smart #1 vs Kia EV6
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 smart #1 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV6 opens at $72,590. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $17,690.
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 $60,390 and $79,849 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 #1 and Kia EV6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the smart #1 and 90% for the Kia EV6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Kia EV6.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #1 and 7 in the Kia EV6. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV6 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV6. The Kia EV6 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 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 6.7 seconds.
The Kia EV6 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #1) vs 77.4kWh (Kia EV6), giving WLTP ranges of 420km and 541km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #1) vs 240kW (Kia EV6).
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 410mm shorter than the Kia EV6 at 4,680mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 203L in the smart #1 and 490L in the Kia EV6, giving the Kia EV6 a 287L advantage.
For towing, the Kia EV6 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.
11.1m to 11.6m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 #1) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV6). The Kia EV6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV6 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV6 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia EV6 has a clear edge. The Kia EV6 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 #1 and Kia EV6?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV6 by $17,690.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV6 has the most range at 429km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV6 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #1 and Kia EV6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV6 has the largest boot at 490L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV6 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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