Kia EV3 vs smart #5
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.
smart #5: not on sale yet, so smart hasn't published price and transmission.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
94kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 400kW 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 smart #5 gets a 13-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #5 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Sennheiser audio 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 #5 counters with its electric setup making 475kW and 710Nm, paired to its gearbox driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
The smart #5 has the clear power advantage at 475kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #5 is 3.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 100kWh (smart #5), giving WLTP ranges of 559km and 539km. DC fast charging peaks at 101kW (Kia EV3) vs 400kW (smart #5).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 395mm shorter than the smart #5 at 4,695mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV3 and 630L in the smart #5, giving the smart #5 a 170L advantage.
For towing, the smart #5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,100kg 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 11.2m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 (smart #5). 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 smart #5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #5 takes 7 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the smart #5 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 smart #5?
The Kia EV3 is the cheapest at $48,315 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #5 has the most range at 539km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 400kW.
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 smart #5 has the largest boot at 630L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV3 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #5 makes the most power at 475kW. The smart #5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.8s.
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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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