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Review
Kia electric vehicle range review in Australia: EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6 & EV9 compared
Thinking about a Kia electric car? See how the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6 and EV9 compare for driving, ownership and value in Australia, plus what we know about the upcoming EV2.
Australia’s electric vehicle market has never offered more choice, with car buyers now able to compare a growing range of brands, body styles and price points to suit different lifestyles. Established players such as Kia, alongside newer entrants including Tesla, BYD, Geely and Zeekr, are expanding the market with electric vehicles that vary widely in size, driving range, technology and affordability.
This increased competition means buyers can now prioritise what matters most – whether that’s efficiency, interior space, performance, charging capability, safety or overall value for money.
| Kia EV range in Australia | ||
|---|---|---|
|
EV3 |
Small SUV |
Entry‑level, city and suburban use |
|
EV4 |
Sedan |
Buyers who prefer |
|
EV5 |
Mid-size SUV |
Families looking for a traditional SUV |
|
EV6 |
Mid-size sports SUV |
Sporty drivers looking for a design statement |
|
EV9 |
Large SUV |
Buyers needing space and seven seats |
Kia EV3 small electric SUV is the cheapest EV the brand currently offers in Australia
Kia EV3 Review – Small electric SUV
Where the EV3 sits in the Kia EV range
The Kia EV3 is currently Kia’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV. It’s designed as an entry point to EV ownership, particularly for drivers moving out of small SUVs or hatches.
How the Kia EV3 drives
In daily driving, the EV3 feels light and predictable, with an emphasis on ride comfort and easy city and suburban driving. Steering is light, visibility is good, and the suspension absorbs uneven roads well. On the open road, the EV3 remains stable and has a solid feel for a compact SUV.
Living with the Kia EV3
The EV3 is easy to live with day-to-day. Interior space is very generous for a small SUV, with a large boot for the class and a small front compartment (frunk) for charging cables. The cabin layout is intuitive, with screens and controls that don’t overwhelm drivers new to EVs.
Real‑world range varies depending on driving conditions, particularly sustained freeway use, but for commuting around the suburbs and general duties, the EV3 integrates smoothly into everyday driving needs and routines.
Kia EV3 strengths
- Comfortable ride
- Easy to manoeuvre and park
- Strong interior and storage space for its size
- User‑friendly cabin and controls
Kia EV3 trade‑offs
- Higher pricing than some competitors, particularly value‑focused rivals from BYD and MG
- Front‑wheel drive only
Kia EV3 vs key alternatives
Compared with small electric SUV rivals like the BYD Atto 3, the Kia EV3 prioritises interior usability and ride comfort over outright value pricing.
Who the Kia EV3 is for
First‑time EV buyers and city and suburban drivers who want a compact, comfortable and easy-to-drive electric SUV as a first or second car.
Kia EV3 pricing & specs
Compare Kia EV3 pricing and specifications via RACV Car Match
Kia EV4 Review – Mid-size electric sedan
EV4 sedan positioning in Kia’s EV range
Size-wise, the Kia EV4 sits between the EV3 and EV5 and is uniquely positioned as the brand’s true EV sedan option. While a hatchback version exists but is not yet available in Australia, the EV4 sedan here focuses on buyers who prioritise efficiency, range and highway comfort.
How the Kia EV4 sedan drives
The EV4 sedan feels settled and composed, particularly at freeway speeds. The lower ride height contributes to stable handling and reduced wind noise, making it well suited to longer commutes and open‑road driving.
Living with the Kia EV4 sedan
In daily use, the EV4 sedan feels relatively simple and unintimidating for a new EV. The cabin is light and uncluttered, controls are easy to find, and rear-seat space is better than the exterior proportions suggest. While it may lack the outright cargo flexibility and higher seating position of a mid-size SUV, the sedan shape supports better efficiency and relaxed cruising.
Why sedans can offer better EV value
Sedans are far less popular than SUVs in Australia, which can work in a car buyer’s favour. Lower demand can mean greater availability and sharper deals compared to the EV3 or EV5.
Kia EV4 strengths
- Calm, quiet highway behaviour
- Simple, easy‑to‑use interior
- Better rear‑seat space than expected
Kia EV4 trade‑offs
- Less cargo versatility than SUVs
- Sedan body style won’t suit all buyers
Kia EV4 vs Tesla Model 3
Compared with the Tesla Model 3, the Kia EV4 sedan prioritises comfort and familiarity over leading technology, efficiency and acceleration.
Who the Kia EV4 is for
Drivers who value a more traditional sedan approach over an SUV or tech-laden Tesla.
