Kia EV3 vs Subaru Forester
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 6 Sep 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 Subaru Forester's standard kit: $47,600 (nothing to add)
$45,990RRP
- 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 Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $1,610.
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 $50,589 respectively.
The Kia EV3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Forester does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV3 and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Kia EV3 and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia EV3, against 4 on the Subaru Forester.
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 9 in the Subaru Forester.
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
Subaru Forester
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-001604 · published 2 Jun 2021The rear stabiliser bracket bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- REC-001224 · published 3 Dec 2019Over time the aluminium positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may fracture, allowing the engine to draw an increased amount of engine oil.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 8 more on the model page.
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 Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV3 stands out with wireless charging and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. 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 Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 136kW. 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, 355mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV3 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 36L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,300kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.4m 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
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 (Subaru Forester). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Subaru Forester).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia EV3: Top CarSorted Score, 79 vs 76, but the Subaru Forester is $1,610 cheaper
The Kia EV3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (79 vs 76), taking 3 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Kia EV3 ahead by 22), practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 16), value (Kia EV3 ahead by 7). If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $1,610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Kia EV3 and Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 496L with the seats up (1,174L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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.
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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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