Kia EV3 vs Vauxhall Frontera
Figures updated
The Kia EV3 and Vauxhall Frontera are both new small SUVs. We compare the Mk1 (2024–) EV3 and the Mk3 (2024–) Frontera on price, size, boot space, performance, safety, official economy and running costs.
The short answer
Pick the Kia EV3 for more performance, or the Vauxhall Frontera for the lower price.
- The Vauxhall Frontera is the cheapest to buy new: from £22,820, £10,235 less than the Kia EV3.
- Their boots are much the same size: Kia EV3 460 litres, Vauxhall Frontera 460 litres.
- No MOT reliability comparison yet: the Kia EV3 and the Vauxhall Frontera are too new for MOT records (cars first take an MOT at three years old).
- Running costs are close: the electric, charged at home versions cost within £10 a year of each other to fuel at 7,500 miles a year.
| Figure | Kia EV3Mk1 (2024–), 5-door SUV | Vauxhall FronteraMk3 (2024–), 5-door SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Price and practicality | ||
| Price newUK list prices, across the range | £33,055 to £48,695October 2026 price list | £22,820 to £31,495October 2026 price list (best) |
| Body | 5-door SUV | 5-door SUV |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| BootSeats up / folded | 460 litres | 460 litres / 1,600 |
| Length | 4,300mm | 4,385mm |
| WidthWithout mirrors | 1,850mm | 1,795mm |
| Height | 1,560mm | 1,655mm |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 204–292 PS (best) | 100–145 PS |
| 0–62mph | 5.7–7.9 sec (best) | 9.0–13.0 sec |
| Safety | ||
| Euro NCAP ratingTests get tougher each year | ★★★★★ (2025) | – |
| Economy and emissions | ||
| Fuel types | Electric | Electric, Petrol |
| Official economyVersions of this generation | – | 57.5–57.6 mpg |
| CO2 | – | 111 g/km |
| Electric range | 271–375 miles (best) | 199–268 miles |
| Running costs at 7,500 miles a year | ||
| Petrol or hybrid171.6p a litre, today's UK average | – | £1,016 (57.6 mpg) |
| Electric, charged at home26.3p per kWh standard tariff | £548 (4 mi/kWh) | £548 (4 mi/kWh) |
| Cheapest version to fuelWhichever fuel costs least | £548 (electric) | £548 (electric) |
| Car tax a yearCars registered from April 2017 | £200 | £200 |
| About the cars | ||
| Type | Small SUV | Small SUV |
| Owners' average miles a year | – | – |
| On sale | 2024 on | 2024 on |
Green marks the better figure where the difference is more than 3%. Reliability figures cover every version of each model tested in the year. Running costs use the typical official economy of recent versions (WLTP where available); real-world economy is usually a little worse for every car.
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia EV3 or the Vauxhall Frontera more reliable?
It's too early to say from MOT records: the Kia EV3 and the Vauxhall Frontera are too new, as cars take their first MOT at three years old.
›Which is bigger, the Kia EV3 or the Vauxhall Frontera?
The Vauxhall Frontera is 85mm longer (4,385mm against 4,300mm). Their boots are much the same: 460 and 460 litres.
›Which is cheaper to buy, the Kia EV3 or the Vauxhall Frontera?
The Vauxhall Frontera: new prices start at £22,820, £10,235 less than the Kia EV3 (from £33,055). These are manufacturer list prices; dealers and brokers often sell for less.
›Which is cheaper to run, the Kia EV3 or the Vauxhall Frontera?
Comparing electric versions, fuel costs are within £10 a year of each other at 7,500 miles, using typical official economy and current UK average fuel prices.
›Should I buy the Kia EV3 or the Vauxhall Frontera?
Pick the Kia EV3 for more performance, or the Vauxhall Frontera for the lower price. The comparison above sets out price, space, performance, safety, running costs and reliability side by side.
Sources: manufacturers' UK specifications and price lists and Euro NCAP (listed on each model's page); DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024 (Open Government Licence v3.0); Vehicle Certification Agency car fuel data, © Crown copyright, VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy; fuel prices from the GOV.UK Fuel Finder scheme. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, credited under each picture.