smart #3 vs Hyundai IONIQ 5
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.
Price Breakdown
The smart #3 starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 opens at $71,990. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $14,090.
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 $79,189 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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the smart #3 and 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
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 Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 adds a 360-degree camera that the smart #3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The smart #3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai IONIQ 5 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 counters with head-up display, ventilated seats, V2L and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Hyundai IONIQ 5 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 84kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 5), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 433km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (smart #3) vs 220kW (Hyundai IONIQ 5).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 235mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at 4,635mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the smart #3 and 527L in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 5 a 267L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 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: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 5 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 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 Hyundai IONIQ 5?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 5 by $14,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the most range at 570km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 220kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #3 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has the largest boot at 527L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
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.
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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