Kia PV5 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.
Track the Kia PV5 & smart #3
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Price Breakdown
The Kia PV5 starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the Kia PV5 the more affordable entry point by $1,910.
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 $61,589 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
71.2kWh 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 (11kW AC, 150kW 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 PV5 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7.5-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 PV5 stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the smart #3. The smart #3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Beats audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia PV5 gets cloth upholstery while the smart #3 offers leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Kia PV5 and 2-zone in the smart #3.
Drivetrain
The Kia PV5 uses a Electric Motor producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5 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 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 6.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 71.2kWh (Kia PV5) vs 66kWh (smart #3), giving WLTP ranges of 400km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Kia PV5) vs 150kW (smart #3).
Space & Comfort
The Kia PV5 measures 4,695mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 295mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia PV5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1500L in the Kia PV5 and 370L in the smart #3, giving the Kia PV5 a 1130L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 850kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m diameter
Average
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator — U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.2 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m — 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m — 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide — fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m — careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m — no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 PV5) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3). The Kia PV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia PV5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia PV5 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Kia PV5 has a clear edge. The Kia PV5 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 PV5 and smart #3?
The Kia PV5 is the cheapest at $55,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #3 by $1,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #3 has the most range at 435km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia PV5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 PV5 has the largest boot at 1500L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia PV5 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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