Lepas L8 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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia EV3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L that the Lepas L8 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lepas L8 uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout.
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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18.3kWh (Lepas L8) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The Lepas L8 measures 4,688mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 388mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lepas L8 generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lepas L8 if: You or prefer Lepas'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 Kia EV3 takes 2 of 2 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lepas L8 and Kia EV3?
The Kia EV3 is the cheapest at $48,315 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lepas L8 uses the least fuel at 1.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
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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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