Kia EV3 vs EV4: Which Electric Kia Should You Buy in Australia?
Kia’s two most affordable electric models share batteries and much of their technology, but they are very different shapes. The EV3 is a compact SUV. The EV4 is a medium sedan, and it is the longest-range EV Kia sells in Australia. The decision comes down to body style, how far you drive and which features matter to you.
Compiled from published specifications; not a road test. Prices are before on-road costs unless stated.
The short version
- EV3: compact SUV, higher seating position, lower entry price, strong equipment for the money.
- EV4: medium sedan, slightly longer range, more efficient on paper, and a higher starting price.
- Both: front-wheel drive, 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery, seven-year warranty.
- Deciding question: do you want an SUV or a sedan?
At a glance
| EV3 | EV4 (sedan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Small SUV | Medium sedan |
| Entry price | $47,600 (2025 launch, Air Standard) | $49,990 (Air Standard) |
| Top price | $63,950 (2025 launch, GT-Line) | $64,690 (GT-Line) |
| Batteries | 58.3 kWh / 81.4 kWh | 58.3 kWh / 81.4 kWh |
| Best WLTP range | 604 km | 612 km |
| Standard-range WLTP | 436 km | 456 km |
| Drive | Front-wheel | Front-wheel |
EV4 prices were announced in January 2026. EV3 prices are from its 2025 launch and may have changed, so compare current list prices on kia.com.au.
Range and efficiency
The EV4’s WLTP figures are 456 km (standard range) and 612 km (long range), with combined consumption of 14.3 and 14.9 kWh/100 km. It uses the same battery sizes as the EV3, so the EV4’s modest range advantage comes from efficiency. Real-world range falls with highway speed, cold weather, towing and heavy loads.
A running-cost example
Assume you drive 15,000 km a year and pay an illustrative $0.30 per kWh at home:
- EV4 standard range (14.3 kWh/100 km): about 2,145 kWh, or roughly $644 a year.
- EV4 long range (14.9 kWh/100 km): about 2,235 kWh, or roughly $670 a year.
These figures are based on the official test consumption and ignore charging losses, which add to real energy use. Public fast charging usually costs more per kWh than home charging. Plug in your own tariff to see what you would pay.
Body style and practicality
- EV3: higher seating, a more upright body, about 460 litres of boot space and 1,000 kg towing. It is easier to get in and out of, and easier for child seats and older passengers.
- EV4: a low medium-size sedan. Kia Australia confirmed the hatchback version would not be sold locally; only the Korean-built sedan comes here.
If you regularly lift children, shopping or bulky gear, the EV3’s height can be a practical advantage. If you prefer a lower, more car-like driving position, the sedan will suit you.
Features that differ by grade
Exterior vehicle-to-load (V2L) power, which lets you run appliances from the car, is standard on the EV3, but on the EV4 you must step up to the Earth grade. Wireless phone charging is standard on the EV3 but on the EV4 only in the GT-Line. If those features matter, compare equipment lists, not just price.
Charging
Kia claims the EV3 Long Range can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in about 31 minutes on a 350 kW charger. Check Kia’s current figures for the EV4 and for the battery you choose. In practice, the charger’s output, the battery temperature and how full the battery is determine real charging times. Most owners charge at home, so plan that before delivery. See our EV3 guide for a home-charging checklist.
Warranty
Both come with seven years of unlimited-kilometre warranty with battery cover of 150,000 km. Confirm servicing details for EVs, as capped-price servicing coverage for Kia EVs was not included at the EV3’s launch.
Which one to choose
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest price of entry | EV3 Standard Range |
| Prefer a higher SUV seating position | EV3 |
| Do a lot of highway kilometres | EV4 Long Range |
| Want the longest range Kia offers | EV4 Long Range |
| Need V2L at the lowest grade | EV3 |
| Prefer a sedan shape | EV4 |
A test-drive plan
- Drive both on the same route, including a freeway stretch.
- Compare seat height, visibility and rear-seat room.
- Try the regenerative braking settings.
- Check boot access with your usual gear.
- Ask each dealer for the current drive-away price and delivery date.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EV4 all-wheel drive? No. Both are front-wheel drive.
Can I get an EV4 hatchback in Australia? Kia Australia confirmed only the sedan is coming.
Which is cheaper to run? On official figures the EV4 is efficient, but your electricity tariff, driving and charging habits matter more than the small difference between models.
Related reading
Sources
CarExpert, The Driven, Cars24, RACV and WhichCar (2025–2026). The electricity price in the example is illustrative only.