Leapmotor C10 vs Kia EV3
Two electric SUVs 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.
Price Breakdown
The Leapmotor C10 starts from $45,888 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV3 opens at $48,315. That makes the Leapmotor C10 the more affordable entry point by $2,427.
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 $50,477 and $53,147 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 Leapmotor C10 and Kia EV3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Leapmotor C10 and 83% for the Kia EV3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Leapmotor C10 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia EV3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Leapmotor C10 and 7 in the Kia EV3.
Feature Showdown
The Leapmotor C10 features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Leapmotor C10 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and V2L that you will not find on the Kia EV3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Leapmotor C10 uses a Electric producing 160kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Kia EV3 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 283Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Leapmotor C10 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 69.9kWh (Leapmotor C10) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3), giving WLTP ranges of 420km and 559km. DC fast charging peaks at 84kW (Leapmotor C10) vs 101kW (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The Leapmotor C10 measures 4,739mm long on a 2,825mm wheelbase, 439mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Leapmotor C10 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 546L in the Leapmotor C10 and 310L in the Kia EV3, giving the Leapmotor C10 a 236L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 160,000km (Leapmotor C10) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Leapmotor C10 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Leapmotor's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Leapmotor C10 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Leapmotor C10 has a clear edge. 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 (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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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