Kia EV3 vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV opens at $46,490. That makes the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV the more affordable entry point by $1,825.
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 $51,139 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Kia EV3 and 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 13.8kWh (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV), giving WLTP ranges of 559km and 55km. DC fast charging peaks at 101kW (Kia EV3) vs 50kW (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 245mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV at 4,545mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 310L in the Kia EV3 and 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV a 99L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV3 takes 7 of 11 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is the cheapest at $46,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $1,825.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV3 and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has the largest boot at 409L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
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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