smart #3 vs Kia EV5
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.
Data checked: specs 20 Sep 2026, price 1 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$52,900RRP
- with the Kia EV5's standard kit: $52,900 (nothing to add)
$56,770RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the smart #3 & Kia EV5
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Price Breakdown
The smart #3 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $56,770. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $3,870.
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 $58,190 and $62,447 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
Both the smart #3 and Kia EV5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the smart #3 and 88% for the Kia EV5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the smart #3, against 6 on the Kia EV5.
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 Kia EV5.
Recalls on our record
smart #3
- REC-006233 · published 17 Jan 2025The rear double seat belt buckles may have been incorrectly anchored.Year range on the notice: 2024
Kia EV5
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
64.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The smart #3 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 9.2-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Beats audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the smart #3 gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV5 offers cloth & artificial leather.
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 Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), 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 64.2kWh (Kia EV5), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 400km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #3) vs 150kW (Kia EV5).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 215mm shorter than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 370L in the smart #3 and 513L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 143L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 300kg. That 1,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m to 11.7m
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
smart #3: Level on the CarSorted Score at 75, ahead on the category wins
The smart #3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 75), taking 6 of 9 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (smart #3 ahead by 14), reliability (Kia EV5 ahead by 14), energy efficiency (smart #3 ahead by 10). If boot space matters, the Kia EV5 has a clear edge. The Kia EV5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #3 and Kia EV5?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV5 by $3,870.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #3 has the most range at 435km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: smart #3 and Kia EV5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 513L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
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.
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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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