MG MGS5 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 MG MGS5 starts from $44,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV3 opens at $48,315. That makes the MG MGS5 the more affordable entry point by $3,325.
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 $49,489 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 MG MGS5 and Kia EV3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MGS5 and 83% for the Kia EV3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia EV3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the MG MGS5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The MG MGS5 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV3 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MGS5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia EV3. The Kia EV3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MGS5 uses a Electric Motor producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 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 Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64kWh (MG MGS5) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3), giving WLTP ranges of 510km and 559km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (MG MGS5) vs 101kW (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The MG MGS5 measures 4,476mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 176mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 453L in the MG MGS5 and 310L in the Kia EV3, giving the MG MGS5 a 143L advantage.
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.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MGS5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The MG MGS5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MGS5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG MGS5 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the MG MGS5 has a clear edge. The MG MGS5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MGS5 and Kia EV3?
The MG MGS5 is the cheapest at $44,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $3,325.
Which has the longest driving range?
The MG MGS5 has the most range at 510km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The MG MGS5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MGS5 and Kia EV3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG MGS5 has the largest boot at 453L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MGS5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV3 makes the most power at 150kW. The Kia EV3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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