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Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX40 comparison

Compare performance (265 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (40,200 £ vs 45,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia EV3 or Volvo EX40?

Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX40: Key differences

Kia EV3

4.6 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • moderately cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • very slightly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
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Volvo EX40

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • barely more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

EV3

Head-to-head: Kia EV3 VS Volvo EX40 — compact electric crossover comparison

The Kia EV3 and the Volvo EX40 go head-to-head in this compact electric crossover comparison: welcome to the Kia EV3 VS Volvo EX40 page. If you’re hunting for a practical electric crossover or a premium compact EV, this duel is where real-world priorities meet showroom promises. We’ll run through character, daily usability and the kind of drivers each car will actually suit rather than drowning you in spreadsheets. The Kia EV3 and the Volvo EX40 may share the same EV category but they speak very different languages — economy and urban cleverness versus composure and refinement. Think of this as a buyer-focused roadmap to decide which personality fits your driveway.

EX40

Two attitudes on four wheels

On one side the Kia EV3 feels intentionally down-to-earth: light-footed, efficient and designed to disappear into city life. On the other, the Volvo EX40 projects a quieter kind of confidence — more composed ride, a premium interior vibe and a tech-forward presence that says "this is deliberate." Where the Kia trades flash for friendly pragmatism, the Volvo leans into substance and a sense of occasion. That contrast is obvious the moment you open the doors: the Kia EV3 is cheerful and accessible; the Volvo EX40 is measured and tidy. Both are modern EVs, but their characters appeal to very different sensibilities.

EV3

How they fit into daily life

For daily life the Kia EV3 is happiest in the city — easy to park, forgiving on short hops and built around economical use. The Volvo EX40 shines on longer spells behind the wheel, promising composure on motorways and a cabin that keeps passengers pleasantly cocooned. Families with regular luggage or active weekend plans will notice the Volvo’s tendency to feel a touch more grown-up and secure for distance driving. Conversely, urban commuters and those who prize straightforward, low-cost running will find the Kia’s packaging and user-friendly setup more useful day to day. Neither is a one-trick pony, but how you split time between city streets and long runs will decide which one feels right.

EX40

Buying it for pride or purpose?

Choosing the Kia EV3 often comes down to sensible justification: it’s an easy-to-own EV that doesn’t ask much from you. Buying the Volvo EX40 is as much about the image as the experience — a quieter, more premium statement that reassures on comfort and safety. If you want your car to be a low-drama tool, the Kia lets the numbers and practicality do the talking. If you prefer your car to underline taste and a bit of status while delivering a composed ride, the Volvo answers in kind. Neither choice is purely rational or purely emotional; it’s about which compromise you’re willing to live with every morning.

EV3

Who should lean toward the Kia EV3?

If you’re a value-conscious commuter who measures choices by ease of ownership, running costs and clever space use, the Kia EV3 reads like a practical manifesto. It’s aimed at people who prefer straightforward tech, simple ergonomics and a car that performs its homework without fuss. Think sensible trips to work, school runs and tight-city parking as core strengths, not afterthoughts. For these buyers the Kia’s balance of usability and thrift is the kind of assurance that just makes life easier.

EX40

Who should favor the Volvo EX40 — and where the Kia still tempts

If your buying checklist starts with cabin calm, brand aura and a premium feel, the Volvo EX40 is the more natural fit. It suits drivers who care about a refined ride, neat materials and the sort of presence that turns mundane journeys into something a little more civilized. Status-conscious buyers who want their car to signal taste and safety will prefer the Volvo’s personality, while technically minded owners will appreciate its modern systems. That said, the Kia EV3 remains the smarter pick for anyone who prefers to spend less and get a very usable EV without ceremony. Scroll down to the technical delta when you’re ready for the hard numbers — they’ll tell you exactly where these practical and premium choices diverge.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

EV3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia EV3 is moderately cheaper – starting at 40,200 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,066 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Kia EV3 is very slightly more efficient: consuming 15.8 kWh/100km compared to 16.6 kWh/100km for the Volvo EX40. That’s a difference of about 0.8 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX40 offers barely more range – reaching up to 576 km, about 4 km more than the Kia EV3.

EX40

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo EX40 offers significantly more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 265 HP. That’s roughly 177 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX40 is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Kia EV3 takes 6.6 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX40 delivers clearly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 385 Nm. That’s about 285 Nm more.

EV3

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia EV3 is very slightly lighter – 1,995 kg compared to 2,040 kg. The difference is around 45 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia EV3 offers barely more boot space – 413 L compared to 410 L. That’s a difference of about 3 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia EV3 carries only slightly more – 485 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £45,200
EX40

Volvo EX40

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 477 - 576 km
Kia EV3
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 is a stylish, user-friendly electric crossover that focuses on practicality and a roomy, well-equipped cabin. It delivers a comfortable ride with intuitive technology and efficient everyday performance, making it a sensible choice for city and family use.

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Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV that blends Scandinavian minimalism with a comfortable, high-quality interior suited to daily driving and longer trips. It prioritizes safety and intuitive technology, delivering a calm, refined experience that feels mature and easy to live with.

details
Kia EV3
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption

Price
40,200 - 43,900 £
Price
45,200 - 56,000 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
572 km
Electric Range
477 - 576 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,995 kg
Curb weight
2,040 - 2,170 kg
Trunk capacity
413 L
Trunk capacity
410 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,850 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 kg
Payload
430 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
265 HP
Power HP
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
385 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
195 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Kia
Brand
Volvo
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.