Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX30: which small electric SUV is best?

Electric SUVs are starting to become more affordable, with quite a few premium and desirable models falling below the £35,000 mark. Two of the best examples of this are the Kia EV3 and the Volvo EX30. Both cars offer impressive performance, stylish design, and solid range but which one suits your needs best? Let’s compare the two.

Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX30: Design

The Kia EV3 stands out with a sporty yet elegant design. This compact SUV features sharp lines and modern styling elements, giving it real road presence. It has a sleek sloping roofline, as well as a big spoiler at the rear to help it stand out.

In contrast, the Volvo EX30 opts for a more minimalist look which is effortlessly cool. The “Thor’s Hammer” headlight design makes it instantly recognisable, and the optional fluorescent yellow paint scheme will make it near-impossible to lose in a car park.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and both of these cars are well-styled, but the Volvo EX30 just has more of a wow factor than the Kia.

Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX30: Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Kia EV3 combines a modern design with practical features. The interior is hugely spacious for such a small car – with loads of rear legroom and a good-sized boot. It’s comfortable up front as well thanks to the supportive seats.

The Volvo EX30 has a much more minimalist cabin design with almost no buttons in sight. This does make features like the climate control more of a faff to use, but it looks really cool and the funky recycled materials all feel high-quality.

However, it’s nowhere near as practical as the Kia EV3. The EX30’s rear seats are quite tight, and the boot is over 60 litres smaller as well. If you want more space and flexibility, the EV3 is the car to go for. However the EX30 has a slightly cooler interior design.

Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX30: Performance and Driving

The Kia EV3 is available with two battery options – 53kWh or 81kWh. With up to 204hp on tap, the EV3 delivers solid acceleration, and it’s comfortable to drive as well. With the larger battery it can do up to 375 miles on a charge making it a great choice for long-distance drivers.

Meanwhile, the Volvo EX30 offers up to 428hp in the top-spec dual-motor version, making it feel much faster than the Kia. Don’t expect sporty handling to go with this blistering turn of speed though, because this car is focussed on comfort.

You can choose between a 51kWh or a 69kWh battery, the latter of which delivers up to 295 miles of range. That’s enough for most people, but it lags some way behind the Kia.

In short: The Kia EV3 wins on range, while the Volvo EX30 is better if you want performance. Both are comfortable and relaxing to drive though.

Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX30: Tech and Features

The Kia EV3 is packed with cutting-edge tech, including a large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a host of driver assistance features.

Highlights include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system is also available as an option. All of this makes for a relaxed, comfortable driving experience.

The Volvo EX30 also impresses on the tech front—particularly when it comes to safety. Volvo’s reputation here is well-earned, and the EX30 continues the legacy with features like adaptive cruise control for motorway driving, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring – although these features are also standard on the Kia.

Infotainment is slick and includes Google Assistant and Google Maps integration, making it easy to navigate and stay connected.

Both cars are strong on tech, with the Kia offering more comfort-focused innovations, and the Volvo standing out with advanced safety and a better infotainment system.

Kia EV3 vs Volvo EX30: prices and savings

Both of these cars offer fantastic value for money, and both have an almost identical starting price at a smidge over £33,000.

However, through Carwow you can save an average of over £1,800 on a Kia EV3 – and you can pick one up for as little as £31,717 making it slightly more appealing.

If you don’t mind going for a car which is a few months old, you can get a used Volvo EX30 from £27,000 with low miles, while the cheapest used EV3 we could find at the time of writing was a high-spec GT-Line version for £34,500. That’s a saving of around £5,000 over a new one.

Final Verdict: Which Electric SUV Is Right for You?

Both the Kia EV3 and the Volvo EX30 shine in different ways.

Choose the Kia EV3 if you want a longer range, more space, and better value for money.

However, the Volvo EX30 has more of a want-it factor thanks to the desirable badge and cool Scandi styling, so if you don’t need a huge amount of rear seat space then it’s the one to go for.

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*Prices correct at the time of writing