Head-to-head
Kia EV5 vs Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 starts $9,170 (16%) below the Kia EV5. Here's how that price gap plays out across range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
Kia EV5
The EV5 slots between the Niro EV and EV6 and targets family buyers with a roomy cabin, a 555 km long-range battery, and Kia's 7-year warranty. Built in China rather than Korea.
- From
- $56,770
- Range
- 555 km
- Battery
- 81.4 kWh
Option B · SUV
Kia EV3
Kia's smallest EV undercuts the EV5 and EV6 while delivering best-in-class WLTP range. The 81.4 kWh Long Range battery in Air trim is the highlight; the 58.3 kWh Standard Range provides the $47,600 from-price.
- From
- $47,600
- Range
- 604 km
- Battery
- 81.4 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Kia EV5 and Kia EV3, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 goes 49 km further on a charge (604 vs 555 km WLTP).
- 2
Price · advantage Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 undercuts the Kia EV5 by $9,170 (16%) on starting price.
- 3
Boot · advantage Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 swallows 53 L more cargo with the rear seats up (513 vs 460 L).
- 4
0–100 km/h · advantage Kia EV3
The Kia EV3 is 1.0 s quicker to 100 km/h (7.5 s vs 8.5 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Kia EV5 wins
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (140 kW vs 128 kW)
Where the Kia EV3 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $9,170
- ▸ 49 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7.5s vs 8.5s)
Kia EV5
What we like
- ✓ 555 km long-range option is best-in-class
- ✓ Seven-year warranty across the line
- ✓ Spacious, well-finished interior
What we don't
- ✕ AWD performance variant not offered
- ✕ Slower 0-100 than direct rivals
- ✕ China origin matters to some buyers
Kia EV3
What we like
- ✓ Class-leading 604 km WLTP range from the Long Range battery
- ✓ Seven-year vehicle warranty
- ✓ Fresh 5-star ANCAP rating from 2025
What we don't
- ✕ DC charging speed (128 kW) trails 800V Kia EV6/EV9
- ✕ Battery warranty distance is 100,000 km (less than some rivals)
- ✕ Standard Range base variant gives up significant range
Frequently asked: Kia EV5 vs Kia EV3
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Kia EV5 or the Kia EV3?
- The Kia EV3 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $47,600 versus $56,770 for the Kia EV5, a $9,170 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Kia EV3 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 604 km, 49 km further than the Kia EV5's 555 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 Kia EV5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 140 kW versus 128 kW for the Kia EV3. 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 Kia EV3 does 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds — 1.0 s quicker than the Kia EV5's 8.5 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the Kia EV3 better value than the Kia EV5?
- On paper the Kia EV3 is $9,170 cheaper, but the Kia EV5 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
Kia EV3
if…
- ✓ you want to save $9,170 on the sticker
- ✓ maximum range matters (49 km further per charge)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
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.