Kia EV3 vs Leapmotor C10
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 Leapmotor C10 opens at $45,888. That makes the Leapmotor C10 the more affordable entry point by $2,427.
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 $50,477 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 Leapmotor C10 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Kia EV3 and 89% for the Leapmotor C10.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Leapmotor C10 packs more ADAS features with 8 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 7 in the Kia EV3 and 7 in the Leapmotor C10.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Leapmotor C10 gets a 14.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Leapmotor C10 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and V2L 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 Leapmotor C10 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Leapmotor C10 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 69.9kWh (Leapmotor C10), giving WLTP ranges of 559km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 101kW (Kia EV3) vs 84kW (Leapmotor C10).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 439mm shorter than the Leapmotor C10 at 4,739mm (2,825mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Leapmotor C10 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 310L in the Kia EV3 and 546L in the Leapmotor C10, giving the Leapmotor C10 a 236L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 7 years / 160,000km (Leapmotor C10). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Leapmotor C10 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Leapmotor's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Leapmotor C10 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Leapmotor C10 has a clear edge. 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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