Kia EV3: Is this the ultimate electric SUV for salary packaging?

What makes the Kia EV3 such a game-changer?

The arrival of the Kia EV3 in Australia marks one of the most important milestones yet in the local electric vehicle market. While Kia's larger EV6 and EV9 models established the brand's premium electric credentials, the EV3 is designed to bring that exact calibre of engineering and futuristic design to high-volume Australian households.

From the outside, its geometric silhouette and distinct "Star Map" LED light clusters give it an unmistakably modern road presence. Underneath the skin, it is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated E-GMP electric architecture, delivering a completely flat interior floor, exceptional rear passenger room, and practical storage solutions that defy its city-friendly footprint.

Inside, the cabin leans heavily into sustainability, utilising recycled plastics and bio-polyurethane without compromising a premium touch. The centrepiece is a panoramic, continuous triple-screen arrangement combining driver instrumentation, climate controls, and central multimedia functions into an ultra-clean, intuitive cockpit layout.

Performance, battery choices, and real-world range

Australian buyers can choose across multiple trim grades—including the Air, Earth, and sporty GT-Line—paired with two battery configurations:

• Standard Range (58.3 kWh): Ideal for urban commuters and daily school runs, offering a zippy, lightweight option with ample daily driving capability.
• Long Range (81.4 kWh): A standout in this category, delivering an official WLTP driving range of up to 604 km on a single charge.

Both versions are driven by a front-mounted electric motor putting out 150 kW of power and 283 Nm of instant torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 7.9 seconds. Power delivery is immediate, making suburban overtaking, freeway merging, and zipping through tight metropolitan traffic effortless.

While the EV3 adopts a 400V electrical architecture rather than the ultra-rapid 800V system seen on the EV6, its 128 kW DC fast-charging capacity still replenishes the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes on standard public highway chargers. Crucially for local conditions, Kia has endowed the EV3 with an Australian-specific chassis and suspension tune, resulting in a composed, comfortable ride that handles pockmarked suburban roads and coarse-chip regional highways with poise.

How much can you save novating a Kia EV3?

For employees in Australia, pairing the Kia EV3 with a novated lease is by far the most tax-effective way to get behind the wheel.

Because the entire EV3 range sits comfortably below the Australian Government’s fuel-efficient Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold ($91,661 for FY 2026/27), it qualifies for the Federal Electric Car Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Exemption.

Why this matters:

1. 1. Pre-Tax Payments: Unlike a traditional petrol car or a standard bank loan, 100% of your EV3 lease payments—along with running costs such as electricity charging, tyres, comprehensive insurance, servicing, and annual registration—are deducted from your gross salary before income tax is calculated.
2. 2. Zero FBT Liability: You do not have to make post-tax employee contributions to offset Fringe Benefits Tax, leading to maximum weekly take-home pay savings.
3. 3. GST Exemption: You don’t pay GST on the initial purchase price (up to the statutory limit) or on ongoing vehicle running costs.

Depending on your personal income bracket and annual driving mileage, packaging a Kia EV3 on a 3 to 5 year novated lease can save you thousands of dollars each year compared to dealer financing or personal loans.

The Verdict

The Kia EV3 delivers on the promise of everyday electric freedom. By packaging the high-tech interior, safety equipment, and striking aesthetics of a six-figure EV into a sub-$50,000 small SUV with over 600 km of range, Kia has created a compelling option for Australian families.

When combined with the current zero-FBT novated leasing incentives, it stands out as one of the smartest, most budget-friendly new cars you can finance through your salary today.

Ready to see what your weekly take-home pay impact and tax savings would look like on a new Kia EV3? Try our Novated Lease Calculator or request a personalised quote today.