 55

The Kia EV3 scores 81 to the Land Rover Defender OCTA's 55 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Kia EV3 ahead by 53 points), performance (Land Rover Defender OCTA ahead by 47 points). Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV3, 5 on the Land Rover Defender OCTA.

Common questions