smart #5 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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
94kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
Three-phase AC
11–22kW · 22kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
81.4kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
Three-phase AC
11–22kW · 11kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 101kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 101kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The smart #5 features a 13-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 smart #5 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The smart #5 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 267kW and 373Nm of torque, sent through its transmission to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 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 smart #5 has the clear power advantage at 267kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #5 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 100kWh (smart #5) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3). DC fast charging peaks at 400kW (smart #5) vs 101kW (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The smart #5 measures 4,695mm long on a 2,900mm wheelbase, 395mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 630L in the smart #5 and 460L in the Kia EV3, giving the smart #5 a 170L advantage.
For towing, the smart #5 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 (smart #5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #5 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the smart #5 has a clear edge. The Kia EV3 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #5 and Kia EV3?
The Kia EV3 is the cheapest at $48,315 before on-road costs.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #5 has the most range at 590km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #5 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 400kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 smart #5 has the largest boot at 630L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV3 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #5 makes the most power at 267kW. The smart #5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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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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