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Vauxhall Frontera vs Kia EV3 comparison

Compare performance (145 HP vs 265 HP), boot space and price (20,700 £ vs 40,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Vauxhall Frontera or Kia EV3?

Vauxhall Frontera vs Kia EV3: Key differences

Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • considerably lighter
  • moderately more trunk space
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Kia EV3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
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  • substantially more power
  • only slightly more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • markedly 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

Frontera

Kia EV3 vs. Opel Frontera: A Comprehensive Comparison of Innovations and Performance

The automotive industry has seen a surge of electric and hybrid vehicles, pushing traditional boundaries of performance, efficiency, and technology. In this article, we’ll delve into two remarkable representatives of this trend: the Kia EV3 and the Opel Frontera. Both models are set to make waves in 2024, boasting impressive features and specifications that cater to the modern driver.

EV3

Powertrain and Performance

The Kia EV3 is powered by an electric motor producing up to 204 HP, coupled with an automatic reduction gearbox that allows for smooth acceleration. With a torque of 283 Nm, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. It features a front-wheel drive system and offers a commendable electric range of up to 605 km, thanks to its battery options of 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The EV3 promotes efficiency with a consumption rate of 14.9 to 16.2 kWh/100 km, making it a strong contender for eco-conscious buyers.

On the other hand, the Opel Frontera, known for its off-road capabilities, boasts a petrol MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) engine alongside electric options. With a range of power output from 100 to 136 HP, it provides a respectable performance with a torque ranging from 125 to 230 Nm. The Frontera accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in between 9 and 12.1 seconds, depending on the specific variant, and can reach a top speed of up to 190 km/h. Its fuel economy stands at approximately 5.5 L/100 km for the petrol variant, appealing to those who prefer traditional combustion engines while also ensuring reduced emissions.

Frontera

Design and Dimensions

Both vehicles embody a distinct design language that sets them apart in their respective categories. The Kia EV3, a stylish SUV, features a sleek exterior with dimensions of 4300 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and a height ranging from 1560 mm to 1570 mm. This gives it a spacious interior, comfortably seating up to five passengers, with a trunk capacity of 460 liters, perfect for urban commuting or weekend getaways.

The Opel Frontera, designed as a robust off-roader, measures 4385 mm in length and 1795 mm in width, while standing at 1635 mm high. It offers the flexibility of seating for five or even seven passengers, depending on the variant, with an equal trunk capacity of 460 liters. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for adventurous families or those who require extra space.

EV3

Technological Innovations

Innovation is at the heart of both the Kia EV3 and the Opel Frontera, with each model boasting unique technological features. The Kia EV3 is equipped with cutting-edge infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance features, and a suite of connectivity options including seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, its electric drivetrain not only enhances driving experience but also reduces the carbon footprint to an impressive 0 g/km CO2 emissions.

Conversely, the Opel Frontera brings to the table a robust hybrid system that optimizes fuel efficiency while maintaining off-road prowess. It incorporates advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, ensuring a safer driving experience. Although it has a higher CO2 rating (122 g/km), the hybrid technology significantly reduces overall emissions compared to traditional petrol engines.

Frontera

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Kia EV3 and the Opel Frontera comes down to individual preferences and driving requirements. For eco-conscious consumers seeking cutting-edge technology and electric efficiency, the Kia EV3 emerges as a top choice with its excellent electric range and innovative features.

However, for those who prioritize versatility and off-road capabilities while still having hybrid options, the Opel Frontera presents a compelling proposition. Its ability to cater to both family needs and adventurous outings makes it a fierce competitor in the evolving automotive landscape.

Ultimately, whether you lean towards the electrifying Kia EV3 or the rugged Opel Frontera, both vehicles offer remarkable innovations and performance that reflect the future of automotive design.

Frequently compared as well

Kia EV3
Kia EV2
VS
The Kia EV3 and Kia EV2 are two compact electric models from Kia that target different priorities — the EV3 leans toward longer range and richer equipment, while the EV2 focuses on affordability and city-friendly dimensions. This comparison will highlight the key differences in range, performance, …
Opel Frontera
Opel Mokka
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Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Opel Mokka highlights two very different takes on the SUV idea: the Frontera is a rugged, older off‑road capable SUV, while the Mokka is a modern compact crossover built for city life and efficiency. This short guide will walk through their real‑world strengths …

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

Frontera

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Vauxhall Frontera is considerably cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the Kia EV3 costs 40,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 19,448 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the Kia EV3 is only slightly more efficient: consuming 15.8 kWh/100km compared to 16.7 kWh/100km for the Vauxhall Frontera. That’s a difference of about 0.9 kWh/100km.

