Kia EV3 and Ford Explorer EV are both electric SUVs for different buyer needs. EV3 is a compact electric SUV for daily city and highway driving with efficient range and low running cost. Explorer EV is a mid-size electric SUV with stronger performance, larger space, and higher utility for families or long trips.
Range for EV3 is competitive in its class, with a long-range variant approaching 600 km WLTP on larger battery trims. Explorer EV range varies by battery choice but extended range variants can exceed 600 km WLTP, with fast DC charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 26 to 28 minutes on compatible stations. Both support public fast charging, though Explorer EV often accepts higher peak power on bigger chargers.
Price positions EV3 as the more affordable option in many regions. Explorer EV sits higher for performance and size. EV3 targets buyers seeking value and efficiency. Explorer EV targets buyers who want stronger performance, towing, and space. This comparison helps you assess range, charging, cost, and space for your needs.
Choose EV3 for lower cost and efficient city use. Choose Explorer EV for larger space and stronger performance.
Pros
• Strong range figures in long-range trims
• Lower purchase price
• Efficient for daily use
Cons
• Less power than Explorer EV
• Smaller size and cargo space
Pros
• Strong performance and torque
• Larger cabin and load capacity
• Broad range with extended battery
Cons
• Higher price
• Heavier curb weight
What range do they offer?
Do both support fast charging?
Which costs less?
Are both family friendly?
Related EV Comparisons
| Models |
Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD Kia EV3 Long Range FWD Kia EV3 GT Ford Explorer Standard Range Ford Explorer Extended Range Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Announced |
2024, May 23 - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD 2024, May 23 - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD 2026, January 9 - Kia EV3 GT 2023, March 21 |
| Status |
Available to order. Released 2024, August - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD Available to order. Released 2024, August - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD Coming soon. Expected release 2026, Q2 - Kia EV3 GT Available to order. Released 2024, November - Ford Explorer Standard Range Available to order. Released 2024, March -Ford Explorer Extended Range Available to order. Released 2024, March - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Country of origin | South Korea United States |
| Base Price |
€ 36,000 £ 33,000 - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD € 41,400 £ 36,000 - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD € 42,500 £ 40,000 - Ford Explorer Standard Range € 49,500 £ 46,000 - Ford Explorer Extended Range € 53,500 £ 54,000 - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Power |
FWD 204 hp (150 kW) - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD FWD 204 hp (150 kW) - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD AWD 288 hp (215 kW) - Kia EV3 GT RWD 168 hp (125 kW) - Ford Explorer Standard Range RWD 286 hp (210 kW) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD 335 hp (250 kW) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Torque |
283 Nm (209 lb-ft)
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) - Ford Explorer Standard Range 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) - Ford Explorer Extended Range 679 Nm (501 lb-ft) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Acceleration The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. |
7.5 sec 0-62 mph - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD 7.7 sec 0-62 mph - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD 5.7 sec 0-62 mph - Kia EV3 GT 9 sec 0-62 mph - Ford Explorer Standard Range 6.4 sec 0-62 mph - Ford Explorer Extended Range 5.3 sec 0-62 mph - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Max Speed |
106 mph (170 km/h)
99 mph (160 km/h) - Ford Explorer Standard Range 112 mph (180 km/h) - Ford Explorer Extended Range 112 mph (180 km/h) - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| transmission | Single-speed Single-speed |
| Capacity |
58.3 kWh total - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD 81.4 kWh total - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD 81.4 kWh total - Kia EV3 GT 52 kWh usable, 55 kWh total - Ford Explorer Standard Range 77 kWh usable, 82 kWh total - Ford Explorer Extended Range 79 kWh usable, 82 kWh total - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Tech |
Li-Ion NCM 369V (400V type) - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD Li-Ion NCM 343V (400V type) - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD Li-Ion NMC 343V (400V type) - Kia EV3 GT Li-ion (400V type) |
| Range |
257 mi WLTP - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD 350 mi WLTP - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD 236 mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Standard Range 374 mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range 352 mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Consumption |
254 Wh/mi WLTP - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD 261 Wh/mi WLTP - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD 241 Wh/mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Standard Range 224 Wh/mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range 253 Wh/mi WLTP - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Recuperation |
Yes Yes |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging |
Type 2 11 kW Type 2 11 kW |
| DC Charging |
CCS 100 kW, 10-80% in 31 min - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD CCS 135 kW, 10-80% in 33 min - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD CCS 135 kW, 10-80% in 33 min - Kia EV3 GT CCS, 120 kW max, 10-80% in 25 min - Ford Explorer Standard Range CCS 170 kW max, 10-80% in 25 min - Ford Explorer Extended Range CCS 190 kW max, 10-80% in 25 min - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Others |
Vehicle to load (V2L) 220V electrical outlet (3.5 KW max) |
| Type | 5 door crossover, 5 seats 5 door crossover, 5 seats |
| Platform | E-GMP MEB |
| Dimensions | 4300 x 1850 x 1560 mm (169.3 x 72.8 x 61.4 in) 4468 x 1871 x 1630 mm (175.9 x 73.7 x 64.2 in) |
| Drag Co-Efficient | 0.263 Cd |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm (105.5 in) 2767 mm (108.9 in) |
| Weight |
EU: 1800 kg unladen, 2270 kg gross - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD EU: 1885 kg unladen, 2355 kg gross - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD EU: 1885 kg unladen, 2355 kg gross - Kia EV3 GT EU: 2008 kg unladen, 2490 kg gross - Ford Explorer Standard Range EU: 2190 kg unladen, 2675 kg gross - Ford Explorer Extended Range EU: 2267 kg unladen, 2740 kg gross - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Suspension | Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link |
| Wheels | R17,R19 R19, R20, R21 |
| Trunk/Boot | EU: 460 l, 1251 l max EU: 536 l, 1422 l max |
| Frunk/Bonnet | 25 l No |
| Towing |
EU: 300 kg unbraked, 300 kg braked - Kia EV3 Standard Range FWD EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1000 kg braked - Kia EV3 Long Range FWD EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1000 kg braked - Kia EV3 GT EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1000 kg braked - Ford Explorer Standard Range EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1000 kg braked - Ford Explorer Extended Range EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1200 kg braked - Ford Explorer Extended Range AWD |
| Centre |
12.3" touchscreen 14.6" movable touchscreen |
| Driver's Display | 12.3" 5" |
| Head-Up | Yes No |
| Others | 5.3" climate control screen |
| Seats |
Heated front seats Heated front seats, massage (driver seat only) |
| Roof |
Glass sunroof, tilt & slide Panoramic glass roof |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, Active Park Assist |
| Connectivity | Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Airbags | Front, side, rear, head airbag system Side airbags, front and rear, including head airbag system; drivers' knee airbag |
| Driving Aids | Front radar, several cameras. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0 - City, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction Turning & Junction Crossing. Lane Follow Assist 2.0, Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear-Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Multi-Collision Braking System, Blind-Spot View Monitor Front radar, 2 rear corner radars, 5 cameras. Assisted Lane Change, Clear Exit Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Front and Rear Parking Aid with Manoeuvring Brake Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Pre-Collision Assist, Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking, High Beam Assist |
| disclaimer | We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct |
|
We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct