Suzuki e Vitara 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.
Price Breakdown
The Suzuki e Vitara starts from $46,700 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV3 opens at $48,315. That makes the Suzuki e Vitara the more affordable entry point by $1,615.
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 $51,370 and $53,147 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 Suzuki e Vitara and Kia EV3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 77% for the Suzuki e Vitara and 83% for the Kia EV3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia EV3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Suzuki e Vitara.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki e Vitara stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Kia EV3. The Kia EV3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki e Vitara uses a Electric Motor producing 128kW and 189Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 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 Kia EV3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 128kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV3 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 49kWh (Suzuki e Vitara) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3), giving WLTP ranges of 344km and 559km. DC fast charging peaks at 129kW (Suzuki e Vitara) vs 101kW (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki e Vitara measures 4,275mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 25mm shorter than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Suzuki e Vitara generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara and 310L in the Kia EV3, giving the Kia EV3 a 4L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m 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 / 999,999km (Suzuki e Vitara) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki e Vitara if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV3 takes 7 of 11 key spec categories. 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, Suzuki e Vitara and Kia EV3?
The Suzuki e Vitara is the cheapest at $46,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV3 by $1,615.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV3 has the most range at 436km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Suzuki e Vitara accepts the highest DC charging at up to 129kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Suzuki e Vitara and 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 Kia EV3 has the largest boot at 310L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV3 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV3 makes the most power at 150kW. The Kia EV3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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