As for electric range, the Kia EV3 offers markedly more range – reaching up to 572 km, about 172 km more than the Vauxhall Frontera.

EV3

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 Kia EV3 offers substantially more power – delivering 265 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 120 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia EV3 is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.6 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 2.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia EV3 delivers considerably more torque with 385 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 155 Nm more.

Frontera

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is considerably lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,995 kg. The difference is around 601 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Vauxhall Frontera offers moderately more boot space – 460 L compared to 413 L. That’s a difference of about 47 L.

When it comes to payload, the Vauxhall Frontera carries somewhat more – 570 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 85 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia EV3 is narrowly 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 £40,200
EV3

Kia EV3

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 265 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.8 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 572 km
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Vauxhall Frontera
Kia EV3

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

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Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.1 (7 Reviews)
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Pascal
5 Jun 2026, 04:10:37

A thoroughly bad cheap car. Feels like a C3 Aircross for the poor.

That's a reason to change employers! Terrible car.

It already has a nickname, "Klapperchen"

I think any Dacia is better!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
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Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
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Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
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H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
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Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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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Reviews Kia EV3

4.3 (7 Reviews)
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Werner Wesselbaum
22 Jul 2026, 06:43:05

The Kia EV3 is the modern car. It offers an optional 22 kW charger for people who can’t charge at home — only a few manufacturers think of that, really a shame.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
pedro
8 May 2026, 11:01:53

Aesthetically it seems nicer to me, and I think it's better soundproofed.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
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José
24 Dec 2025, 17:42:54

A good car for a small family. Easy and practical.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
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The Kia EV3 and the Subaru Uncharted represent two different takes on the new-generation compact EV: Kia leans toward efficient, value-packed urban versatility while Subaru aims for rugged, outdoors-ready capability. This quick comparison will help you decide whether you want a tidy city runabout …
Kia EV3
Toyota C-HR+
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The all-electric Kia EV3 feels like the sensible future in a city-friendly SUV shell — roomy, tech-rich and cheaper to run than the Toyota C‑HR+, which still trades on sharp styling and familiar hybrid/petrol simplicity rather than pure EV brilliance. Choose the EV3 for modern gadgets, punchy …
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Kia EV3
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The Ford Explorer EV and the Kia EV3 represent two different takes on the modern electric SUV: the Explorer EV leans into traditional SUV strengths like space, towing and a commanding presence, while the EV3 focuses on efficiency, compact practicality and strong value. Which one suits you will come …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
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Kia EV5
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Hyundai Kona
Kia EV3
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Choosing between the Hyundai Kona and the Kia EV3 comes down to whether you prefer a well-established compact crossover with a proven track record or a newer electric contender focused on efficiency and modern tech. I’ll walk you through how they compare across range, practicality, driving feel and …
Opel Frontera
Opel Grandland
VS
The Frontera feels like a bruiser from the analogue era — raw, rugged and surprisingly capable off-road, ideal if you crave adventure and don't mind a bit of mechanical charm. The Grandland, by contrast, is a slick, family-friendly crossover loaded with modern tech, efficient engines and a …
Opel Frontera
Peugeot 2008
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If you want unashamedly rugged, the Opel Frontera still wears its rough‑and‑ready off‑road badge with chunky looks and simple, go‑anywhere mechanics, whereas the Peugeot 2008 plays the smarter, city‑first crossover with sleek styling and the tech you actually use every day. Pick the Frontera for …
Vauxhall Frontera
Kia EV3

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Price
40,200 - 43,900 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 kWh/100km
Electric Range
308 - 400 km
Electric Range
572 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 118 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Curb weight
1,995 kg
Trunk capacity
460 L
Trunk capacity
413 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
436 - 570 kg
Payload
485 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Power HP
265 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Torque
385 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Power kW
195 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Vauxhall
Brand
Kia
What drivetrain options does the Vauxhall Frontera have?

The Vauxhall Frontera is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

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.