smart #3 vs CUPRA Tavascan
Two electric SUV Coupes 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 smart #3 starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Tavascan opens at $60,990. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $3,090.
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 $63,690 and $67,089 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 smart #3 and CUPRA Tavascan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the smart #3 and 89% for the CUPRA Tavascan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Tavascan packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the smart #3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #3 and 7 in the CUPRA Tavascan. The CUPRA Tavascan adds a 360-degree camera that the smart #3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The smart #3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 9.2-inch digital dash, while the CUPRA Tavascan gets a 15-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 stands out with panoramic roof and Beats audio that you will not find on the CUPRA Tavascan. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the smart #3 gets leather upholstery while the CUPRA Tavascan offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the smart #3 and 3-zone in the CUPRA Tavascan.
Drivetrain
The smart #3 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The CUPRA Tavascan responds with a Electric Motor making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.
The CUPRA Tavascan has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 77kWh (CUPRA Tavascan), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 531km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (smart #3) vs 135kW (CUPRA Tavascan).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 244mm shorter than the CUPRA Tavascan at 4,644mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the smart #3 and 540L in the CUPRA Tavascan, giving the CUPRA Tavascan a 280L 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.
10.2m to 11.5m
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m 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: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Tavascan). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Tavascan if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CUPRA Tavascan takes 6 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Tavascan has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #3 and CUPRA Tavascan?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the CUPRA Tavascan by $3,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The CUPRA Tavascan has the most range at 531km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The CUPRA Tavascan accepts the highest DC charging at up to 135kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #3 and CUPRA Tavascan all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The CUPRA Tavascan has the largest boot at 540L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The CUPRA Tavascan makes the most power at 210kW. 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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