Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX60

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Volvo EX60. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

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 a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Kia EV3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX60 gets a 15-inch display and 11.4-inch instruments.

The Kia EV3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX60. The Volvo EX60 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV3 gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo EX60 offers nordico. Climate control is 2-zone in the Kia EV3 and 3-zone in the Volvo EX60.

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 Volvo EX60 responds with a Electric making 275kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The Volvo EX60 has the clear power advantage at 275kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo EX60 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 83kWh (Volvo EX60), giving WLTP ranges of 436km and 610km.

Space & Comfort

The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 503mm shorter than the Volvo EX60 at 4,803mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX60 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 460L in the Kia EV3 and 523L in the Volvo EX60, giving the Volvo EX60 a 63L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo EX60 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia EV3's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Kia EV3 costs about $600 a year (12.5 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Volvo EX60 about $715 a year (14.9 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $115 a year less for the Kia EV3.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV3) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX60).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV3: the lower starting price ($47,600 against $86,990), the longer warranty (7 years against 5) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($600 a year against $715).

The Volvo EX60: more power (275kW against 150kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (523L against 460L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 500kg).

The Verdict

Kia EV3 scores higher, 81 vs 71

The Kia EV3 scores 81 to the Volvo EX60's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 11 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Kia EV3 ahead by 31 points), performance (Volvo EX60 ahead by 24 points), value (Kia EV3 ahead by 16 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Kia EV3 costs about $115 less (12.5 kWh/100km against 14.9 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 460L in the Kia EV3, 523L in the Volvo EX60. Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV3, 5 on the Volvo EX60.

Common questions