@ Kia Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VS

Kia EV3 vs VW ID.3 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Two cars, one duel: Kia EV3 meets VW ID.3.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

EV3 @ Kia Corporation

Street Presence and Personality

The Kia EV3 arrives with bold, youthful styling that wants you to notice it in the urban jungle, while the VW ID.3 favors a subtly confident hatchback look that ages with dignity. One feels like a fashion-forward choice for trend-conscious buyers, the other like a sensible, quietly modern companion. Both attract different kinds of attention—one more extroverted, the other reassuringly familiar.

ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

What Driving Them Feels Like

Behind the wheel the ID.3 leans toward composed, assured handling that rewards a brisk pace without fuss, whereas the EV3 puts a lighter, more playful touch under steering that suits city weaving and everyday commuting. Ride comfort is balanced on both sides, but the character changes with how you use them: one invites a more dynamic driving style, the other wears its agility like a smile. Neither is aloof; both feel engineered for real roads rather than the test track.

EV3 @ Kia Corporation

Inside: Material Mood and Ergonomics

The Kia’s cabin aims to impress with contemporary flair and user-friendly layouts that make day-to-day life feel effortless, while the VW keeps a pragmatic, well-assembled interior that prioritizes function and intuitive controls. Materials and seat comfort are in the sweet spot for typical families and commuters, but your sense of quality will tip depending on whether you prefer contemporary showmanship or measured understatement. Both cabins cultivate a relaxed feel for long stints behind the wheel.

ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Practicalities That Matter Every Morning

In everyday packing and people-hauling duties the two take different tacks: one emphasizes flexible space and clever packaging for weekend gear, the other plays to the strengths of compact, usable proportions that fit neatly into tight urban life. Rear-seat access, seat folding practicality and storage nooks are well thought-out across the board, making either a pragmatic choice for small families or active singles. The right pick depends on whether you juggle bulkier loads or prioritize a tidier footprint.

EV3 @ Kia Corporation

Technology, Usability and Daily Integration

Both cars offer modern tech aimed at simplifying routines, but their approaches diverge: one leans on a fresher, more visually-driven interface, and the other trades a touch of flair for a straightforward, familiar system many drivers will find immediately comfortable. Connectivity, driver aids and everyday software convenience feel competitive overall, though how well the interface matches your habits will sway your happiness. Charging and navigation integration are designed to be unobtrusive helpers rather than headline features.

ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Who Each Car Suits Best

If you’re styling your commute and want a car that stands out in photos and feels fresh in traffic, the EV3 is clearly tuned to appeal to the style-conscious buyer who likes a touch of urban drama. If you prefer a level-headed compact that blends refined road manners with everyday sensibility, the ID.3 courts the pragmatic buyer who values a balanced package. Either choice is defensible depending on whether personality or poise is higher on your priority list.

The Final Tease

Both cars bring credible arguments to the table and each will win over different types of drivers, so the real question is which personality fits your life better. Stick with us — read on to see which model earns the DriveDuel Champion title and why it might be the right pick for your driveway.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW ID.3 has a hardly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 28600 £, while the Kia EV3 costs 30800 £. That’s a price difference of around 2280 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the VW ID.3: with 14.50 kWh per 100 km, it’s barely noticeable more efficient than the Kia EV3 with 14.90 kWh. That’s a difference of about 0.40 kWh.

Range is almost identical – both manage about 605 km on a single charge.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW ID.3 has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 326 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 122 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW ID.3 is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 5.70 s, while the Kia EV3 takes 7.50 s. That’s about 1.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW ID.3 performs slightly better – reaching 200 km/h, while the Kia EV3 tops out at 170 km/h. The difference is around 30 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW ID.3 pulls clearly stronger with 545 Nm compared to 283 Nm. That’s about 262 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, VW ID.3 is barely noticeable lighter – 1787 kg compared to 1800 kg. The difference is around 13 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia EV3 offers a bit more room – 460 L compared to 385 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW ID.3 performs slight better – up to 1267 L, which is about 16 L more than the Kia EV3.

When it comes to payload, VW ID.3 barely noticeable takes the win – 473 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 3 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW ID.3 shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £28,600
ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW ID.3

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 326 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.5 - 15.8 kWh
  • Electric Range : 383 - 605 km

Kia EV3

5 (1)
rate

The Kia EV3 arrives as a cheeky, practical electric compact that manages to feel both premium and playful, delivering crisp handling and a roomy cabin that's perfect for urban life. With smart tech, friendly styling and sensible pricing, the EV3 is the kind of car that makes switching to electric feel like a no-brainer without asking you to give anything important up.

details

VW ID.3

5 (2)
rate

The VW ID.3 represents Volkswagen's entry into the world of electric vehicles, offering a modern design that combines functionality with sustainability. Inside, you'll find a spacious and tech-forward interior, providing a comfortable driving experience while maintaining a focus on environmentally friendly materials. The ID.3's performance delivers a smooth and responsive feel on the road, making it a strong contender in the growing electric car market.

details
Kia EV3
VW ID.3
EV3 @ Kia Corporation
ID.3 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
30800 - 41700 £
Price
28600 - 49300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
14.5 - 15.8 kWh
Electric Range
436 - 605 km
Electric Range
383 - 605 km
Battery Capacity
58.3 - 81.4 kWh
Battery Capacity
52 - 79 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1800 - 1885 kg
Curb weight
1787 - 1993 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
385 L
Length
4300 - 4310 mm
Length
4264 mm
Width
1850 mm
Width
1809 mm
Height
1560 - 1570 mm
Height
1564 mm
Max trunk capacity
1251 L
Max trunk capacity
1267 L
Payload
470 kg
Payload
437 - 473 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 HP
Power HP
170 - 326 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 7.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 8.2 s
Max Speed
170 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 200 km/h
Torque
283 Nm
Torque
310 - 545 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 kW
Power kW
125 - 240 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Kia
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Kia EV3?

The Kia EV3 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.