Kia EV4 pricing & specs
Compare Kia EV4 pricing and specifications via RACV Car Match
Kia EV5 Review – Mid‑size electric SUV
EV5’s role as Kia’s family EV
The Kia EV5 is Kia’s core family EV, positioned to replace mid‑size petrol and/or hybrid SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Kia’s own Sportage for those looking to stick with the brand.
Unlike other Kia EVs here, the EV5 is produced in China and is related to the Hyundai Elexio.
How the Kia EV5 drives
The EV5 is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness. Suspension compliance suits Australian roads, delivering a relaxed, predictable driving experience, however it lacks some polish behind the wheel. In recent real-world efficiency testing, the Australian Automobile Association measured the EV5’s energy consumption within 3% of the brand’s claim.
Living with the Kia EV5
The boxy EV5 feels more familiar to drivers coming from family cars such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid than other EVs. Storage is generous, rear seats recline for added comfort, and the cabin layout is conventional and easy to adapt to.
Kia EV5 strengths
- Spacious interior and flexible storage
- Comfortable ride for families
- Easy‑to‑understand cabin layout
Kia EV5 trade‑offs
- Lacks some polish behind the wheel
- Tech doesn’t rival the Tesla Model Y
Kia EV5 vs Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7
Compared with the Tesla Model Y, the EV5 places greater emphasis on familiar controls and operation rather than outright technology and performance, while it’s competitively priced against the BYD Sealion 7.
Who the Kia EV5 is for
Families replacing a petrol or hybrid SUV who prioritise comfort and everyday usability.
Kia EV5 pricing & specs:
Compare Kia EV5 pricing and specifications via RACV Car Match
Kia EV6 mid-size electric SUV has a sporting flavour.
Kia EV6 Review – Performance‑focused mid-size electric SUV
Where the EV6 fits in the range
The Kia EV6 sits above the EV5 and focuses on offering unique styling and strong performance.
How the Kia EV6 drives
The EV6 has sportier intentions than other Kia EVs, which is first conveyed by its unique design which mixes elements of SUV, wagon and sedan body styles. The ride is firmer, particularly on rougher surfaces, but this will appeal to drivers who enjoy a sharper experience behind the wheel.
Kia EV6 strengths
- Good performance and handling
- Distinctive exterior design that stands out in traffic
- High‑quality interior materials and finish
Kia EV6 trade‑offs
- Firmer ride than comfort‑focused Kia EVs
- Sloping roofline reduces rear headroom compared with boxier SUVs
Kia EV6 vs traditional electric SUVs
Where the EV5 prioritises comfort, the EV6 aligns more closely with sportier rivals with a swoopy design, good performance and surprising space.
Who the Kia EV6 is for
Drivers who want an EV that feels dynamic and is eye-catching without stepping into a premium brand like Polestar, or with the large budget required for a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.
Kia EV6 pricing & specs:
Compare Kia EV6 pricing and specifications via RACV Car Match
Kia EV9 Review – Large seven‑seat electric family SUV
EV9 as Kia’s electric flagship
The Kia EV9 is Kia’s largest and most expensive EV, offering genuine seven‑seat capacity and bold, intimidating looks.
How the Kia EV9 drives
Despite its large size, the Kia EV9 delivers a comfortable, stable ride, particularly on long-distance drives. Its dimensions are noticeable in tight city and suburban areas, however, but its array of driver‑assistance systems do help.
Kia EV9 strengths
- Genuine seven‑seat capacity suitable for adults
- Comfortable ride quality for long‑distance family travel
- High level of standard safety and driver‑assistance technology
- Flexible interior layout with strong passenger space
- Credible electric alternative to large petrol and diesel SUVs
Kia EV9 trade‑offs
- Large dimensions make urban driving and parking more demanding
- Energy use increases with size and weight, particularly when fully loaded
Kia EV9 vs large electric SUVs
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 9, the Kia EV9 focuses more on comfort and family usability, though lacks the towing and off-road credentials of Toyota SUVs such as the LandCruiser.
Who the Kia EV9 is for
Large families needing big space and seven seats first, and little need for towing.
Kia EV9 pricing & specs:
Compare Kia EV9 pricing and specifications via RACV Car Match
Future Kia electric vehicles – What’s next?
Kia EV2 – What we know so far
Kia has confirmed the EV2 as a future entry‑level electric model, expected to sit below the EV3. It’s likely to focus on city use, smaller range and greater affordability, expanding Kia’s reach further down‑market and providing more competition to the likes of the Geely EX2, MG4 EV Urban, GAC Aion UT, GWM Ora 5 and BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2.
How to compare Kia EVs properly
Choosing the right Kia EV for you depends on how you drive, your lifestyle needs, how many seats you need and what you intend to carry. Comparing pricing, specifications, safety ratings and ownership factors through RACV Car Match can help clarify which model best fits your needs if you're thinking of switching to an electric car.
More: How much should I spend on a car?
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
