Kia EV4 vs smart #3
Two electric cars 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV4 starts from $59,190 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $1,290.
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 $65,109 and $63,690 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia EV4 and smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Kia EV4 and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Kia EV4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
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 140kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 140kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV4 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV4 stands out with V2L that you will not find on the smart #3. The smart #3 counters with panoramic roof, Beats audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV4 uses a Electric Motor producing 150kW and 283Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 81.4kWh (Kia EV4) vs 66kWh (smart #3), giving WLTP ranges of 630km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 140kW (Kia EV4) vs 150kW (smart #3).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV4 measures 4,730mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 330mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the Kia EV4 and 370L in the smart #3, giving the Kia EV4 a 120L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 11.5m
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m 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 EV4) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3). The Kia EV4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV4 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV4 takes 6 of 11 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia EV4 has a clear edge. The Kia EV4 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 EV4 and smart #3?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV4 by $1,290.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV4 has the most range at 612km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV4 and smart #3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV4 has the largest boot at 490L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #3 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #3 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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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