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.
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.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Kia EV3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV3 runs a pure electric powertrain 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 lines up making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 137kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 2.4s quicker. 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, 570mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 310L in the Kia EV3 and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 665L advantage.
0True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years (Kia EV3) vs 5 years (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, 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.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 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 · 18 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!