Kia EV3 vs smart #1
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 smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the Kia EV3 the more affordable entry point by $6,585.
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 $60,390 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 smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Kia EV3 and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 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 smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting 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 smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 559km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 101kW (Kia EV3) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 310L in the Kia EV3 and 203L in the smart #1, giving the Kia EV3 a 107L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. 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.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
