Head-to-head
Cupra Tavascan vs Smart #3
The Smart #3 starts $3,090 (5%) below the Cupra Tavascan. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Coupe
Cupra Tavascan
Cupra's first electric SUV — a coupe-SUV that competes against the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 4. Built in China for global markets, with VW Group's MEB platform underneath.
- From
- $60,990
- Range
- 531 km
- Battery
- 77 kWh
Option B · Coupe
Smart #3
Smart's coupe-SUV companion to the #1. Same Geely-built mechanicals but with a sleeker fastback roofline. The Brabus AWD variant cracks 3.7s 0-100.
- From
- $57,900
- Range
- 455 km
- Battery
- 66 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Cupra Tavascan and Smart #3, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Cupra Tavascan
The Cupra Tavascan goes 76 km further on a charge (531 vs 455 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage Cupra Tavascan
The Cupra Tavascan carries a 11.0 kWh larger battery (77 vs 66 kWh).
- 3
Boot · advantage Cupra Tavascan
The Cupra Tavascan swallows 170 L more cargo with the rear seats up (540 vs 370 L).
- 4
Price · advantage Smart #3
The Smart #3 undercuts the Cupra Tavascan by $3,090 (5%) on starting price.
- 5
0–100 km/h · advantage Smart #3
The Smart #3 is 1.0 s quicker to 100 km/h (5.8 s vs 6.8 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Cupra Tavascan wins
- ▸ 76 km longer WLTP range
Where the Smart #3 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $3,090
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.8s vs 6.8s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (150 kW vs 135 kW)
Cupra Tavascan
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive Spanish design language
- ✓ Strong torque from the 545 Nm rear motor
- ✓ Practical 540 L boot for a coupe-SUV
What we don't
- ✕ 4-star ANCAP rating trails segment leaders
- ✕ Built in China — matters to some buyers
- ✕ Cupra service network limited regionally
Smart #3
What we like
- ✓ Sub-6-second 0-100 in Pro+ RWD trim
- ✓ Sleeker coupe-SUV silhouette
- ✓ Same Geely engineering as well-received Smart #1
What we don't
- ✕ Coupe roofline cuts rear headroom
- ✕ Smart dealer network is brand new in Australia
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP rated locally
Frequently asked: Cupra Tavascan vs Smart #3
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Cupra Tavascan or the Smart #3?
- The Smart #3 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $57,900 versus $60,990 for the Cupra Tavascan, a $3,090 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Cupra Tavascan has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 531 km, 76 km further than the Smart #3's 455 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Smart #3 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 150 kW versus 135 kW for the Cupra Tavascan. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Smart #3 does 0–100 km/h in 5.8 seconds — 1.0 s quicker than the Cupra Tavascan's 6.8 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Smart #3 better value than the Cupra Tavascan?
- On paper the Smart #3 is $3,090 cheaper, but the Cupra Tavascan edges ahead on most other measurable specs. Whether the saving justifies the gap depends on which features matter most to you, and how much weight you give to brand and dealer factors.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Cupra Tavascan
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (76 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly load it up (170 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: design-led buyers
Choose the
Smart #3
if…
- ✓ you want to save $3,090 on the sticker
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you match the profile: style-led buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.