smart #3 vs MG ZS EV
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 30 Aug 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.
MG ZS EV: we're still completing turning circle, braked towing and energy consumption.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$52,900RRP
- with the MG ZS EV's standard kit: $52,900 (nothing to add)
$51,990RRP
- 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 & MG ZS EV
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Price Breakdown
The smart #3 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the MG ZS EV opens at $51,990. That makes the MG ZS EV the more affordable entry point by $910.
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 $57,189 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
MG ZS EV
None open on our record
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
68.3kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 92kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 92kW 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 MG ZS EV gets a 10.1-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Beats audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the MG ZS EV. The MG ZS EV counters with Apple CarPlay. 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 MG ZS EV responds with a Electric Motor making 115kW and 280Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the smart #3 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 72.6kWh (MG ZS EV), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 440km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #3) vs 92kW (MG ZS EV).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 77mm longer than the MG ZS EV at 4,323mm (2,585mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 370L in the smart #3 and 359L in the MG ZS EV, giving the smart #3 a 11L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m diameter
Average
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.2 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 10 years / 250,000km (MG ZS EV). The MG ZS EV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG ZS EV if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (75 vs 64). The smart #3 and MG ZS EV trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The MG ZS EV 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.
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 MG ZS EV?
The MG ZS EV is the cheapest at $51,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #3 by $910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The MG ZS EV has the most range at 440km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
smart #3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for MG ZS EV, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #3 has the largest boot at 370L 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 MG ZS EV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
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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