Toyota C-HR vs Kia Ev3
What's the difference?

Toyota C-HR

$34,990 - $54,990

2024 price

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Kia Ev3

$43,888 - $71,548

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2024 Toyota C-HR

2025 Kia Ev3

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

4.0L/100km (combined)

Electric range

436 km

Energy consumption

14.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

58.30 kWh

Seating

Likes

Bold styling
Interior layout
Efficiency

Impressive range
Fun but not tacky styling
Useful standard features

Dislikes

Visual bark over dynamic bite
Expensive
Rear space

Steering feels heavier than necessary
GT-Line is pricey, less convenient
Better than EV5 but won’t outsell it

2024 Toyota C-HR Summary

According to the chief engineer for the Toyota C-HR, a second generation was never guaranteed for this uncharacteristically (for Toyota) design-led small SUV.

After the Corolla Cross came into existence, the top brass didn’t think the brand needed two similarly sized models in the line-up. So, why is it here, and is it any good?

The first question is easy to answer - the team drew the new C-HR up as a European model, built in hybrid-only and with enough key differences from the Corolla Cross to avoid the models competing.

The second question? Let’s find out.

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2025 Kia Ev3 Summary

Kia Australia has big expectations for its littlest EV.

Not only is the small SUV priced to take on some of the very popular offerings from China, but it’s also packed with enough features to make a Euro buyer think twice. In fact, it starts from less than $50,000 drive-away.

We drove it at its global launch in South Korea and came away pretty impressed, so now the big question is - does it hold up now that its rubber is on the road here in Australia?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Toyota C-HR 2025 Kia Ev3

Verdict

There’s not much in terms of practicalities that are going to convince you the C-HR is a better option than Toyota’s other small SUV, the Corolla Cross.

Even other ‘stylish’ small SUVs like the Mazda CX-30, fuel savers like the electric MG ZS EV, or performance small SUVs like the Hyundai Kona N are more affordable than the GR Sport version of the C-HR.

In the case of this car, unlike most of its Toyota stablemates, buyers will likely be making a decision from the heart based on exterior styling and its interior rather than value or practicality.

And who would anyone be to tell you not to buy a car you like for its styling?

Verdict

The GT-Line is relatively expensive, yes. The Air Standard Range isn’t groundbreaking even at under $50,000, no. But the sweet spot in the EV3 line-up is being able to pay $53,315 for the Air Long Range and come away with a roomy small SUV that can realistically cover almost 600km in the real world.

And it does everything properly, no big red flags or dealbreakers.

Its steering weight at speed on winding roads being the biggest complaint isn’t the end of the world for how otherwise comfortable the EV3 feels on-road.

Put it this way - I recently spent a few days in a Mini Aceman, a five-door electric SUV not too far from the EV3 in size. It is about as fast, and costs a little more, but it doesn’t have a lot more to offer in terms of features and it’s nowhere near as good on range with about 400km to its longer-ranged versions.

The EV3 might still have a bit of ‘sensible’ about it compared to some other electric small SUVS, but when it looks this cute and can get you an extra round trip out of the city compared to ‘Euro’ brands at the same price, it’s hard not to be impressed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Toyota C-HR vs Kia Ev3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota C-HR vs Kia Ev3
What's the difference?