Kia EV3 vs Subaru Outback
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV3 starts from $48,315 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Kia EV3 the more affordable entry point by $675.
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 $53,889 respectively.
The Kia EV3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Outback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV3 and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Kia EV3 and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 Outback.
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.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV3 stands out with V2L that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia EV3 gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 137kW. 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, 580mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV3 and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 70L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,500kg 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 11.1m
Based on 10.4m 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
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 Outback). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV3 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback 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 Outback?
The Kia EV3 is the cheapest at $48,315 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $675.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Outback uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV3 and Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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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