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.
Kia EV3
From $48,315
SUV
Electric
Electric
150kW
—
5★ ANCAP
460L
Leapmotor C10
From $43,888
SUV
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol
158kW
0.4 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
546L
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV3 starts from $48,315 before on-road costs, while the Leapmotor C10 opens at $43,888. That makes the Leapmotor C10 the more affordable entry point by $4,427.
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 $48,277 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
81.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 101kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 101kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
28.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 65kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 65kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, 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 and power tailgate that the Kia EV3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia EV3 gets cloth upholstery while the Leapmotor C10 offers synthetic leather.
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 Petrol making 158kW 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 158kW 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 28.4kWh (Leapmotor C10), giving WLTP ranges of 559km and 145km. DC fast charging peaks at 101kW (Kia EV3) vs 65kW (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 460L in the Kia EV3 and 546L in the Leapmotor C10, giving the Leapmotor C10 a 86L advantage.
For towing, the Leapmotor C10 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.4m
Based on 10.4m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 6 years / 150,000km (Leapmotor C10). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You value a longer warranty, 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, need stronger towing, or prefer Leapmotor's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia EV3 and Leapmotor C10 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Leapmotor C10 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia EV3 and Leapmotor C10?
The Leapmotor C10 is the cheapest at $43,888 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $4,427.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Leapmotor C10 uses the least fuel at 0.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Leapmotor C10 has the largest boot at 546L.
Which can tow the most?
The Leapmotor C10 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV3 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Leapmotor C10 makes the most power at 158kW. The Kia EV3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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