Kia EV3 vs Lexus LBX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
Data checked: specs 20 Sep 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$47,600RRP
- with the Lexus LBX's standard kit: $47,600 (nothing to add)
$47,550RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV3 starts from $47,600 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LBX opens at $47,550. That makes the Lexus LBX the more affordable entry point by $50.
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 $52,360 and $52,305 respectively.
The Kia EV3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus LBX does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV3 and Lexus LBX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Kia EV3 and 82% for the Lexus LBX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia EV3, against 5 on the Lexus LBX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Kia EV3
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
Lexus LBX
- REC-006391 · published 22 Jul 2025Due to a software programming issue, a memory device in the Combination Meter may deteriorate over time.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
58.3kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC). 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 Lexus LBX gets a 9.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus LBX. The Lexus LBX counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia EV3 gets cloth upholstery while the Lexus LBX 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 Lexus LBX responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 185Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 100kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia EV3 is 1.7s 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, 110mm longer than the Lexus LBX at 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV3 and 402L in the Lexus LBX, giving the Kia EV3 a 58L advantage.
For towing, the Kia EV3 leads with a 500kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 100kg 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 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (79 vs 72). The Kia EV3 and Lexus LBX trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Kia EV3 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 Lexus LBX?
The Lexus LBX is the cheapest at $47,550 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $50.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LBX uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia EV3 and Lexus LBX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV3 has the largest boot at 460L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV3 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV3 makes the most power at 150kW. 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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